writing
Why it matters: The power of words and the importance of our stories
by (Holly)
Submitted 07-14-2011 under OPINION
I've had several jobs now where, when asked what I do, you might catch me responding like this: “I help people tell their stories well.” I love that about my job. It is an honor to be able to help people tell their stories. Our...
Being The Rapidian in 2011
by (Roberta F. King)
Submitted 12-31-2010 under OPINION
There is something about the end of a year and the start of a new one that energizes me. I don't make resolutions; but write goals for things I want to accomplish. I also find the end of the year a time where I reflect (usually fondly) on what I've...
National Novel Writing Month: To Build Without Tearing Down
by (LorenaSlager)
Submitted 11-15-2010 under LOCAL LIFE
With the recent time change reminding us of how bleak November can get, you might find yourself looking for a diversion to keep your spirits up. So what about that novel you’ve always wanted to write? Why don’t you finally start writing that this...
Just the facts: clarifying our content
by (mattsimoto)
Submitted 11-03-2010 under OPINION
It’s the aim of The Rapidian, as seen in the Statement of Values, to encourage and stand by ethical reporting. Reporters are charged with seeking truth, being honest and fair, minimizing harm, avoiding misrepresentation, seeking alternate sources...
Get Real, Citizen Journalists
by (Ruth)
Submitted 10-18-2010 under OPINION
It’s hard to be a citizen journalist. You don’t get paid. You have no idea what you’re doing. You have to keep your iPhone charged so you can tweet breaking news… And, after all that, people don’t even take you seriously.“Without the training and...
What #ArtPrize2010 has taught us
by (mattsimoto)
Submitted 10-12-2010 under OPINION
From Rapidian staff: It's been a busy few weeks for Grand Rapids and that means it's been busy at The Rapidian, too. ArtPrize season brought us a lot of content from both new and existing reporters, a multitude of arts-entertainment and...
Interaction with The Rapidian helps generate coverage ideas
by (mattsimoto)
Submitted 08-18-2010 under OPINION
From The Rapidian staff*: A major element of The Rapidian, if not the most important, is community involvement. Without interaction between readers and reporters, the Rapidian wouldn't be able to offer much, which is why we try to encourage...
Making the most of weekly story pitches
by (mattsimoto)
Submitted 06-22-2010 under OPINION
From The Rapidian staff*: One of the ways we at The Rapidian try to help our citizen reporters is by providing them with story ideas. The storybank is a great resource for those searching for something to write about, but there is also a...
Find story ideas by getting involved
by (mattsimoto)
Submitted 05-18-2010 under OPINION
From The Rapidian staff*: Of the reasons we often get at The Rapidian for contributors experiencing writer's block, a common one is difficulty finding story leads. Luckily, this problem can be tackled not only with resources found on therapidian....
Citizen reporting: Many voices/many styles
by (LCirivello)
Submitted 04-13-2010 under OPINION
From Rapidian staff:* When The Rapidian was designed (with a good dose of community volunteer input), it was recognized from the start that while we could build it, it would only survive and thrive if residents stepped up to provide the content. We...