This CMM series features a sampling of crazy cool, highly relevant or offbeat stories by student journalists that can be localized for different campus audiences- along with suggestions on ways to create and present that content. Next up…
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Never Have I Ever . . .
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The trio described it as a venture into the unknown, “a world where archers, jousters and warriors band together.” In a piece published earlier this summer in The Rocky Mountain Collegian at Colorado State University, two student reporters and a photographer describe their first foray into battlegaming, an unconnected offshoot of the live action role playing (LARP) community.
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The battlefield report is the opening feature in a new Collegian series: “Never Have I Ever…”. It documents staffers’ experiences with an activity they have never tried before. For “Never Have I Ever…Battlegamed,” the student team aligns with a battlegaming group one afternoon in a local park to engage in a war game. They describe the basic scene, the rules, the costuming, and the rush of the battle, with “each army destroying the other side a few times before stopping for a water break.”
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There is a subtle snarkiness to portions of the write-up, but an overall tone of respect, appropriate for this type of open-minded feature. As one member of the trio admits, “Who knew that hitting each other with foam swords could be so much fun?”
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The series has the potential to be effective for numerous reasons. It is lighthearted without being silly. It wisely recounts the adventure from a personal perspective, including the students’ occasional awkward thoughts and actions. And it offers a full multimedia package, in this case with a write-up, photos, and even a video recap. The team also engages readers by requesting ideas for future activities in which they should take part.
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Other student press outlets should follow the Collegian‘s lead. Recruit a team with the requisite skills (reporting, photography, multimedia) and personalities (including a sense of humor and sense of adventure). Interact with student readers to determine their adventures. Make the series regular. (This team plans a weekly set of excursions. That may be too ambitious.) Establish a consistent tone- whether it be serious or semi-tongue-in-cheek (just don’t mock).
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Think outside the box on potential experiences- and utilize the university’s many resources, vocations, and activities. Attend a random class/lab/sports practice. Serve as an admissions tour guide. Work the janitorial night shift. And play to the human element. A feature of this type should be built atop the people participating in the activities- the student journalist first-timers and the experienced individuals acting as their guides.
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