New Media for Agricultural

Communications

RSS

RSS is a family of web feed formats used to publish frequently updated content such as blog entries, news headlines or podcasts. An RSS document, which is called a "feed," "web feed," or "channel," contains either a summary of content from an associated web site or the full text. RSS makes it possible for people to keep up with their favorite web sites in an automated manner that's easier than checking them manually.

Source: Wikipedia

Blog

A blog is a user-generated website where entries are made in journal style and displayed in a reverse chronological order. Blogs provide commentary or news on a particular subject, such as food, politics, or local news; some function as more personal online diaries. A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, web pages, and other media related to its topic. The ability for readers to leave comments in an interactive format is an important part of most early blogs.

Source: Wikipedia

Benefits of a Blog

Highly search engine optimized Inexpensive up-front investment Easy to manage & update frequently Puts a friendly face on your organization Provides customer/member feedback mechanism Your target audience can subscribe to content

Content Ideas

Internal employee communications Showcase company achievements Update customers on company projects Replace or enhance periodic printed newsletters Let customers hear from company leaders Company event coverage (annual mtgs., etc.)

Blog Characteristics

One main homepage design Built in columns Each post has its own url All posts are archived (by category or topic) RSS feed available to subscribe to content

Blog Examples

AgWired - www.agwired.com Precision Pays - www.precisionpays.com EPIC Member Website - www.epicinfo.org Appaloosa Blog Spot - www.appaloosablogspot.com National Biodiesel Conference - www.blog.biodieselconference.org

The Ethanol Report - www.ethanolrfa.org/industry/conference/blog

Beef Board Meeting - www.beefboardmeeting.com

Podcast

A podcast is a digital media file (or a series of such files) that is distributed over the Internet using syndication feeds, for playback on portable media players and personal computers. Like 'radio’, it can mean either the content itself or the method by which it is syndicated; the latter is also termed podcasting. The host or author of a podcast is often called a podcaster.

Source: Wikipedia

Benefits of a Podcast

Highly search engine optimized Inexpensive to produce Easy to manage & update frequently You control the content Your target audience can subscribe to content

Content Ideas

Interviews with company leaders Interviews/testimonials from customers Presentations from event speakers Product how-to presentations Company announcements (internal/external)

Podcast Characteristics

Audio in form of mp3 file Registered in iTunes No standard length Produced on regular basis Distributed via RSS feed

Podcast Examples

Forage Forum - www.worlddairydiary.com Fill Up Feel Good - www.domesticfuel.com Alltech Podcasts - www.alltech.com/podcasts/bioplex

National Biodiesel Conference - www.blog.biodieselconference.org

Swinecast - www.swinecast.com

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