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Frequently Asked Questions |
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Q. What's the mission of the Nieman Narrative Digest?
A. To improve and advance the practice of narrative journalism in the U.S. and the world; to share useful and inspiring resources with working journalists, teachers, and students; and to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and resources.
Q. How often do you refresh content?
A. In most cases once a month, though we hope to begin posting more frequently this fall.
Q. How do I contact you and tell you about stories?
A. Please use our Contact Us page (the link is at the top of every page on the Digest Web site). We're eager to hear from you. To keep track of new narrative, we need your help. So please send us links and pieces. We also welcome your comments and questions not answered here.
Q. Why do I see mostly newspaper stories? Aren't you interested in other media?
A. The Nieman Foundation, which started in 1937 after a bequest by the widow of the founder of The Milwaukee Journal, has always focused on elevating the standards of daily journalism. Over time the foundation's emphasis on newspapers broadened to include magazines, books, broadcast, and now new media. It was natural for the Digest to begin by highlighting narrative work coming out of newspapers. But, increasingly, we are trying to feature narrative work in all media, without losing our particular interest in using narrative to enliven and deepen news coverage.
Q. The story I want to read requires registration/payment. Can I bypass this?
A. We're working on persuading publications to let you bypass such systems or to let us include their pieces directly on the site. If you can help with this at your publication, please let us know. In the meantime, we're sorry for the hassle, which is common to any Web site that digests others' content.
Q. Can I be contacted when new content is posted?
A. Yes, please go to our Contact Us page.
Q. What are your criteria for selecting pieces?
A. As the section title suggests, we're interested in "notable" narratives — pieces well worth reading for one or more reasons: The piece has an intelligent structure, say, or a fresh voice, compelling scenes, an innovative topic or approach or astounding access. We may select a piece to provoke discussion, illustrate a point or add to a category. If we haven't selected a piece, that's no signal that we don't like it.
Q. What's your purpose in commenting on pieces?
A. We focus on what works. Sometimes we may even suggest ways we think a piece might become better. Overall, we want to inspire you and get you thinking critically. We're mindful that the perspective we offer is just that — our own perspective. We hope it adds to your enjoyment of the site and to its value.
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© 2007 by the President and Fellows of Harvard College