Megan Taylor

We've gone through a few different workflows for Web content at The Independent Florida Alligator this semester.

First, we took files directly from the Copy Desk Chief, formatted and uploaded them.

But in Production, they were still correcting errors and making necessary changes. These changes didn't make it to the Web.

So, we started documenting the changes. Too unreliable, too much work.

So now we take the InDesign pagefiles from Production (after they have been sent to be printed) and export each story into a text file to be uploaded.
No more errors, about the same amount of work for everyone...but its bass ackwards.

The Alligator is in a unique position because it is an independent, student-run newspaper. The editorial side doesn't have much (officially) in the way of mentors or advisors. So we just don't have the man-power to do stuff like maintain two copydesks or some of the other solutions I've heard of.

So how do we make the change to a "Web-first strategy"?

With a new Web site, improved multimedia capabilities, and a talented new media staff, we're missing that one cornerstone of online journalism.

I want that cornerstone!