News Releases, finally something that makes my life a bit easier.
I have never rewritten a news release for a story, but I feel that it would be a less stressful story than reporting on a city councel meeting or something to that effect. Writing news releases actually intrigues me more than rewriting them to fit within a story. The bias self-image building aspect that makes up a lot of releases would be fun to write.
The book commented on how most new releases that get printed are the ones that serve a public interest. I am taking media ethics right now, and have been pondering the public interest/social responsibility vs. free press notion. Is it the responsibility of the press to rewrite releases so that they serve they serve the interest of the public? I don't know any specific examples, but I would not be surprised to learn that several news publications print stories bases on news releases about issues the news organization supports. I actually feel that news organizations have the right to select which releases to rewrite, and what focus they wish to take. As long as the story is not sensationalized, all news releases do not have to be differected to the enitre public interest -- just the interest of the selected audience of the publication or the news organizations interest.
It does not surprise me either that press agents would create quotes for boss. My questions is, is it my responsibility to exclude self rightous quotes? I know you should back up your quotes or atleast validate them, however if a PR rep, who is the voice of whoever they are representing, provides me with a quote why should I eliminate it? I feel accrediting the quote to the PR rep tells more about the person they are representing then removing it.
Writing stories based on news releases interests me, because I feel I could do much of the work right from my desk. You don't need attend the event necessarily or meet with anyone. A few phone calls, fact checking, and depending on where they story goes a bit of investigation can create a legit story. Instead of trying to figure out what the news is, the news is already given to you, you just have to read through the BS.
"And the beat goes on, ba dump da dum dum."
The book admits that speeches/news conferences/meetings can be dull and boring. The remedy for dull and boring reporting is found within how the story is written. The book says to take note of how speakers talk, how they use gestures, and their overall physical presentation. I feel it is also very important to tell your audience how the speaker uttered a response to a question. Why is it that correctly reporting a 'yell' or 'whisper' loses objectivity. When I read a story I feel these descriptions add to the story, and that the line of sensationalism is not crossed. The story often is in how the speacher talks and not necessarily what was said.
Reaction stories I feel should allow for lenient objectivity. Report more than comments. Report how the speecher reacted to the audience reaction. The text says towards the end of the chapter that it is my job to make people interested in my news story. The present journalist creed needs to adapt. The observations of the reporter deserve to be written. Descriptive words that deviate from the neutral norm can still be used to represent the medias social responsibility.
I agree in speech/news conference/meeting stories the facts come first. As long as the facts are presented, the reporter should be allowed to use language that makes the facts seem human. I feel that people want more than the facts. People want to relate on a human level.
Campaigning in 2007
Former NC senator John Edwards was the first presidential candidate to appear on MTV's real-time interactive forum. When I think of MTV's involvement with political forums I recall Bill Clinton's savy saxophone playing and boxer vs. brief questions. Students at UofNH voiced serious questions at the forum directed towards todays youth and young adults. Past elections yoing voter turn out has been to say the least embarrassing. The way the current president has conducted business the past few years, I feel college students will finally step up the plate and become involved with the 2008 election. Edwards appearence on the MTV forum was a great campaign move. It is reported that the majority of viewers felt Edwards answered questions reasonabley. I don't think it would have mattered how well Edwards responded to questions. It matters that he is placing his name into the lexicon of college students.
Using mediums that todays youth can understand is a big plus for Edwards. No other candidate has made a date as to when they will appear on the MTV forum. The youtube debates that appeared earlier this month is also only example of candidates finally understanding how to address the public. The people need to ask the questions. Instead of fearing public opinion, candidates are finally making the attempt to atleast appease the public voice.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Saturday, September 22, 2007
In death the news finally allows the shroud of insensitivty to be lifted from the business' eyes, however profit remains the focus.
Obit writing appears pretty straightforward. When dealing with death it takes a very cold heart to botch the job.
"These obituaries are not formulaic pieces. They are life stories." I was surprised to read this quote from the text. Why is it life and civility only finds itself within the obits. Stories that showcase individuals living and allow recognition for life's simple achievements should be found throughout a paper. Humanity is lost within the grey shades of print.
The idea of beat reporters writing the obits for the individuals they have covered seems like logical reasoning. To ensure these 'life stories' that obits should be, a writer that understands the deceases professional life is practical.
