Maura Johnston, founder of music blog Idolator, came to Syracuse University on April 1st. Since a young age Johnston wanted to work for the Village Voice, which she started as the music editor on April 4th.
Johnston talked about how the first impression a website makes, stays with the site forever, even if the site changes what gave that initial impression. There is a site that I don’t entirely trust for news, because they have published rumors that turned up false in the past. This is a great example that first impressions really dictate what you think about the website. I only trust that site after I see the same information elsewhere.
It was amazing to hear her speak and give advice for aspiring journalists. As a writer who wants to review games for a living, she gave really good advice on how to go about reviewing something. Johnston said to write down your initial reaction then break it down into reasons why you like or don’t like what you reviewed. That way your review is honest, and intellectual because you give concrete reasons why you like or don’t like it.
My flaw is interviewing and Johnston gave really simple, but helpful tips. She deals with artist, so they have certain answers prepared for certain questions, so she opens them up, by getting into deeper stories about their life in a way deviating from music. It is great advice.
As far as getting your work noticed, she reiterated the importance of having a blog about a topic your passionate about. Also she said it is important to link to people to help your blog noticed. Your blog about a particular topic establishes you as an expert, which is important for breaking into that particular genre of writing.
I loved the advice she gave. It was priceless, and I plan to implement all of her advice.
