Digital Duffer: It's the Story, Stupid

When the sky is falling it's always wise to look around for an old duffer. They've seen the sky fall before. If the old duffer isn't running around in panic you can relax a little bit.
Here's a great example. Jim Gaines writing in the New York Times about his transition from a substantial, stable career in print to the uncertainties of an all digital web journalism site, FLYP. Now, Gaines is only 61 so I guess I'm in the same Duffer category. But I find his take both thoughtful and valuable.

Most of all he comes down to the simple truth that is always worth remembering: no matter what the medium, it's the story, stupid! And whether that story is told in words or pictures (or both), never forget that if you don't have a story, you got nuthin'. If young women in Japan can write novels via text messages from their cell phones, then the truth is still the same as it ever was: stories matter more than the technology.

So take a look. It's a good read. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/29/jobs/29pre.html

Jim

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