Inspired by this blog post at Journalistopia from Danny Sanchez (@dannysanchez) of the Orlando Sentinel, I was forced to come face-to-face with reality.  As an online producer, what I do isn’t exactly technical rocket science. I am lucky to have a job at a transition time when most people have not had the chance to keep up with the online learning curve. And for most people, it’s no fault of their own, in my opinion.  Reporters are busy digging up dirt, driving to crime scenes and going to press conferences. I can understand how it would be difficult to use down-time to putz around teaching yourself the necessary online skills to survive in this business. Lucky for me, I am needed as the liason between print and online. But, as Danny points out, it is only a matter of time before new reporters will trickle into the newsroom already fully equipped with the skills that I use. Eventually the middle-man will no longer be needed. His post gives insight and encouragement on how to stay ahead of the game.

In the spirit of this, I am making a committment to myself to use at least a few of his 10 things we can do to protect our jobs.

1. Writing this blog post is one of them, which I do using WordPress and host myself at my own domain name. Soon, this blog will be the landing spot for MalloryColliflower.com, and include my Flash and Web portfolio.

2.  I’m still debating on which Lynda.com class to enroll in, but that is at the top of my list. Any input from journalists on which script would be most helpful for an online producer like myself would be greatly appreciated.  I have yet to delve into my ActionScript 3 book. Between the untouched book and a Lynda.com class, that might be a good place to start.

3. I would like to be more of a fly on the wall in the graphics department at The Miami Herald. There are a lot of sharp, creative minds buzzing around there and even kindly eavesdropping on upcoming projects can’t hurt my own creative juices. Though my skills are modest at best, I would like people to know that I have them.

4. Lastly, I need to do more independent journalism. Being an online producer doesn’t give me the opportunities to keep my clips fresh and my portfolio well-stocked. If it entails taking more photographs with my Nikon D40x and using my eye a little more stategically when shooting, or borrowing my dads digital camcorder on days off just to get some practice, I need to do more. Putting together a Soundslide every once in a while takes little effort but can show editors my journalistic abilities. I’ve also got my own publishing outlet right here under my fingertips.

**Addendum**

What are you doing to improve the staying power of your online media job? What classes or courses have you taken to stay on top of your skills? I’d love some feedback in the comments!