ATS1119 - DIGITAL NEWSLETTER TASKJava

Java Python ATS1119 - DIGITAL NEWSLETTER TASK

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many references are required?

For this task you are asked to include at least one link, one video and one image for your sample post. These items should support the ideas you put forward in your sample post by providing context, explanation or illustration. More than one of each item is fine, especially  links.

Ok but how many academic references are required?

You don’t have to include any academic references for this task, though you are welcome to link to academic sources if they support your sample post as above. We want you to put the  ideas from Week 2 and 3 into practice rather than repeating concepts and quotes to us. This means creating a digital newsletter that demonstrates the principles and value of storytelling as social practice in the format of a multimedia story (ie including links, videos, images).

Have a browse on Substack to look at the way different creators incorporate links, videos   and images. For example, this ‘Embedded’ post includes a range of videos to illustrate the trend being described. And posts like this on ‘Culture Study’ or this on The Unpublishable  incorporate a range of links to provide context and illustrate points that the writer raises.

What is the word count?

Your sample post should be 800 words. Your rationale and subscriber plan (see below for more detail on these terms) should be no more than 250 words. So around 1050 words total.10% over or under the word limit for both is ok.

What should I make my newsletter about?

This is entirely up to you! Your newsletter could be about a hobby, activity or type of content you are interested in. It could also be about a social cause or issue you are passionate about. Building from the Week 2 ideas, a good way to start would be to ask what kind of community do I want to build?  Be aware that a good newsletter will have a clearly defined purpose. This means being as specific as possible with your topic and rationale.

For more guidance have a look at this useful post on ‘what to write about on Substack’

And here are some suggested prompts if you’re really struggling to come up with a topic:

●    Being an international student in Australia

●    Preparing for a job in media

●    Navigating the cost of living crisis

●    Living sustainably

●    Discussing/recapping books/podcasts/films/television or other media forms

●   Social media trends in 2024

Can I write in the first person?

Yes!

I’m not clear on what style/format I’m being asked to write in for this task.

There’s a few ways you can prepare.& ATS1119 - DIGITAL NEWSLETTER TASKJava nbsp;First, we recommend spending some time browsing Substack and reading newsletters to get a sense of the general style of writing. You can access categories and individual newsletters from the ‘start reading’ button or the ‘explore’ tab on the top left. When you come to a landing page of an individual newsletter you can click ‘no thanks’ to read a newsletter without subscribing.

Substack is essentially a blogging platform, which means you can use the principles of blogging as a general guide. There is information on this in the Week 2 lesson and there is also a useful module called ‘What is Blogging?’ on the Week 2 page.

What is a ‘rationale’? What is a ‘subscriber plan’?

You can understand what we’re asking for here by looking at some individual newsletters and paying attention to the ‘about’ tab. This is what we mean by ‘rationale’ - it’s where you will explain what your newsletter is to potential subscribers. Think of it as your pitch. Different creators structure these sections differently so there’s no formula - design yours in the way that best suits your newsletter and will engage the audience and community you want.

A ‘subscriber plan’ is where you will explain to readers what content they will get at different price points. Again, have a look at some newsletters to see how different creators do this. It will generally be in the ‘about’ section. Your subscriber plan is where you can show how you are aiming to build a community through your newsletter. How will you bring your subscribers together as a community if they pay for your content?

Here below are some examples. If you decide to sign up to a newsletter you will be shown a range of options such as these below after giving your email address.

From To Vegetables with Love (Hetty Lui McKinnon):

 

From Heated (Emily Atkin):

 

From Episodic Medium (Myles McNutt):

 

How do I submit this task? Do I have to actually create a Substack?

No, you don’t have to create a substack and you don’t have to subscribe to any newsletters if you don’t want to. You should use substack as a model for this task, but your title, rationale, subscriber plan and sample post should all be laid out on a single eportfolio page. Be as creative as you like in how you design this!

If you’re not familiar with the eportfolio platform. you can find information and instructions on how to use the platform. on the Week 2 page and the ‘additional information and resources’ page from the ‘ Learning’ tab on moodle - or email Claire to discuss

What format should I present and submit this task in?

Submit all materials for this task on a single eportfolio page. You’re encouraged to be as    creative as you like with how you lay out your text, videos and images. This means doing  more than simply uploading a word document. Again, look at some examples of individual substack newsletters for tips on how to lay out your content.

Your ‘subscriber plan’ can simply be described as part of your rationale, or you can create a subscriber plan laid out in the format above if you prefer. Either is fine!

Your links to other articles or materials should be embedded within your sample post