The Siren Staff Manual 2009-10 Note from adviser on changes 09-10: Mission Statement Hardware and Software Quarter Contracts and Grading Policy Job Descriptions Workflows Classroom Expectations After Hours Work Policy Equipment Sign-Out Policy

 

The Siren Staff Manual 2009-10

 

Note that the other pages on our wiki site contain a lot of helpful information intended to supplement the staff manual.

 

Adviser:  Mrs. Hodge-Childers

email:  lhodge@ndsion.edu

phone:  816-820-2546

office hours:  after school only

 

Note from adviser on changes 09-10:

 

Last year was a year of vast changes for us and, on the whole, I think a lot of our changes have been a success!   At our retreat in June, we discussed the status of the project and made some suggestions for continued improvement.  This is all recorded in the presentation document, which returning staffers helped me edit as I presented.   Please check out these slides to familiarize yourself with returning staffers' and adviser's input on possible

improvements to the publication:  sirenretreat.pdf.  You will find some changes within the staff manual; other changes will be implemented as we move through the year.

 

This document will continue to serve as our staff manual, which is a living document that all staffers are welcome to discuss openly and suggest revisions for as we move through the year. 

 

Mission Statement

 

Angela Butel (class of '09) is the author of our mission statement.  If there are no suggestions for changes, we will keep this mission statement in place for 09-10.

 

Hardware and Software

 

1.  MacBooks and iLife Suite.  We will continue using our MacBooks, though we have added one extra to make a total of 11 machines.  The iLife suite will continue to be our creative suite, but we have updated to iLife 09.  These programs are relatively easy to use and produce content that has a professional look, sound, and feel.  Because these apps are so easy to use, almost all technical work for this publications should remain in student hands.

 

2.  iWeb.  Last year we began using iWeb to design our site.  As expected, we found that it wasn't perfect, but it did the job in allowing the web master to create professional-looking pages with minimal headaches and hassles.  Our web master, Sinead McDonough, built the site from the ground up, including hand-created collages as the core design elements, based on input from the staff.  Once she had learned the software, she maintained the pages of the site without a great deal of intervention from me.  This was a milestone in the history of The Siren; in the past,  I had spent so much time fixing issues in the code for the site that we couldn't reasonably call it a student-run publication.   Last year we added comments forms and we began hosting all video on YouTube.  We will continue to use iWeb this year, and Sinead will again rebuild the site with your input.  A rebuild will help the publication belong fully to each year's unique staff.

 

3.  Wiki.  This wiki will help keep lines of communication open and expectations clear.  I hope that it  will continue to serve as an evolving knowledge base that you will return to and modify again and again.  Once you get the hang of it, I think you will greatly appreciate this tool. 

 

4.  Audiovisual equipment. 

 

We have the following equipment available for checkout:

 

2 Canon GL-2 mini dv camcorders (high quality)

 

3 Canon ZZR830 mini dv camcorders  (basic)

 

1 Canon digital Rebel SLR camera

 

2 Canon PowerShot cameras

 

3 Olympus WS-311 digital audio recorders

 

2 ATR55 shotgun microphones

 

2 Blue Snowball USB microphones (high quality)

 

2 sets of studio headphones

 

1 Audio Technica lavalier microphone (prosumer grade)

 

2 clip-on microphones (cheapies, but work)

 

2 Shure SM58 microphones

 

1 tripod 

 

There is a clipboard on the side of the cabinet for equipment sign-out.  See equipment use policy below.

 

Quarter Contracts and Grading Policy

 

Grades are awarded based on a quarter contract that you assemble and finalize early in the quarter (except first quarter, where it happens after mid-quarter).  Most quarter contracts will include the following:

 

• a designated area of concentration, to be selected from the following:  poetry, fiction, nonfiction, visual arts, audio, video, and photography. You may change your area of concentration from one quarter to the next.
• Self-created assignments, within the parameters set here, to include the following:
• A) a project plan for a major work in your area of concentration, including 5 separate deadlines before the final deadline (which is one week before end of quarter). 10 points per deadline;  50 points for final product.   OR
• B)  a set of 5 deadlines (20 points each) for smaller projects in your area of concentration.
• Two media reviews in your area of concentration, 20 points each.
• Three additions to the resource pages on the wiki (any resource page).  Points TBA.
• Credits for job duties.  Points TBA.

 

Note:  For first quarter, I will conduct mini-seminars in various areas of concentration designed to help you learn the conventions of the medium, study models, and familiarize yourself with available technology.  All staffers will be required to choose one seminar, even if a seminar is not offered in your area of concentration.  I'll explain this in class.

