ASK JOE A QUESTION

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When I took my current job, part of why I did so was because the publisher/editor said they were planning to update their (abysmal) Web site and use more multimedia projects. Well, they haven't even set a tentative date to do that, and all I hear about are ways they're trying to save money. It doesn't sound as though a Web site redo is in the works until 2008.

I've about decided to leave and look elsewhere -- but to spend the next year working on multimedia projects using stories I'm doing or will do in that year to boost my portfolio and clips. My question is:

Will other employers be interested/impressed in seeing a multimedia/podcast/slideshow/Web site I create to showcase my work -- but that (other than print and some photos) was not used?

Should I explain that I created the multimedia pieces anticipating (and hoping) to see them make it to the Web? I consider the extra time I'm spending outside of work to do this as a way to gain experience and polish. I don't think it will be wasted -- but can you offer any insight/advice on how to proceed?

Ready, set ...

You'll be demonstrating your initiative, developing your skills and protecting your future.

Joe Grimm

Editors should be fine with samples that are journalistically sound but a step ahead of where your newspaper is. Reporters and copy editors are perhaps unique in needing to show samples that have been published. Photographers, graphic artists and online producers can show work that has not been published -- making its status clear.

Any advice? Do not totally give up on your paper as long as you are working at it. The skills you learn and the work you do could leapfrog you into a better position or help your newspaper get up to speed more rapidly once it is ready to go.

Also, learn as much as you can on your own. Take Five Steps to Multimedia Storytelling. It is a free, on-your-own course offered through Poynter's News University.

Also, check out Jonathan Dube's Poynter Web Tips article detailing all the free training in new-media skills that the BBC offers.

Although you sound disgusted with the lack of progress, let's stay cool. As impressive as it would be for you to show some multimedia projects, it would be even more impressive to say, "Yes, these are projects I did myself, but let me tell you how I mobilized the newsroom as a whole into doing more multimedia." That is a higher level of achievement.