But we are not necessarily the game-changers we think we are.

I was reminded of that recently as I was poring over old editions of the Addy for a presentation to the Bendigo Historical Society, which explored many of the modern tricks and ideas that shape how we tell stories.

I came across a striking headline: 'Abducted E'Hawk constable catches gaolbreakers'.

(You can see the old front page here or read about the extraordinary abduction attempt here.)

There I was, looking at a front page from 1962 written in a way strikingly familiar to what this newsroom delivers today. It used the same rules to tell a story with the sort of subheadings we use today to break up text and jump out on search engines.

The main headlines are long and tell a story of their own - just like we do (no cryptic two-word headlines here) and there are plenty of photos. The only thing today's Addy editor would want was a video and in-text internet links to other stories.

It goes to show there's plenty to learn from those who came before us.

- Tom O'Callaghan is a journalist with the Bendigo Advertiser and gave his presentation to the Bendigo Historical Society on Friday.