Overall, obits capture death and how long can you dwell on the latter.
The Petraeus Deal
http://www.suntimes.com/news/sweet/568045,CST-NWS-sweet21.article
Barack Obama did not vote on the resolution regarding the Moveon ad in the Times. Hillary Clinton voted no. As puss of a move Obama played in not casting a vote, his justification makes sense to me:
This amendment was a stunt designed only to score cheap political points while what we should be doing is focusing on the deadly serious challenge we face in Iraq.... By not casting a vote, I registered my protest against this empty politics. I registered my views on the ad itself the day it appeared.
Obama's right. Senate took a day to sit bicker over image politics instead of continuing discuss on Iraq troops and the situation in the middle east.
Obit writing appears pretty straightforward. When dealing with death it takes a very cold heart to botch the job.
"These obituaries are not formulaic pieces. They are life stories." I was surprised to read this quote from the text. Why is it life and civility only finds itself within the obits. Stories that showcase individuals living and allow recognition for life's simple achievements should be found throughout a paper. Humanity is lost within the grey shades of print.
The idea of beat reporters writing the obits for the individuals they have covered seems like logical reasoning. To ensure these 'life stories' that obits should be, a writer that understands the deceases professional life is practical.
Overall, obits capture death and how long can you dwell on the latter.
The Petraeus Deal
http://www.suntimes.com/news/sweet/568045,CST-NWS-sweet21.article
Barack Obama did not vote on the resolution regarding the Moveon ad in the Times. Hillary Clinton voted no. As puss of a move Obama played in not casting a vote, his justification makes sense to me:
This amendment was a stunt designed only to score cheap political points while what we should be doing is focusing on the deadly serious challenge we face in Iraq.... By not casting a vote, I registered my protest against this empty politics. I registered my views on the ad itself the day it appeared.
Obama's right. Senate took a day to sit bicker over image politics instead of continuing discuss on Iraq troops and the situation in the middle east.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
She said what??
Ch. 4 In Their Own Words
I'm not sure what to comment about in chapter 4. The only thing I found particularly interesting was a quote about prepublication review (ppr). Kelly McBride said, "Every day, beat reporters make deals -- explicit and implicit -- with their sources about what to print, when to print it, and what to leave out. Rarely do they tell their readers about these deals. Sometimes they don't even tell their editors."
Lately I have been apathetic about anything concerning the world of journalism, however McBride's quote was able to make me ponder (or at least rub my chin in a ponderous manner). As I study ethics and the media's obligation to serve the public, I find the 'behind the scene' activities like those mentioned above to fall within the grey area of upholding the public interest. I've had discussions about if and when it is okay to do undercover work or without that you are a journalist, and I feel that ppr is just as deceptive to the public as the former is to a source. I never really knew that writers go back to the source to review what is to be printed. I suppose it is a nice gesture, however it gives the source too much power of the media. Whose interest is ppr concerning? I can understand if you want to check out some quotes to eliminate any possible libel, but to give the source the ability to disapprove of what is to be printed? ehh, I don't know how I feel about that.
Regarding the whole, on the record off the record.. that's just too much for me. It does open my eyes to having to talk to all sides of the story. I'm a pretty not so objective person, and these little hints here and there on how to straighten out my crooked journalism halo is very helpful.
The E-Media tibits was surprisingly expremely uplifting. I'm having this quasi angel devil debate over my future with journalism, and seeing that their are other thigns to write about than hard political news is awesome. The RSS feed about environmental issues is just awesome, and seeing how people responded to the feed is even cooler. By making those environmental issues accessible to more audiences makes this whole thing seem like its worth it. My only gripe is that with the feed you can censor what information you receive. It is a little naive to think that you can go through life reading and hearing about only the good things you want to hear about.
The blog for the timetable was really interesting, I only wish it was in english. I'm not sure what magical journalism knowledge I gained from the blog, but the timetable itself was impressive. So must information is packed into that flash feature, its so modern and unconventional typically I would dismiss it as being a form of journalism. As I become a discouraged jounralism student, these modern multimedia possibilites are shining just enough light of hope.
