Ed’s entire life has been spent in magazines (he’s old school like that), but even he knows that considering jobs only in print today is limiting to his career. Thankfully, last week’s “How to Transition from Print to Web” panel tackled the question on everyone’s mind: “What exactly is the role of the Web in publishing and what do I need to know to compete (or at least not get shafted) in this blog-eat-blog working world?”
According to the panelists (who hail from accredited websites such as MarieClaire.com, Seventeen.com and People.com), the Web is here to stay. Here are six tips we were able to sneak away with.
Be Aware of the Shift
“The reason I’m in Web is because I was formerly at Jane when it closed,” said MarieClaire.com Web Director Erin Flaherty. “It suddenly became evident there’d been a huge shift in the magazine industry and everyone agreed Web was the place to go. If your magazine goes under, GO!”
Don’t Forget Where You Came From
While the Web often demands shorter, more straightforward (and search-friendly) copy, several panelists stressed the importance of remembering print journalism basics, such as grammar and research skills. “At the end of the day, you should still know how to write,” says Wendy L. Wilson, News Editor at Essence (and former News Editor at Essence.com).
Speak Up for What You Want
Julie Miller, Web Editor at Seventeen.com, first developed an interest in digital media while working as Seventeen’s Special Projects Assistant. “I really wanted to break into Web because it allowed me to do everything I was doing in print and more, and I wasn’t shy about it. I was literally telling someone I was interested in the open Web position [at Seventeen.com] the night before I was presented with an opportunity.”
Be Persistent
If you don’t have the advantage of applying for a Web opening at your current publication, take a cue from Kate Hogan. Before landing her current gig as Assistant Editor at People.com, she’d arranged an informational interview and continued to email an editor at People with a quick hello and her latest articles for months. “Sometimes, there isn’t a position open right then and there, but you want to stay fresh in their minds,” says Hogan.
Familiarize Yourself With Various Sites
According to Wilson, every print journalist should have a list of favorite websites and blogs, and be able to offer pros and cons as far as organization and content for each. This is especially important for any you’re aspiring to work for. “If you come in for an interview, I want to know that you‘re an avid user on my site and can identify some of the main writers and speak to recent articles,” says Wilson.
Get Typing
Five out of five panelists agreed that preparing yourself with a basic Web skill set can be one of the most important things you do—and using so-called “buzz words” or terms in an interview can help you stand out against the competition. For starters, they advise gaining experience in working with Basic HTML, a content management system, Photoshop and Search Engine Optimization (also referred to as SEO). “You also shouldn’t underestimate the power of video, which you can practice editing in programs like Edit Pro,” says Nathan Geddie, Web Producer at ABC.com and The View.
In addition, you should start making a name for yourself in the digital world, whether that means managing a blog or social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook—anything to show you’ve taken initiative.
At the end of the session, that last piece of advice is what resounded with Edster Molly Gallagher: “I’m an editor at my school newspaper, so it was interesting to see how I can use my role there to transition into Web, such as by using Twitter.”
“I feel more encouraged to learn it isn’t as big of a transition as I thought,” adds Edster Jessica Cumberbatch. It’s just a matter of understanding where print and Web overlap, and how they work together.”
Related: How to Start Your Own Blog