 

Job Descriptions

 

Job descriptions have been revised for 09-10.  Note that all of the following information is to be supplemented by the file map and workflow charts.  As you work this year, revisions to job descriptions will be a part of the process.  Speak up when you have ideas or concerns!

 

Web Master

 

The web master is in charge of creating and maintaining all pages for the site.  This is a big responsibility, but she will have a lot of help in this role from various staffers involved in the publication workflow.  The web master will work with the staff to create a new look for the site each year.  She must learn and carry out these tasks with the iWeb application: 

 

• define a new site
• modify a template
• create a web page
• insert and format text on a page
• embed video on a page using YouTube for hosting
• embed audio on a page (hosted locally)
• proofread carefully before posting any text not handled by print editors
• publish site and upload using Dreamweaver
• track and post comments using Google comments forms
• take great care to manage the site files, which will be stored on the hard drive of her designated MacBook.  She must back up these files periodically by saving to a designated directory on the network. 

 

Print Editors:  Poetry and Prose (one for each)

 

There are two print editors with equal responsibility:  one handles poetry and the other handles prose, including fiction and nonfiction.   A print editor must be a competent writer with enough confidence in her judgment to provide constructive criticism.  She must also have a strong grasp of stylistic conventions (punctuation, spelling, etc.; see AP Style Manual).  The print editor is, in general, the first person to read each print submission, whether from a staffer or the student body (overflow handled by deputy print editor). Tasks that follow include:

 

• Choose poetry, fiction, or nonfiction as your area of concentration.
• Consider feedback needed and insert comments using Microsoft Word and save to designated folder.  See file map and workflows. 
• If piece is from student body (s.b.), email commented file and call author.  If piece is from staff, let staffer know it's in commented folder.
• Keep ladder updated throughout editing process.
• Read revisions when submitted.  Ask for more revisions, if necessary.  Be specific and courteous when communicating with authors.
• Alert other staffers when  submission is very strong and should be accompanied by photo, illustration, audio, or video.
• Write blurbs, when needed.  These are posted on the publication ladder.
• Consult with full staff and/or adviser when content is objectionable.
• Consult with full staff and/or adviser when quality is questionable and rejection may be appropriate.
• Copy edit / fact check when revisions are complete.  Save to final edits directory for dep. print editor to do last round of copyediting / fact checking.
• Serve as "deputy print editor" for the other print editor:  check ladder and perform last round of copyediting / fact checking on pieces edited by the other print editor. 

 

 

Content Manager

 

The content manager must have a real gift for managing details.  She does the following:

 

• Sets up official Siren email account at beginning of year, if necessary.  Use gmail.  Share login and password with staff.
• Check Siren email account daily for submissions and/or feedback from readers.
• When submissions come in, checks to see that they contain the appropriate information.  Print pieces must contain at the top:  author's name, working title, author's email address (even though it's there in the email received, it must be placed in the document before it's filed), author's phone number.  Any info. left out must be obtained.  If all info. is in place, c.m. renames the document

          and moves it to the appropriate submissions directory (see workflows).

• Update ladder and alert appropriate editor when a submission comes in.
• When a revised submission comes in, c.m. renames the document and places it in the appropriate directory.  Updates ladder.

 

Photography Editor

 

You do not have to have to have prior experience to take on this position.  You just need to be adventurous and develop an eye for composition.  It also helps for you to be willing to use advanced features on a digital SLR camera.  It's highly recommended that you have flexibility in your schedule and a car of your own, as you will often need to be in "the field" (on location for a piece that is written, for example).  Tasks include:

 

• Choose photography as your area of concentration.
• Gain familiarity with and use the Canon Rebel's advanced features.
• Develop an understanding of the conventions of photocomposition (see maroon binder from Mrs. Selle).
• Take on most photo assignments (staff photos, photos to accompany submissions, etc.); assign to others when needed.
• Learn to use iPhoto for downloading and managing photos taken with publication cameras.
• Use Photoshop software when needed for more advanced photo editing.
• Review and make decisions regarding photo essay submissions. This includes the following:

      --Obtain basic information about the photographs, including who (who is pictured), what (what is being shot), when, where, how (what                  camera and processes were used).

      --Obtain / create a title for the photo essay.  If untitled, encourage photographer to create on. 

      --Determine author's preferences for ordering and selection of photos.  Photo essays should be limited to 15 photos maximum.

      --Obtain signed photo releases for people in pictures who are not Sion students or employees.

      --Consult with staff when quality or content is questionable. 

      --See that photos are labeled properly and placed in the proper folder.

• Participate in critiques of staffers' photography work.

 

Visual Arts Editor

 

Are you someone who doodles compulsively?  Are all of your other electives art studio electives?   Have you ever looked at illustrations in a children's book and thought "I could do that"?  This may be the job for you.