Hillary Health Care: The Reprise
Hillary Clinton pushes so hard she would make a great drug dealer. Evidently Hillary is to make another universial health care proposal this monday. I read a figure that read something like 50 million Americans are uninsured. I agree something needs to be down about that number because it seems rather unamerican to me. I don't really remember Hillary's first health care push in the early '90s, all I know is that it didn't go through and that it was pretty complex. My friend from home told me about this kid she knows that can cough up blood on demand, but he can't get anything done about it because he isnt insured. That is what I think of when I think about the health insurance. I don't know how great univerisal health care would be in the US of A. Where there is univerisal health care isn't it true that you are placed on waiting lists for months at a time and seeing a doctor becomes near impossible? I agree with the Democrats that something needs to be done to the system. I think the big drug companies and giant insurance companies who are profitting off of sick people should be the ones interrogated. Hillary should be coming up with a clear and concise plan for Iraq before focusing on destorying the American health care system.
I'm not sure what to comment about in chapter 4. The only thing I found particularly interesting was a quote about prepublication review (ppr). Kelly McBride said, "Every day, beat reporters make deals -- explicit and implicit -- with their sources about what to print, when to print it, and what to leave out. Rarely do they tell their readers about these deals. Sometimes they don't even tell their editors."
Lately I have been apathetic about anything concerning the world of journalism, however McBride's quote was able to make me ponder (or at least rub my chin in a ponderous manner). As I study ethics and the media's obligation to serve the public, I find the 'behind the scene' activities like those mentioned above to fall within the grey area of upholding the public interest. I've had discussions about if and when it is okay to do undercover work or without that you are a journalist, and I feel that ppr is just as deceptive to the public as the former is to a source. I never really knew that writers go back to the source to review what is to be printed. I suppose it is a nice gesture, however it gives the source too much power of the media. Whose interest is ppr concerning? I can understand if you want to check out some quotes to eliminate any possible libel, but to give the source the ability to disapprove of what is to be printed? ehh, I don't know how I feel about that.
Regarding the whole, on the record off the record.. that's just too much for me. It does open my eyes to having to talk to all sides of the story. I'm a pretty not so objective person, and these little hints here and there on how to straighten out my crooked journalism halo is very helpful.
The E-Media tibits was surprisingly expremely uplifting. I'm having this quasi angel devil debate over my future with journalism, and seeing that their are other thigns to write about than hard political news is awesome. The RSS feed about environmental issues is just awesome, and seeing how people responded to the feed is even cooler. By making those environmental issues accessible to more audiences makes this whole thing seem like its worth it. My only gripe is that with the feed you can censor what information you receive. It is a little naive to think that you can go through life reading and hearing about only the good things you want to hear about.
The blog for the timetable was really interesting, I only wish it was in english. I'm not sure what magical journalism knowledge I gained from the blog, but the timetable itself was impressive. So must information is packed into that flash feature, its so modern and unconventional typically I would dismiss it as being a form of journalism. As I become a discouraged jounralism student, these modern multimedia possibilites are shining just enough light of hope.
Hillary Health Care: The Reprise
Hillary Clinton pushes so hard she would make a great drug dealer. Evidently Hillary is to make another universial health care proposal this monday. I read a figure that read something like 50 million Americans are uninsured. I agree something needs to be down about that number because it seems rather unamerican to me. I don't really remember Hillary's first health care push in the early '90s, all I know is that it didn't go through and that it was pretty complex. My friend from home told me about this kid she knows that can cough up blood on demand, but he can't get anything done about it because he isnt insured. That is what I think of when I think about the health insurance. I don't know how great univerisal health care would be in the US of A. Where there is univerisal health care isn't it true that you are placed on waiting lists for months at a time and seeing a doctor becomes near impossible? I agree with the Democrats that something needs to be done to the system. I think the big drug companies and giant insurance companies who are profitting off of sick people should be the ones interrogated. Hillary should be coming up with a clear and concise plan for Iraq before focusing on destorying the American health care system.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Chapters 1-3
The more I study journalism and 'act' as a journalist the weight of responsibility nearly sends me packing straight for the hills. I feel that the public does not fully understand the necessity of journalists in a democracy. My grandfather wakes up every morning, walks to the mailbox, and expects to find his daily copy of The Buffalo News. Appreciation towards the timeliness of his paper is not expressed. When he reads the paper, he does not glow with gratitude for a well written story. However, when he reads a story that is not in congruence with his point of view, you most definitely hear about it.
