Journal sections

One of the other critical first decisions we'll need to make is how to break the journal down into manageable organizational sections.  There are many ways to break it down into sections:

--Conventional (peer reviewed articles, book/scholarship reviews, perhaps teaching tips, etc). 

--Based on types of convergence: ownership, technological, organizational, etc.

--Based on digital journalism features: multimedia, interactivity, distribution

--Perhaps by geography: US/North American, International, college media

--Based on focus: theory, industry research, education/training

--Other?  

My first inclination is to go with a more safe, traditional format.  But, this is a different type of journal, and if ever there were a time and type of journal to try something new, this would be it.

Naturally, the organization will affect both the navigation and visual design of this online journal as well as the organization of the staff/board.  At some point we'll want to set up editors for these sections, as well as perhaps positions such as webmaster, interactive editor (in charge of reader polls, letters to the editor, moderating forums and comment sections at the ends of articles), etc. 

In the meantime, PLEASE share your ideas or reactions to some of these possibilities.

Bob

Open Thread

In the next couple weeks, I'll be posting discussion threads on a variety of topics--submission guidelines, review policies, journal sections (teaching research? industry research? international? book/article reviews? etc). And, I'd be happy to start any threads you think we should start (or even email my account/password information for you to post your own threads on this blog).

But, in the meantime, I also wanted to create an open thread where you all can post any comments or suggestions without being confined to the more formal threads. So, type what is on your mind here, respond to others' comments, etc.

Bob

Welcome, naming of journal

Thank you, everyone, for your supportive comments during the Convergence and Society conference.  I am glad  many people agree that a journal dedicated to this field--and one that is converged itself--is long overdue.  As I mentioned, I have only recently secured funding for a graduate assistant, some promotional expenses and a bit of release time, but I wanted to put out an announcement and some preliminary materials at the conference since it was the perfect outlet.  

At this early stage nothing has been finalized, which is why I am happy to have such a strong advisory/editorial board to help shape the direction of the journal.  

I thought this blog might be the easiest vehicle for group discussions and interaction about that direction. Over the next few months I'll be asking all of you to put in your two cents about various aspects of the journal in hopes of getting some consensus before moving forward. You're welcome to also make comments to me off-list or suggest other threads or concerns you would like to have us debate.

One of the first things to discuss is the name for the journal, since even that is up for debate. Naturally, we'll want to finalize the name before securing a domain name and proceeding with some web site mockups.  In the preliminary documents I put forward the name Journal of Convergent Journalism.  Some earlier iterations were Convergent Journalism Quarterly and Journal of Convergent Media.  I leaned away from the former title because it implied a print-based publication cycle, and leaned away from the latter title because the inclusion of "media" implied a more broad scope (like the journals Convergence and New Media and Society).  One advisory board member has already raised a concern about the repetition in Journal of Convergent Journalism, suggesting cutting it down to Convergent Journalism.

Your thoughts on these possible names?  Other suggestions for a name?

Bob