 

Tasks include:

 

• Provide small illustrations for The Siren web site, as needed.
• Submit works of art for showcase on the Siren.
• Actively seek submissions from artists in the school.  Very important!
• Review and make decisions regarding submissions of visual artwork (not including photography) for publication on The Siren.  This includes:

      --Obtain basic information about the submission, including  what (what is the subject / assignment), when, where, how (what media and               /or special methods were used).

      --Obtain title for the piece.  If untitled, encourage artist to create one.

      --Determine artist's preferences for presentation. 

      --Scan or ask photographer to photograph the work.

      --Consult with staff when quality or content is questionable.

      --Make sure work is stored carefully and returned to artist in timely manner.

• Become familiar with scanning images.
• If interested, learn Adobe Illustrator to create illustrations (otherwise you can use traditional media).
• If interested, learn Adobe Flash to create Flash animations.
• Participate in critiques of staffer's work in visual arts.

 

Multimedia Editors (Audio and Video)

 

If you are interested in video or audio, you don't have to have prior experience to be a successful editor in these areas.  Remember that we're using the iLife suite to make the technology take a backseat to ideas and creativity.  These two editors are in charge of the Multimedia section.

 

Tasks include:

 

• Choose audio or video as your area of concentration.
• Help ensure that all projects in your section are proceeding on schedule.  Consult the ladder as needed. 
• Video editor:  Plan, shoot, and edit (with help of production team) short videos needed for publicity, including a video for Fine Arts Day in the spring.
• Audio editor:  Produce short music segments as needed for audio productions such as podcasts and radio plays.
• Review and make decisions regarding submissions of video or audio for publication on The Siren.  Includes the following:

     --Make sure all content is free of copyrighted material or abides by fair use guidelines.  See YouTube's page on copyright issues.  See link on          sidebar.

     --Make sure the piece is titled and the title appears on the screen (for video).

     --Make sure all finished pieces include proper credits for every aspect of the production.

     --Check audio to see that it is normalized (evened out throughout the production).

     --Obtain and file photo releases for people shown who are not current Sion students or employees.

     --Export video or audio for web and use the proper file name.

     --File final videos or audio pieces in the appropriate folder.

• Participate in critique sessions for audio and video works produced by staffers. 

 

Publicity Team Leader

 

This job may seem easy at first glance, but understand that this is a very serious position.  One of the biggest challenges we face is maintaining an audience for the project, given the multitude of choices that students have for viewing content on the web. 

 

Tasks include:

 

• Design and execute creative publicity campaigns that go beyond merely posting flyers around the school.
• Delegate tasks to two other team members; use publicity page on wiki to collaborate and track process / progress.
• Maintain a Facebook page for The Siren and cultivate a following.  Exploit all aspects of FB that will help us capture and maintain attention of Sion students.
• Experiment with other social media, such as Twitter, to capture and maintain audience.
• Maintain the Siren's YouTube channel. 
• Brainstorm and collaborate with video editor to produce promotional videos.
• Actively promote The Siren among students and teachers.
• Ask teachers to give up class time to show Siren content on the classroom projector.
• Track local and national contests for various media and encourage staffers to participate.

 

Publicity Team Member

There will be two publicity team members in charge of working for the  Publicity Team Leader to ensure successful campaigns.  See above for aspects of publicity that the team must be handling.  You will use the publicity page on the wiki for collaboration.

 

 

Workflows

 

Submission Instructions Staffers Submitting Projects using Various Media

 

Note to all:  Review the rubric carefully throughout your work on various projects.  See that you have double-checked the rubric before final submission.

 

Video

 

In iMovie, when finished with your project, click on the "Share" menu.  Choose "export movie."  Name your movie "lastname_title" and click on the arrow at the right to expand the window size.  You'll see something that looks like a finder.   Select the Siren network directory from the directories on the left.  If you don't see the Siren network, ask for help.  In the Siren network, choose the "video submissions" folder.   Below, you will need to select a size.  Choose "medium" for this particular export.  Click "export."  Your export should be complete and your  video should be ready for preview by the video editor.  Make sure that you DO NOT delete your project from your projects library on your mac.  You may need to go back and make changes.

 

Audio

 

In Garageband, when finished with your project, click on the "Share" menu.  Choose "export song to disk."  In the window that opens, make sure "mp3 encoder" is selected.  Click "export."  Another window opens.  Name your file "lastname_title."  If it's a podcast, use the title of the show and put a number after the title to designate the episode number.  On the left, select the Siren network directory.  Choose the folder "audio submissions."  Click save.  Your file should now be available for review by the audio editor.  

 

Ready to create a podcast feed?  You'll use iWeb.  Ask Ms. Hodge and we'll work on this together.

