This is interesting in both a geeky and (possible) journalistic way: Discover magazine online has a selection of videos that have been submitted to meet the challenge of explaining string theory in two minutes or less.
The videos cover the range. There are groups of scientists and science students going about the task in ways both serious and silly. There is a family from Montclair, Virginia, with some scary-smart kids. There’s even a String Ducky from a New York TV science producer.
After watching most of the videos, I know a little more about string theory but still can’t completely grasp it in all its significance. But I was entertained and thought there were some good ideas there for journalism. What better way to explain everyday complexities (the relationship between mill rates, assessments, budgets and taxes comes to mind) than through a two-minute video, shot with a sense of fun?
I realize journalism comes in with a built-in dread of anything that threatens the sense of seriousness that hangs over everything we do, but I’m not sure readers feel the same way. A little humour and a dash of creativity could put the information across just as effectively, and draw a few more readers/viewers along the way.
SOURCE: REX SORGATZ | TAGS: JOURNALISM, VIDEO
