 |
Frequently Asked Questions |
|
|
Q. What's the mission of the Nieman Narrative Digest?
A.
1. |
To improve and advance the practice of narrative in journalism in the U.S. and the world. |
2. |
To provide useful and inspiring resources to working journalists, teachers, and students. |
3. |
To provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and resources. |
Q. How often do you refresh content?
A. In most cases, once every two weeks.
Q. How do I contact you and tell you about stories?
A. Please use our Contact Us page (the link is at the top of every page on the Digest Web site). We're eager to hear from you. To keep track of new narrative, we need your help. So please send us links and pieces. We also welcome your comments and questions not answered here.
Q. Why do I see mostly newspaper stories? Aren't you interested in other media?
A. In the first year of the Nieman Narrative Digest, we focused on newspapers for three reasons:
1. |
Newspapers face the strongest constraints in producing narrative, and we wanted to show what's possible in this context. |
2. |
We believe you'll have a far easier time finding good narrative books and works in magazines than in newspapers. |
3. |
Covering all nonfiction narrative is an ambitious undertaking. We intend to increase our coverage of magazine, radio and online narrative. |
Q. The story I want to read requires registration/payment. Can I bypass this?
A. We're working on persuading publications to let you bypass such systems or to let us include their pieces directly on the site. If you can help with this at your publication, please let us know. In the meantime, we're sorry for the hassle, which is common to any Web site that digests others' content.
Q. Can I be contacted when new content is posted?
A. Yes, please go to our Contact Us page.
Q. What are your criteria for selecting pieces?
A. As the section title suggests, we're interested in "notable" narratives — pieces well worth reading for one or more reasons: The piece has an intelligent structure, say, or a fresh voice, compelling scenes, an innovative topic or approach or astounding access. We may select a piece to provoke discussion, illustrate a point or add to a category. If we haven't selected a piece, that's no signal that we don't like it.
Q. What's your purpose in commenting on pieces?
A. We focus on what works. Sometimes we may even suggest ways we think a piece might become better. Overall, we want to inspire you and get you thinking critically. We're mindful that the perspective we offer is just that — our own perspective. We hope it adds to your enjoyment of the site and to its value.
|
|  |
© 2007 by the President and Fellows of Harvard College