Ideas of truth and loyalty when working as a journalist seem standard and routine. The concept of Civic Journalism is one that brings light to my cynical view of the profession. The text chatters about how we must uphold a certain moral standard and are obligated to report stories that the people need to know about. Yes, attention must be paid to maintaining a reliable and credible means of news production, however I often feel that that journalists stop once the story is printed. Once the story is exposed that the mayor of the town has been taking vacations to Las Vegas at the expense of tax payers or once it is reported that the number of homeless mothers is increasing at an alarming rate, what is the responsibility of a journalist then? As a reader, I want to know how to change the news. Once a story is printed, there should not be a similar story to report if a journalist has done the proper job. I feel journalists have an active responsibility in helping change democracy. Tell me how to help the poor people suffering in New Orleans a year later. Who should I get in touch with to prevent another murder in my city? Is independence lost once the journalists steps out of the mold, and becomes an active citizen? I think not. I often hear people complain that they do not read or watch the news because it is depressing. If the world of journalism could just shine a single ray of hope on the often dark world of the average joe, wouldn't it be worth it? The concept of objectivity also forces me to smirk. I find it nearly impossible to remain objective and to compose a meaningful news report. I feel as long as the facts are clearly separated from opinion, what is the matter?
Media Convergence. Who thought of this? ahh Mr. McCorporate I suspect no doubt. Yes Yes newspapers need to make money... money is made by advertisements, I understand the rules of capitalism. My question is how can civic journalists be criticize for adding humanity as a bullet point under job description, when money hungry corporations are gobbling up news companies left and right? Independence is lost when the journalist offers suggestions? Independence is lost when a quarter of the countries dailies are published by the same company where the same CEO sits high atop his penthouse shouting the same standardized voice over the loudspeaker to his brainwashed peons below. I understand the overload of news sources out there and how converging different media outlets would help the overall operation, however was it converging that we saw when Walt Disney ate up ABC? No. That is corporate domination propelled by billion dollar denominations. bah. moving on.
In response to interviewing, I feel that it is an art that one crafts overtime. Interviewing is essential, however it is one component that I am weak in. It is difficult to teach interviewing and to read about techniques. The only way I will improve is by applying what I know. I would feel better about interviewing if I knew that many others become overwhelming with social anxiety like I do. The one tip that proves to be of some use is that it is okay to ask a source to repeat themselves. I need to remember time and time again.
You know you went to a New York public high school when:
1. the only African country you can locate is South Africa
2. you think an independent clause is what Mrs. Santa Clause feels like on Christmas Eve
3. comma placement only depends on if it looks good in a sentence.
The AP punctuation guide discusses punctuation I would never even know if I was using it correctly or not. As a NY high school graduate I did not learn grammar, punctuation, nor geography.
O Squared: Barack Obama and running mate Oprah
Oprah backing Obama for presidency is not current news. The star studded fundraiser Oprah held at her private estate in Montecito, California and the $3 million raised for Obama is news. I find no fault in Oprah lending Mr. Obama a golden hand during his campaign, especially if that means Hillary Clinton gets bumped out of the spotlight. If individuals support Obama solely on the advice of Oprah then there is a problem with the American people. Oprah in all reality has enough money to beat out all of Hillary's 'Hillraisers' (including Mr. Hsu). With Oprah's name now tattooed to Obama, I am curious to see if Oprah's stranglehold over America will prove itself again. When the Democratic campaigning comes to an end I am curious to see if how Oprah's support will affect the polls and if she will increase her support. Again, as long as Hillary Clinton gets the boot I'll be a happy camper.
NY Daily News
The more I study journalism and 'act' as a journalist the weight of responsibility nearly sends me packing straight for the hills. I feel that the public does not fully understand the necessity of journalists in a democracy. My grandfather wakes up every morning, walks to the mailbox, and expects to find his daily copy of The Buffalo News. Appreciation towards the timeliness of his paper is not expressed. When he reads the paper, he does not glow with gratitude for a well written story. However, when he reads a story that is not in congruence with his point of view, you most definitely hear about it.
