The tools I actually use
Here at 10,000 Words, I discuss a lot of online tools and their journalistic applications. But what tools do I actually use? The long list begins here:
Online tools
Zamzar
Sometimes I’m stuck with an audio or video file that isn’t in the format that I need. A quick conversion through Zamzar and I’m ready to go. Also great for converting YouTube videos to MP3s.
Google Reader
At last count I subscribe to 75 blogs, ranging from journalism and technology to entertainment and hometown news. Google Reader helps he keep them all organized and it’s star feature helps me save longer posts for later.
Google Docs
I use the online documents to organize blog posts and future story ideas. Accessible from any internet-connected computer.
del.icio.us
Before a potential blog item or link is added to Google Docs it is organized through del.icio.us. Also used for great examples of design and various personal items.
FM Atlas/Map Builder
My two tools for creating Google Maps like this one here. The former I use for speed, the latter for versatility.
iStockPhoto
Most of the glamorous clip art seen on 10,000 Words comes from iStockPhoto. It can get a little pricey, but I know I can always find exactly what I need. I also use the site when I need to cut corners for a deadline project.
definr
Quick dictionary tool.
Flickr
My use of Flickr Is twofold: to upload personal and family photos and to search for Creative Commons photos for use on 10,000 words or elsewhere.
Photobucket
Most of the images and photos you see on 10,000 Words are hosted here.
cl1p.net
Copy and paste tool previously discussed here.
Software
FastStone Screen Capture
The simplest screen capture tool I’ve ever used and, besides Notepad, the program I use most frequently.
Final Cut Pro
The best video editing software money can buy. I can still haven’t mastered half the things FCP is capable of.
Adobe Audition
Screw Audacity. I’d rather pay a little extra for an audio editing program that won’t give me a headache.
Photoshop
Whether it’s designing stories for Entertainment Weekly, or touching up personal photos, this is my go to program.
Andrea Mosaic
To create mosaics like the ones seen here and here, I simply put the photos I want into a folder and Andrea does the rest.
Image Video Machine
The software extracts still images from video and is useful in creating montages or screenshots for work-related projects.
Internetcalls
My VoIP of choice, particularly because of the 300 free minutes a week for local calls.
Flash
An important tool in the multimedia journalist’s arsenal
Dreamweaver
See above.
Social Networks
Wired Journalists
The site reminds me that I am not the only multimedia journalist in the world and that there are others struggling with the same issues I am.
Visual Editors
Just joined at the behest of all-star journalist Martina Stewart. Looks good so far.
Helps me stay in touch with coworkers and other journalists. I will even write a recommendation once in awhile.
It’s my virtual yearbook and a way to stay in contact with friends.
MySpace
Somewhere out there my MySpace still exists. I rarely check it though and the only reason I haven’t closed it down is because I once had a potential employer contact me through the site.
Technorati
Besides Google Analytics, this is the way I find out who is linking to 10,000 Words and in the process, I discover some great blogs.
StumbleUpon
Quite simply the best tool for discovering content I didn’t know I needed.
I am using a Twitter in conjunction with 10,000 Words from now until July 27, the close of the UNITY conference. Because I spend so much of my time online, I know that I could fall prey to Twittering every detail of my life, something I’m not ready to commit to.
Miscellaneous
Phone My Phone
I lose my phone a lot. I mean way more than the average person. Phone My Phone helps me locate it in even the deepest crevices.
Naked Alarm Clock
When I just want to fall asleep at my desk or remind myself to step away from the computer, I use the Naked Alarm Clock. Its loud alarm clock works every time.
Jango Radio
I use to listen to music on Pandora while I was at work, but I now appreciate the fewer restrictions I find at Jango.
I’m sure I have a missed quite a few, but I will edit this post as I remember.
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