The kids have started doing it, too

The Cronkite News Service, the student-run news bureau at Arizona State University's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, has begun offering news in mobile formats. Now you can access their content on your iPhone or Blackberry.

In addition to stories and photos, they've got terrific online video that you can watch anytime, anywhere.

My challenge to you: Enhance your Web site with mobile accessibilty. If students can do it, so can you!

FYI: For more info on the Cronkite News Service, contact Steve Elliott.

Best Ideas Roundtable Luncheon

Thanks to all who attended the ANA 2008 Fall Convention. The ideas we generated are listed here. And most of these are super-simple to implement!

In no particular order:

• Rule #1: Promote your Web site thoroughly in your print product.
  
• Text breaking news to mobile phones (Examples: Miami Herald, Des Moines Register and WYFF Channel 4)
  
• Send out email alerts for breaking news (Examples: Lawrence Journal-World, Texarkana Gazette and The Daily Journal.
  
• Have a different poll on your Web site each week (Create free polls at: SurveyMonkey, PollDaddy or ZapSurvey.)
  
• Link back to your advertisers (This should be a no-brainer)
  
• Get more reader interaction with comments
  
• Post local events (Examples: The Arizona Republic, Austin American-Stateman)
  
• Create special community contests such as "Pet Idol", "Best workplace smile" or "Best ____ in your town"
  
• Use audio and video to do a portrait on someone in the community
  
• Get listed with Google News Archive Search
  
• Create a Twitter presence
  
• Linkbacks: If someone emails you about a new band, impending nuptials, store grand opening, etc., email them a link back to that story. Nothing spreads like word of mouth (or grandma's emails).
  
• Photo slideshows: Quick, easy and better than just plain text (Example: Las Vegas Sun, Arizona Daily Star)
  
• Email newsletters or e-editions (Examples: Green Valley News and Sun, Abilene Reporter-News)
  
• Recognizing leaders in the community: Extraordinary women, true volunteers, exceptional teachers
  
• Promote garage sales bigtime. Who doesn't like a bargain?
  
• Making smarter use of niche products
  
• Delving into the community's culture: Navajo language, motorcycles, etc.
  
• Get listed with Topix
  

The most important thing to remember? Give your community something that keeps them coming back for more. Think outside the box. See a great idea that's not listed here? Post it to the comments section.