Ideas of truth and loyalty when working as a journalist seem standard and routine. The concept of Civic Journalism is one that brings light to my cynical view of the profession. The text chatters about how we must uphold a certain moral standard and are obligated to report stories that the people need to know about. Yes, attention must be paid to maintaining a reliable and credible means of news production, however I often feel that that journalists stop once the story is printed. Once the story is exposed that the mayor of the town has been taking vacations to Las Vegas at the expense of tax payers or once it is reported that the number of homeless mothers is increasing at an alarming rate, what is the responsibility of a journalist then? As a reader, I want to know how to change the news. Once a story is printed, there should not be a similar story to report if a journalist has done the proper job. I feel journalists have an active responsibility in helping change democracy. Tell me how to help the poor people suffering in New Orleans a year later. Who should I get in touch with to prevent another murder in my city? Is independence lost once the journalists steps out of the mold, and becomes an active citizen? I think not. I often hear people complain that they do not read or watch the news because it is depressing. If the world of journalism could just shine a single ray of hope on the often dark world of the average joe, wouldn't it be worth it? The concept of objectivity also forces me to smirk. I find it nearly impossible to remain objective and to compose a meaningful news report. I feel as long as the facts are clearly separated from opinion, what is the matter?
Media Convergence. Who thought of this? ahh Mr. McCorporate I suspect no doubt. Yes Yes newspapers need to make money... money is made by advertisements, I understand the rules of capitalism. My question is how can civic journalists be criticize for adding humanity as a bullet point under job description, when money hungry corporations are gobbling up news companies left and right? Independence is lost when the journalist offers suggestions? Independence is lost when a quarter of the countries dailies are published by the same company where the same CEO sits high atop his penthouse shouting the same standardized voice over the loudspeaker to his brainwashed peons below. I understand the overload of news sources out there and how converging different media outlets would help the overall operation, however was it converging that we saw when Walt Disney ate up ABC? No. That is corporate domination propelled by billion dollar denominations. bah. moving on.
In response to interviewing, I feel that it is an art that one crafts overtime. Interviewing is essential, however it is one component that I am weak in. It is difficult to teach interviewing and to read about techniques. The only way I will improve is by applying what I know. I would feel better about interviewing if I knew that many others become overwhelming with social anxiety like I do. The one tip that proves to be of some use is that it is okay to ask a source to repeat themselves. I need to remember time and time again.
You know you went to a New York public high school when:
1. the only African country you can locate is South Africa
2. you think an independent clause is what Mrs. Santa Clause feels like on Christmas Eve
3. comma placement only depends on if it looks good in a sentence.
The AP punctuation guide discusses punctuation I would never even know if I was using it correctly or not. As a NY high school graduate I did not learn grammar, punctuation, nor geography.
O Squared: Barack Obama and running mate Oprah
Oprah backing Obama for presidency is not current news. The star studded fundraiser Oprah held at her private estate in Montecito, California and the $3 million raised for Obama is news. I find no fault in Oprah lending Mr. Obama a golden hand during his campaign, especially if that means Hillary Clinton gets bumped out of the spotlight. If individuals support Obama solely on the advice of Oprah then there is a problem with the American people. Oprah in all reality has enough money to beat out all of Hillary's 'Hillraisers' (including Mr. Hsu). With Oprah's name now tattooed to Obama, I am curious to see if Oprah's stranglehold over America will prove itself again. When the Democratic campaigning comes to an end I am curious to see if how Oprah's support will affect the polls and if she will increase her support. Again, as long as Hillary Clinton gets the boot I'll be a happy camper.
NY Daily News
Monday, September 3, 2007
Inverted Pyramid Shmyramid
Chapters 7 and 8
I understand the logic of the inverted pyramid. People read the news for the news. However, I feel that the inverted pyramid retards the news, writers, and readers. What is storytelling when the audience is not required to read past the wanton lead.
Perhaps my discontent for the inverted pyramid is really discontent towards the news audience. The audience wants to know the facts, and they want to know them now -- a comparable image to consumer America. The "so what" aspect discussed through out the chapter is one that deserves attention. I write to inform others, and to stir emotion. The human nature is striped from the news if I am confined to single paragraph leads -- packaged and filled with impersonal facts.
In the end however the lead needs to sell the rest of the article. The lead must draw the reader in. The inverted lead is a paragraph or two with such importance it should be held up high on a mighty pedistool when mastered.
My agitation, that was chapter 7 and the inverted pyramid, was quickly relieved by columnist James Kilpatrick's quote, "... if we write upon the sand, let us write as well as we can upon the sand before the waves come in."
