Huff Says Gapers Block Planning Redesign

Andrew Huff, the Editor and co-founder of the creators of Gapers Block was a guest speaker at DePaul University on April 4^th, 2011.

  A whole lot of technology and skills comes with being a great journalist. “Think beyond journalism,” said Huff.

Huff touched on a few main points; the redesign of his site, sites elsewhere using the same model as Gapers Block, how Chicagoist is their biggest competitor, and he also included wisdom and advice to DePaul journalism students.

Gapers Block is a Chicago-based site that encourages readers to slow down and check out Chicago, Huff said.  The site has links that include; arts, book club, food, music, politics, sports, archives and newsletter.  According to Huff the food link is the most clicked on.

Each link has a creative and clever title that revolves around vehicles.  For example, the food link is titles “Drive-thru,” and the sports link is titled, “Tailgate.”  The site is user-friendly and laid out easily for viewers.

Huff claimed that other sites have asked to use the same model as his.  He said he does not plan on branching out of Chicago but, is happy to help other communities and cities with a model like Gaper Block.

Huff doesn’t claim to compete with other newspapers.  Gapers Block is unique and readers find it user friendly.   As I mentioned before, Huff has been asked to share his model with other communities.

Huff gives a lot of advice for graduating students who are interested in the journalism, public relations, and advertising field, “find a niche for yourself,” said Huff.

Huff suggests being a successful journalist you need to be skilled. He advises a certificate program can help with job success.

He also states that, “jobs all over the country are looking for journalistic styles in applicants,” said Huff.

Huff best advice was, “write whatever you are passionate about,” said Huff.

According to Huff, Gapers Block is successful due to the 300 various writers over the past eight years, the 250,000 visitors each month, and the grant given from the Chicago community.