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.
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Jody,
ReplyDeleteyou brought up several interesting points that Fink makes in this chapter. I agree, courage is one thing that any opinion writer has to be equipped with, because you will never please everyone with your opinions and you need to be prepared to handle the hate e-mails and ugly stares :)
Handling important, sometimes provocative, issues is another skill an opinion writer needs. If you don't think you are capable of writing about hot issues or you're too scared, then rethink your profession.