OJR: The Online Journalism Review

OJR 2007

What is it?

OJR conferences bring together writers and editors to share their passion for online media in group discussion sessions and to learn from colleagues how to improve the quality, visibility and profitability of their work.

The theme for OJR 2007 is "An Introduction to Entrepreneurial Journalism Online." This is an interactive "unconference," where attendees participate in an engaging discussion of top issues. We'll talk about the skills and techniques that will help you develop a top-quality news website that attracts readers and advertisers.

The event will conclude with a "master class" where discussion leaders and attendees will critique selected audience members' websites. This is your chance to have top industry leaders tell you what you can to do to make your site a critical and business success.

OJR 2007 will help not only independent online publishers but also established "old media" executives discover new approaches to make their websites more competitive.

Check OJR.org for coverage of this year's event.

Registration

Registration for OJR 2007 is now closed.

Getting here

The University of Southern California is located just south of downtown Los Angeles, just minutes away from Los Angeles International Airport. Parking reservations for USC Parking Structure A will be provided as part of the conference fee.

Driving directions to USC
Hotels with special rates for those visiting USC
Other downtown hotels (from Expedia)

March 30, 2007 conference schedule

8:00-8:45 - Check-in
Coffee and pastries will be provided.

8:45-9:00 - Welcoming remarks
OJR editor Robert Niles welcomes you to USC Annenberg.

9:00-10:30 - From blogging to business
PaidContent.org founder Rafat Ali leads this discussion on the legal, financial, organizational and editorial issues journalists face in trying to grow their part-time websites into full-time businesses.

10:30-10:45 - Break

10:45-12:15 - From MySpace to your space
Author and former newspaper.com executive Janine C. Warner leads an examination on techniques news publishers can borrow from social networking websites to build audience loyalty and to solicit engaging content from readers.

12:15-1:15 - Lunch
Lunch is included in the conference fee.

1:15-2:45 - How to sell your website without selling out
An exploration of the other side of "the wall": Violinist.com editor Laurie Niles leads this session where we will talk about how to promote your website to readers and advertisers, then close the deal with ad contracts, without compromising your independent voice.

2:45-3:00 - Break

3:00-5:00 - Website critiques
The final session will be a "master class" where a panel, including Rafat Ali and Slashdot's Robin 'Roblimo' Miller, leads the audience in analyzing selected conference attendees' websites.