The tools I actually use

Here at 10,000 Words, I discuss a lot of online tools and their journalistic applications. But what tools do I actually use? The long list begins here:Online toolsZamzarSometimes I'm stuck with an audio or video file that isn't in the format that I need. A quick conversion through Zamzar and I'm ready to go. Also great for converting YouTube videos to MP3s.Google ReaderAt last count I subscribe to 75 blogs, ranging from journalism and technology to entertainment and hometown news. Google Reader helps he keep them all organized and it's star feature helps me save longer posts for later.Google DocsI use the online documents to organize blog posts and future story ideas. Accessible from any internet-connected computer.del.icio.usBefore a potential blog item or link is added to Google Docs it is organized through del.icio.us. Also used for great examples of design and various personal items.FM Atlas/Map BuilderMy two tools for creating Google Maps like this one here. The former I use for speed, the latter for versatility.iStockPhotoMost of the glamorous clip art seen on 10,000 Words comes from iStockPhoto. It can get a little pricey, but I know I can always find exactly what I need. I also use the site when I need to cut corners for a deadline project.definrQuick dictionary tool.FlickrMy use of Flickr Is twofold: to upload personal and family photos and to search for Creative Commons photos for use on 10,000 words or elsewhere.PhotobucketMost of the images and photos you see on 10,000 Words are hosted here.cl1p.netCopy and paste tool previously discussed here.SoftwareFastStone Screen CaptureThe simplest screen capture tool I've ever used and, besides Notepad, the program I use most frequently.Final Cut ProThe best video editing software money can buy. I can still haven't mastered half the things FCP is capable of.Adobe AuditionScrew Audacity. I'd rather pay a little extra for an audio editing program that won't give me a headache.PhotoshopWhether it's designing stories for Entertainment Weekly, or touching up personal photos, this is my go to program.Andrea MosaicTo create mosaics like the ones seen here and here, I simply put the photos I want into a folder and Andrea does the rest.Image Video MachineThe software extracts still images from video and is useful in creating montages or screenshots for work-related projects.InternetcallsMy VoIP of choice, particularly because of the 300 free minutes a week for local calls.FlashAn important tool in the multimedia journalist's arsenalDreamweaverSee above.Social NetworksWired JournalistsThe site reminds me that I am not the only multimedia journalist in the world and that there are others struggling with the same issues I am.Visual EditorsJust joined at the behest of all-star journalist Martina Stewart. Looks good so far.LinkedInHelps me stay in touch with coworkers and other journalists. I will even write a recommendation once in awhile.FacebookIt's my virtual yearbook and a way to stay in contact with friends.MySpaceSomewhere out there my MySpace still exists. I rarely check it though and the only reason I haven't closed it down is because I once had a potential employer contact me through the site.TechnoratiBesides Google Analytics, this is the way I find out who is linking to 10,000 Words and in the process, I discover some great blogs.StumbleUponQuite simply the best tool for discovering content I didn't know I needed.TwitterI am using a Twitter in conjunction with 10,000 Words from now until July 27, the close of the UNITY conference. Because I spend so much of my time online, I know that I could fall prey to Twittering every detail of my life, something I'm not ready to commit to.MiscellaneousPhone My PhoneI lose my phone a lot. I mean way more than the average person. Phone My Phone helps me locate it in even the deepest crevices.Naked Alarm ClockWhen I just want to fall asleep at my desk or remind myself to step away from the computer, I use the Naked Alarm Clock. Its loud alarm clock works every time.Jango RadioI use to listen to music on Pandora while I was at work, but I now appreciate the fewer restrictions I find at Jango.I'm sure I have a missed quite a few, but I will edit this post as I remember.

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The tools I actually use

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