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Getting coverage in USA Today isn't easy -- even for the biggest tech vendors. There are some side doors, however. We explore the publications tech coverage in print and online, its rising presence in social media, and how you can crack the code. Featured: audio clips from a fresh interview with senior editor Jon Swartz and insight from online tech editor Michelle Kessler. 

It's not just about the brands anymore. Dozens of niche blogs and IT sites claim to serve the heart and soul of all the key IT niches. Do they? How can you tell which are the best? How pitchable are the best ones, and who's in charge? What are their needs?

Nick Wingfield ranks among the most respected WSJ tech reporters. Nick has thoughts to share about the ingredients of WSJ stories, what constitutes "news" to him, and how WSJ's outlook is evolving overall. He also has more than a decade of experience fielding unsolicited pitches and tells us he wants to discuss what works for him and what doesn't.  

It's easy to follow an influencer on Twitter. But don't stop there. Who provides the biggest audience when others reply to that influencer or re-Tweet their material? Even better is to know who a given influencer replies to. That could lead you to entirely new influencers.

TechTarget bought the B-eye Network today for an undisclosed sum.

Yes, that's InformationWeek editor-in-chief Rob Preston. Where the hell is he?

Journalists pay lip service to the value of storytelling, but precious few practice it anymore. That's why Fortune senior editor at large Adam Lashinsky has agreed to conduct a 30-minute  storytelling workshop with us. He'll be deconstructing three articles and two videos, discussing everything from how they came about to difficulties encountered to outcomes. Do NOT miss this session.

Some cloud computing influencers off the beaten path: