After discussing the editorial page in class on Thursday, I realized that my favorite thing to read on the opinion page is a point and counterpoint response. The topic can be about anything, but as long as I have two opposing views, I feel I have learned more about the issue than I would have if I had only read one view.
USA Today does this with every editorial page. They publish a large editorial giving one view of an issue along with a smaller, opposing view of the same issue below. This is one of the best ways I know of to reach the diverse audience that reads today's newspaper.
The Campus Chronicle will be using a point and counterpoint argument for our first edition of the semester. Our topic is global warming. One staff member wrote about how global warming is seriously affecting the earth while another staffer wrote that they didn't believe in global warming at all. I think it's one of the best things that our Op/Ed page has done in a while, and I hope that our readers will feel more informed about global warming after they read the articles.
Monday, January 26, 2009
"In Ink, On Newsprint"
For those of us hoping to work for a newspaper, magazine, or something similar in the near future- read On Campus: How It's Done- and read it carefully. I find that the most important advice author Conrad Fink gives the reader is: "No clips? Forget It." The main thing job interviewers want to see is "the published proof of your committment to journalism, the track record -- in ink, on newsprint -- of your progress from faltering beginner to accomplished campus journalist." If you can't cover the news on and around your campus, how do you expect to cover the news around your city/town? Without examples that show your ability (or lack there of) to write an acceptable article, it is unlikely that a simple resume will be enough to prove you are the one for the job.
I am currently in the process of filling out internship applications and many businesses require clips to be considered for the job. Knowing this day would someday come, I have been a part of the Campus Chronicle staff for some time now. They do not expect perfection. They want to see where you started and what you have become. Sure, the application process is tedius work and takes some time. But there is no need to stress. The moment you are accepted as a new member of the company, the feeling of fulfillment and accomplishment takes over. But I'm warning you --walk in to an interview with no clips and don't expect a call back.
I am currently in the process of filling out internship applications and many businesses require clips to be considered for the job. Knowing this day would someday come, I have been a part of the Campus Chronicle staff for some time now. They do not expect perfection. They want to see where you started and what you have become. Sure, the application process is tedius work and takes some time. But there is no need to stress. The moment you are accepted as a new member of the company, the feeling of fulfillment and accomplishment takes over. But I'm warning you --walk in to an interview with no clips and don't expect a call back.
I Guess I Have To Care
Campus Life, I find myself not caring about it. Most of my interests lye elsewhere. What am I supposed to be passionate about? The rising cost of tuition? The lousy cafe food? I'll pass. I think that's the problem, kids on campus don't really care about these "school oriented" issues either.
All I hear is to write what you are passionate about, but is that what people who write for a campus paper are doing. How much hard hitting research and passion can go into an article about how the cafe food sucks, or whether a bus should take us to Club Triangle or not. I know my opinion does not encompass the entire student body, but I think there is a big problem with forcing stories. Just because it is a campus paper does not mean it has to force articles that try to stir interest about an uninteresting campus topic.
Students are aware of other things going on in the world. We don't have to funnel our writing to such narrow topics. Most of the things students care about are issues everywhere, not just ones that take places on a small campus in North Carolina.
All I hear is to write what you are passionate about, but is that what people who write for a campus paper are doing. How much hard hitting research and passion can go into an article about how the cafe food sucks, or whether a bus should take us to Club Triangle or not. I know my opinion does not encompass the entire student body, but I think there is a big problem with forcing stories. Just because it is a campus paper does not mean it has to force articles that try to stir interest about an uninteresting campus topic.
Students are aware of other things going on in the world. We don't have to funnel our writing to such narrow topics. Most of the things students care about are issues everywhere, not just ones that take places on a small campus in North Carolina.
