The 4 secrets to being the “web guy”

While the knowledge of code makes online journalism much easier, I have to say that to be considered a “computer savvy journalist” the only things you really need to know are the following:

1. You are the one who should enable cool things to happen. Being an online editor or good online reporter is taking the question “is there a way to …” and figuring out a way to say “yes”. In most other media jobs there are entrenched traditions and habits that people can fall into. For those dealing with online products those traditions are always changing and rearranging. Take advantage.
2. Services are your friend. What do I mean by “services”? All those Web 2.0 sites like Flickr, Google Maps, and Twitter are what I would consider services. Most of them are free or under $50 to utilize, and all can make your journalism more dynamic. But it goes beyond those mentioned above and if you want to be the “web guy” learn as much as you can about those fringe sites just gaining ground.
3. Keep up on stuff. If you are interested in journalism there is no doubt you already love to read and know how to “keep up” on a given topic. Keep up on new technologies, sites, and services that are coming out. With every one make a note about how it can help you and your peers.
4. Try new things just for the hell of it. I think my ideal Web editor would be someone whose first instinct is to carry out any new ideas put on their plate.  I think too often we can lulled into slapping up an mp3 file and calling it a day when there may be better ways to cover a given story.  Take LA Times and their Twittering (is that a word?) of the California forest fire as an example.