Those words give me hope. We, as journalists, are historians. Although the history we write today may be replaced by morning -- write it well.
Words are mystical, hypocritical, emotional, dangerous, and above all powerful. The first element of good writing discussed in chapter 8 is: Be Precise. I find that statement filled with a lot of wisdom. According to Don Miguel Ruiz, author of "The Four Agreements" precision with your language is monumental to your happiness. The four agreements are the only four agreements a human need to make with themselves and comply to be a happy person. Writing what you mean exactly is an element of good writing and one of good living that I am more than happy to embrace.
The concept of asking interviewees to restate quotes or to translate into easier terms is one that I need to remember.
My writing tends to be made up of long complex sentences. When I write news I need to remember short sentences help with clarity. I find it difficult to know when to write short more concise sentences and when to allow myself to create concrete images. I suppose my problem is that I feel all articles should be written like feature literary articles. Short and simple -- short simple and sweet.
"The State of the News Media":
Such a massive evaluation on the state of web based journalism is overwhelming. Web journalism is a readers venue that I am just becoming acquainted with. As of last year I added bbc.com as my browsers homepage. I don't expect much from my web news, most likely because I also obtain my news from newspapers and tv. I find web news as just a quicker means of finding out what is important right now in the world.
The large critique on user customization of web news is one that goes far over my head. I do not think I would be turned off of a news site because I was not able to pick and choose what news I received. The ability to customize my news intake is a luxury I overlook.
Multimedia and site depth are the two components that really influence my opinion of web news. The possibilities of the internet are beyond my comprehension. The ability to be more than just simple text is something I feel web news should take advantage of. Show me the news in writing -- upload a video to help me better understand the devastation in Darfur. I am not as big of a news junkie as I should be, so when a news site offers depth it makes my life a lot easier. One aspect of bbc.com that I enjoy is the ability to view archived articles relating to the same topic. It does not surprise my that Google was ranked the highest in site depth. The algorithms involved in a Google search alone is huge -- applying those algorithms to Google news just seems natural.
I was glad to see that bbc ranked high within the judging. This semester I am required to read daily the New York Times. I find myself poking around nytimes.com rather than the print newspaper. Times online does not lose its distinct Times print style. However I approach my online news reading differently than my print. The Times articles online are the same longer coverage stories like the print. I enjoy bbc.com over nytimes.com because when I read online I'm on the go. I scan. BBC offers shorter quicker to read content that fits me needs.
In the end I find it a phenominal feat to rate all the site profiles as Project for Excellence in Journalism did. I don't think I really appreciated the critiquing of the sites. I am attracted to certain web bases news for my own reasons. I have my own scale to judge by and thus far it has sufficed.
Democratic Bundler oooops....
The Norman Hsu situation is one that I feel is bigger than the media is reporting. How could the leading Democrat candidates not know that they were receiving donations in the $100,000 range from a fugitive??? Another question is how did this man reenter the political scene after a 15 hiatus?
An editorial in the Washington Post:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/03/AR2007090301082.html
brings to light big campaign donors should be revealed to the media and public. In my opinion the Democratic candidates that received money from Hsu knew of his criminal background. They knew he was wanted in California for fraud. I also believe that presidential candidates receive donations from drug lords and the mafia. Where does it end? How can someone with an entourage like Hillary's not do the research on the people that are propelling your campaign? I don't care so much about the fate of Hsu. I do care about how this situation exemplifies how corrupt and misleading the game of politics is. It is all about money and no one cares if it is dirty money or not. The Democrats were caught -- and oh aren't they wonderful for donating that dirty money to charity. The Post editorial also includes that in the Senate right now is a bill waiting for approval that will force nominees to disclose who their bundlers are. The investigation into the fleeing Hsu should continue, however I feel the attention should be placed on all the other bundlers donating to the party nominees. Hsu was caught, now lets see hsu else will the press will catch.
I understand the logic of the inverted pyramid. People read the news for the news. However, I feel that the inverted pyramid retards the news, writers, and readers. What is storytelling when the audience is not required to read past the wanton lead.
Perhaps my discontent for the inverted pyramid is really discontent towards the news audience. The audience wants to know the facts, and they want to know them now -- a comparable image to consumer America. The "so what" aspect discussed through out the chapter is one that deserves attention. I write to inform others, and to stir emotion. The human nature is striped from the news if I am confined to single paragraph leads -- packaged and filled with impersonal facts.