Campus Newspapers
I found the section we read on campus newspapers to be especially interesting because I have written a few articles for the Chron during my time at High Point. The very first section of this piece tells the reader that if they have any interest in joining the newspaper profession, you better have clips. Without them, you probably won't even get an interview but if on the off chance you do, you will be wasting both the interviewer's and your own time. I have kept my articles from the Chronicle in cause I decide to go into journalism or any aspect of writing because I think it could prove what writing I am capable of.
I also really enjoyed reading how different opinion writers on college campuses handle controversy and still manage to good unbiased reporting even if it does put them in an akward position with their peers. Many of the opinion writers that were focused on were writing on touch campus issues like racism and discrimination, which are sure to grab a reader's attention if the piece is effectively written.
From the reading, the most important lesson I felt was being courageous. If an opinion writer isn't willing to face the music when they are disagreed with, then they should probably find a different job because one of the aspects of this position is to push the envelope and elicit emotions from readers.
I also really enjoyed reading how different opinion writers on college campuses handle controversy and still manage to good unbiased reporting even if it does put them in an akward position with their peers. Many of the opinion writers that were focused on were writing on touch campus issues like racism and discrimination, which are sure to grab a reader's attention if the piece is effectively written.
From the reading, the most important lesson I felt was being courageous. If an opinion writer isn't willing to face the music when they are disagreed with, then they should probably find a different job because one of the aspects of this position is to push the envelope and elicit emotions from readers.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Responsibilites of Opinion Writers
In opinion writing, you must stay objective, dispassionate and neutral. Your opinions belong in your writing.
There are four important goals to help guide an editorial writer according to the textbook. The first goal is to serve your public. As an editorial writer you want to take a strong position. The second goal is to provide a forum for readers, community, nation. With this goal the editorial writer wants to make sure that their views are known. The third goal is to be society's watchdog. The fourth goal is to inform and guide your readers. As an editorial writer is important that you do your reporting and research; you immerse yourself into the facts and conflicting views; think through the issues at hand, and step forward with courage to write.
Opinion writers must make sure that they avoid any conflicts of interests and should serve the public's interest.
There are four important goals to help guide an editorial writer according to the textbook. The first goal is to serve your public. As an editorial writer you want to take a strong position. The second goal is to provide a forum for readers, community, nation. With this goal the editorial writer wants to make sure that their views are known. The third goal is to be society's watchdog. The fourth goal is to inform and guide your readers. As an editorial writer is important that you do your reporting and research; you immerse yourself into the facts and conflicting views; think through the issues at hand, and step forward with courage to write.
Opinion writers must make sure that they avoid any conflicts of interests and should serve the public's interest.
How It's Done: On Campus Today
I think that the chapter gave good advice to anyone who is serious about pursuing a career in journalism. The most important thing that you need to remember is to build a portfolio of your work; no one is going to hire you unless they can see what you are capable of doing. That was probably the most useful piece of advice that was given out in the entire chapter.
A lot of writers believe that they have their own, unique style of writing, and that that's enough to get them by in the world of journalism. Fink tells us that it's a good thing to have your own voice, because your style can set you apart from other writers, but he gives us examples from actual college newspapers, showing us what is, and what is not acceptable for print. Just because your voice is unique does not mean that it's what you should be in print. There is a way to use sarcasm and humor to get your point across and still seem like you know what you're talking about. Fink mentions that most people reading editorials are well informed, and that we shouldn't treat our readers like idiots. They'll pick up on your mistakes and won't be afraid to tell you about it, because readers have opinions too. As an editorial writer, you need to be open to hearing what your readers have to say; it allows you to connect with your audience in a way that you wouldn't be able to otherwise.
The chapter, overall, was very helpful in point out the things that you should, and should not in, when it comes to editorial writing. It spoke about college publications, which is something that we are all familiar with. And most importantly, it gave hints and tips that will prepare you for the future and for "big-time" publications.
