Eliminating Facebook in the Newsroom
As I update our web policy, I am reminded of a problem that I've run into almost constantly as editor of my campus newspaper: Facebook as a distraction from work.
I've considered blocking the site on each newsroom computer except one, where reporters/editors could log on to use the site legitimately. I really don't want to have to do that though. I'd like to instead enforce a rule that would help curb erroneous or aimless use of the site, especially when other work could be done. There are always press releases to be rewritten and story idea sheets to be written up, etc.
Any suggestions? I'd like to encourage responsible use of the computers rather than acting like a mean babysitter. Just for reference, its the copyeditors/designers and editors themselves who are the biggest offenders.
6 Responses
I tweeted a link to this post and one of the replies that I received pretty much summed up my feelings:
“@TauhidChappell certainly a concern, but a lot of news comes from FB pages these days. i think more harm would be done by blocking. #wjchat“
via @chadwickgraham
There’s certainly a reason to be concerned when you see people surfing facebook and not concentrating on their work. It shows a lack of focus and or apathy to do their job.
Does everyone in your organization use FB/Twitter as a means to distribute content? Or do you have a select few who’s responsibility is community engagement and social interaction?
Upon further investigation I found that these links may help thanks to prTini
http://delicious.com/prTini/SMPolicies
http://www.pr-squared.com/index.php/2010/06/if-you-only-do-two-things-in-social-media
Ah, yes website censorship. I am reminded of the countless student government senate meetings I sit in and every time I look up I count at least 2 or 3 senators on Facebook; of course they will give some BS reason for being on it.
Instead of blocking it since it is a vital resource these days. Monitor usage instead. I am sure you can monitor each user/staffer. You don’t have to be super diligent about it. Random spot checking works, and when you find excessive and non-legitament usage take disciplinary action at that time. All out blockage won’t do the trick anyway because if they really want to get on it they will find a way: beat the block, use their own laptop, cell phone, etc. Also, every so often make an example of someone for it– not every time someone is caught but once in a while to send a message that says you are watching and you want them to do their job. You have to get a little creative with managing staff on this one. Perhaps even talk to some supervisors/department heads at your university to see what they do about the problem.
All good points.
I think facebook/social media is too valuable a resource to eliminate entirely, but if they are scanning their news feed, they aren’t out getting the story. News doesn’t happen IN the newsroom, it’s just about everywhere else.
One thing I’ve noticed, if an individual goes a few days, (3 or 4) without checking facebook, they suddenly become less addicted to it. Just have the break the habit of “need to check” facebook and work to institute a “could check for more information” attitude.
Also, this was story about monitoring company social media stuff.
http://www.detnews.com/article/20100802/BIZ04/8020357/Firms-crack-down-on-staffers–Facebook–Twitter–YouTube-posts
Another concern you may have is what your staffers are saying about other staffers via the web. Angry tweets like, “This reporter doesn’t know how to use a semi-colon properly. What an idiot!” won’t help morale or credibility with readers.
…maybe just avoid semi-colons.
Thanks for the feedback. I think its important for journalists to be connected, and I agree that blocking a site like that wouldn’t be a step in the right direction. I will outline expectations early in the semester and have stuff to do ready for anyone who looks bored.
Also, Kelsey mentioned employees venting about work via social media. Everyone needs to realize that a public place like Facebook isn’t the right outlet for frustration, especially with the chances so high that it could come back to the person being complained about.
Have you guys had issues with that sort of thing going on? I know a lot of my staffers update openly about work, and occasionally it will border on inappropriate. I have to remind them that sources may be checking them out too.
Also, Tauhid asked about who is in charge of FB/Twitter interaction. At our paper, every editor as well as our adviser has access for updates. That way whoever is in the newsroom when something breaking happens can make sure to get info on the web right away. It also helps to have different people posting links to stories at different times of the day, to avoid having a bunch of posts from our page clogging people’s feeds.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.