 

Photo Essays

 

Made sure that you have selected exactly which photos are to be included in the photo essay and in what order you want them to appear.   Each photo should be:  a) in jpeg format, with a resolution of at least 72 dpi   b) named "lastname_title1" with the number at the end corresponding to the order of the photo's appearance in the essay.  The title corresponds to the title of the entire photo essay. Once they are named and formatted properly, create a directory (new folder) for your photos in Siren/photo submissions (in the photo submission folder in the Siren directory on the network).  Name your directory "lastname_title."  Place all appropriately formatted, named, and numbered jpeg photo files there.  Next, open up a text edit program and create a document that contains the following information:  the title of the photo essay, the type of camera and any other equipment used, and any other technical (or other) information on the essay that you would like included.  If people appear in the photos, you may wish to identify these individuals (though this is not required).  You can comment on the subject selected, including any challenges you faced as you were shooting or ideas you hoped to get across.  You might also wish to mention the locations where you shot the photos.  

 

Print

 

Print submissions need to be titled at the top of the page.  Document is named "lastname_title" and placed in the appropriate print submissions folder on the Siren network.  See print workflow before for more.

 

Visual Arts

 

Visual art pieces that are two-dimensional must be scanned using the scanner in the library.  See scanner instructions posted near the scanner.  Please scan at a resolution of 600 dpi using the jpeg format.  Name your file "lastname_title" and save to a flash drive.  Bring back upstairs and move your jpeg file to the "visual art submissions" folder on the Siren network.   Next, open up a text edit program and create a document that contains the following:   the title of your piece, the media used to create it, and any other comments that might help your viewer understand your creation or the challenges you faced as you did the work.  If the piece was for an art class assignment, please explain the class and the  assignment instructions.  Name this file "lastname_title" and save it in the same directory "visual arts submissions."

 

The process is the same for three-dimensional pieces, except that you must take a well-lit, sharply-focused close-up photograph of the piece instead of using a scanner.  Choose a neutral background that will help the piece stand out.  Please do not use a flash -- choose a location that is flooded with strong ambient light, such as sunlight.  

 

 

 

Workflow chart #1:  Staffer submits print piece

 workflow1.pdf

 

Workflow chart #2:  Student (non-staffer) submits print piece  

 workflow2.pdf

 

For now, please use the workflow charts above and extrapolate from there.  If it's an audio piece, the audio editor reviews the submission and provides feedback, etc.  See job descriptions for more.

 

Classroom Expectations

 

•  Take leadership role in the content area(s) you are editing.  If the word "editor" appears in your job duty, you have serious expectations.   Stay on top of what is happening with the sections you are in charge of.  Does someone working on a project for your section seem to be wandering in the wilderness?  Go after her.  Ask her if you can help. 
•  Manage files carefully -- follow guidelines in file management document and workflows.
•  Communicate effectively with staffers and adviser.  Be polite and specific.  Bring up concerns early enough that there is time for response and action within a project timeline.
• Avoid saying "I don't know what I'm supposed to do."  If you can't find an answer on the wiki or from other staffers/adviser, do some research on the web.
• Avoid doing anything unrelated to Siren work in class.  Avoid excessive talking / goofing around in class.  A little of this is normal; a lot of it can quickly turn into a big problem for everybody in the publication room.  Anyone caught doing homework for another class will receive a partial letter grade reduction for the next grading period. 

 

 

After Hours Work Policy

 

You are expected to commit a signficant amount of time outside of the class to your work for this publication.  There will be a lot of work days in class, but some days must be devoted to meetings, critique sessions, mini-seminars, and creative workouts.   Understand now that you can't expect to do all of the work required in class -- not if you are taking the publication seriously. 

 

Due to the nature of iLife applications, you must work on the same computer each time you work on an audio, video, or web project.  The files have to be stored on the hard drive (accessed through your own account).  Because of this, you'll need to sign up for your laptop after school at least 24 hours in advance, if possible.  Some of my other classes will also be using these machines after school; thus, the need for sign up. 

 

Equipment Sign-Out Policy

 

There will be a form for you to sign before you check out any equipment to take home.  The form is a contract stating that you are responsible for any damages or lost accesssories (lens caps, for example). 

 

There will be a sign-out sheet in the classroom for equipment.  You need to provide a check-in date (should be within a few days).  Before check-in, transfer files or remove the removable media (tape or card) that belongs to you.  For the Olympus recorders, the files must be transferred before they are checked in.  To check in equipment, unlock the combination lock on the cabinet and place the equipment on the appropriate shelf.  You must then sign the equipment in on the clipboard.  Don't skip this step, as it's a record that you returned the equipment.  Lastly, close the cabinet and lock the combination lock.