A lot of writers believe that they have their own, unique style of writing, and that that's enough to get them by in the world of journalism. Fink tells us that it's a good thing to have your own voice, because your style can set you apart from other writers, but he gives us examples from actual college newspapers, showing us what is, and what is not acceptable for print. Just because your voice is unique does not mean that it's what you should be in print. There is a way to use sarcasm and humor to get your point across and still seem like you know what you're talking about. Fink mentions that most people reading editorials are well informed, and that we shouldn't treat our readers like idiots. They'll pick up on your mistakes and won't be afraid to tell you about it, because readers have opinions too. As an editorial writer, you need to be open to hearing what your readers have to say; it allows you to connect with your audience in a way that you wouldn't be able to otherwise.
The chapter, overall, was very helpful in point out the things that you should, and should not in, when it comes to editorial writing. It spoke about college publications, which is something that we are all familiar with. And most importantly, it gave hints and tips that will prepare you for the future and for "big-time" publications.
Monday, January 19, 2009
It's Not That Simple
The majority of class on Thursday was dedicated to a movie that gave us a peek into the lives of many great editorial writers from the past decade. Movie critics including Siskel and Ebert explained what it was like back when they first started writing. As they reminisced about their trials and tribulations, they game some important suggestions which all beginner writers must keep in mind. Almost every person interviewed in the movie agreed, it is simply not possible to go straight to the top without any previous experience. I think this is very good advice for those who think becoming a columnist is a piece of cake. In reality, only a handful of writers make it to that point; sports writers like Michael Wilbon and Tony Kornheiser were some of the lucky ones. Both have a section of the newspaper set aside for them and them only.
Sure, sharing ones opinion with the outside world seems to be the most exciting type of writing out there. (Not to mention, the easiest to write.) Who wouldn't want to do that- spread their words and feelings on to a piece of paper that others pay money to read? But it is important not to get ahead of yourself. Before anyone can is considered for such a position, it is necessary to learn the basics of reporting, down to the nitty gritty. One writer from the movie admitted how much he disliked the interviewing process. It was difficult for him to ask the personal questions many try to avoid. In the end, he understood that it's just something you have to do. You have to face the fire if you expect to produce a heartfelt and most importantly, an accurate story. It will take time but believe it or not, this type of writing will prepare you for that dream position. Simply understand that everyone starts at the bottom and it's up to each individual to climb to the top. The moment you see your first column published alongside your name and photo you realize it was all worth it.
Sure, sharing ones opinion with the outside world seems to be the most exciting type of writing out there. (Not to mention, the easiest to write.) Who wouldn't want to do that- spread their words and feelings on to a piece of paper that others pay money to read? But it is important not to get ahead of yourself. Before anyone can is considered for such a position, it is necessary to learn the basics of reporting, down to the nitty gritty. One writer from the movie admitted how much he disliked the interviewing process. It was difficult for him to ask the personal questions many try to avoid. In the end, he understood that it's just something you have to do. You have to face the fire if you expect to produce a heartfelt and most importantly, an accurate story. It will take time but believe it or not, this type of writing will prepare you for that dream position. Simply understand that everyone starts at the bottom and it's up to each individual to climb to the top. The moment you see your first column published alongside your name and photo you realize it was all worth it.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Week One: Important points from handout
According to one newspaper survey, it found that readers followed the editoriall page to feel that they were participating in current events or to strengthen their arguments agruments on issues. Also, readers look to the editorial pages to help them make decisions on issues, to use in discussions with friends, to determine what is important, and to keep up with the latest events.
Editorial editiors must still decide whether to give readers what they want or what the editors think they should have. Also, editorial writers should generally come down on the side of facts and logics.
There are several qualities in which is required of an editorial writer. They are: having a wide variety of interests, being good reporters, writing good, the desire to express an opinion, and the ability to reason cogently.
Editorial editiors must still decide whether to give readers what they want or what the editors think they should have. Also, editorial writers should generally come down on the side of facts and logics.
There are several qualities in which is required of an editorial writer. They are: having a wide variety of interests, being good reporters, writing good, the desire to express an opinion, and the ability to reason cogently.
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