when to choose or lose a tool in storytelling

http://journalists.org/2013/03/12/know-when-to-choose-or-lose-a-tool-in-telling-your-story/

Part of my introduction to the project is becoming more familiar with what an interactive documentary is. Our team leader and Project Director Elaine McMillion explains it best: “(Interactive documentaries) typically are accessed online, and/or across media platforms and allow a user to customize their experience. Most often, but not always, they provide a non-linear path and encourage the user to be an active participant in creating their own desired narrative.”
If you’ve ever had a hand in telling stories via text, audio, photos and/or video, you know you don’t want to overdo it. It’s always wise to choose and use the best medium to showcase and share information about the person, subject or issues you’re writing about.
“I don’t think all stories are best suited for this (interactive) form,” Elaine said. “Some stories are best told through a short or feature film, newspaper article or an audio piece. I think that certain characteristics of stories fit this form the best.”
One type that takes to the interactive format are stories of community. That’s where McDowell County, W.Va., came in.
“When ‘Hollow’ was first conceptualized in 2009, I thought of it as a linear documentary film,” said Elaine. “But then I stopped to think, what if we don’t accept the idea that these communities are dying, but instead inspire residents to work together to change their direction. Is this possible through new media tools? The motivation to increase community efficacy and ignite change, paired with the idea that this is a story that evolves over time, pushed us into exploring non-linear and online storytelling.”