In the end however the lead needs to sell the rest of the article. The lead must draw the reader in. The inverted lead is a paragraph or two with such importance it should be held up high on a mighty pedistool when mastered.
My agitation, that was chapter 7 and the inverted pyramid, was quickly relieved by columnist James Kilpatrick's quote, "... if we write upon the sand, let us write as well as we can upon the sand before the waves come in."
Those words give me hope. We, as journalists, are historians. Although the history we write today may be replaced by morning -- write it well.
Words are mystical, hypocritical, emotional, dangerous, and above all powerful. The first element of good writing discussed in chapter 8 is: Be Precise. I find that statement filled with a lot of wisdom. According to Don Miguel Ruiz, author of "The Four Agreements" precision with your language is monumental to your happiness. The four agreements are the only four agreements a human need to make with themselves and comply to be a happy person. Writing what you mean exactly is an element of good writing and one of good living that I am more than happy to embrace.
The concept of asking interviewees to restate quotes or to translate into easier terms is one that I need to remember.
My writing tends to be made up of long complex sentences. When I write news I need to remember short sentences help with clarity. I find it difficult to know when to write short more concise sentences and when to allow myself to create concrete images. I suppose my problem is that I feel all articles should be written like feature literary articles. Short and simple -- short simple and sweet.
"The State of the News Media":
Such a massive evaluation on the state of web based journalism is overwhelming. Web journalism is a readers venue that I am just becoming acquainted with. As of last year I added bbc.com as my browsers homepage. I don't expect much from my web news, most likely because I also obtain my news from newspapers and tv. I find web news as just a quicker means of finding out what is important right now in the world.
The large critique on user customization of web news is one that goes far over my head. I do not think I would be turned off of a news site because I was not able to pick and choose what news I received. The ability to customize my news intake is a luxury I overlook.
Multimedia and site depth are the two components that really influence my opinion of web news. The possibilities of the internet are beyond my comprehension. The ability to be more than just simple text is something I feel web news should take advantage of. Show me the news in writing -- upload a video to help me better understand the devastation in Darfur. I am not as big of a news junkie as I should be, so when a news site offers depth it makes my life a lot easier. One aspect of bbc.com that I enjoy is the ability to view archived articles relating to the same topic. It does not surprise my that Google was ranked the highest in site depth. The algorithms involved in a Google search alone is huge -- applying those algorithms to Google news just seems natural.
I was glad to see that bbc ranked high within the judging. This semester I am required to read daily the New York Times. I find myself poking around nytimes.com rather than the print newspaper. Times online does not lose its distinct Times print style. However I approach my online news reading differently than my print. The Times articles online are the same longer coverage stories like the print. I enjoy bbc.com over nytimes.com because when I read online I'm on the go. I scan. BBC offers shorter quicker to read content that fits me needs.
In the end I find it a phenominal feat to rate all the site profiles as Project for Excellence in Journalism did. I don't think I really appreciated the critiquing of the sites. I am attracted to certain web bases news for my own reasons. I have my own scale to judge by and thus far it has sufficed.
Democratic Bundler oooops....
The Norman Hsu situation is one that I feel is bigger than the media is reporting. How could the leading Democrat candidates not know that they were receiving donations in the $100,000 range from a fugitive??? Another question is how did this man reenter the political scene after a 15 hiatus?
An editorial in the Washington Post:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/03/AR2007090301082.html
brings to light big campaign donors should be revealed to the media and public. In my opinion the Democratic candidates that received money from Hsu knew of his criminal background. They knew he was wanted in California for fraud. I also believe that presidential candidates receive donations from drug lords and the mafia. Where does it end? How can someone with an entourage like Hillary's not do the research on the people that are propelling your campaign? I don't care so much about the fate of Hsu. I do care about how this situation exemplifies how corrupt and misleading the game of politics is. It is all about money and no one cares if it is dirty money or not. The Democrats were caught -- and oh aren't they wonderful for donating that dirty money to charity. The Post editorial also includes that in the Senate right now is a bill waiting for approval that will force nominees to disclose who their bundlers are. The investigation into the fleeing Hsu should continue, however I feel the attention should be placed on all the other bundlers donating to the party nominees. Hsu was caught, now lets see hsu else will the press will catch.
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