Ch. 7 - 9 Online Writing
How does an online journalist create interest?
A. Leads
the first sentence/paragraph - generates interest
the second paragraph (nut graph) - fills in important details
both are usually short paragraphs
a key - what in the story is most newsworthy? (what is news criteria)
the answer to this question often supplies the info for the lead
types of leads
1. summary lead - based on the 5 Ws
who what when where why(how)
the summary lead can mention all or some
usually using 1 or 2 in the lead sentence generates interest, the reader still has questions
good for hard news
2. narrative (feature) leads
a story telling approach
can highlight the interesting or the unusual
more informal
good for features
doesn't convey as much hard information
3. Other leads
question leads
quotation leads
the key to all - be concise and be interesting
B. The Body
inverted pyramid - facts arranged from most to least important
the most important facts have already gone into the lead and nut graphs
what should follow?
outlining the information through the inverted pyramid forces you to think through the organization of the story
the body still must hold interest
it's the way to hold the reader on your site and the way to get them to related information
the body answers any of the remaining Ws
a question to ask - if the body gets to long, can it be broken up? (for example: subheads)
or chunking (breaking the story into parts)
key word highlighting (bolding) may aid in scanning
each remaining paragraph should be short
C. Headlines
often written after the story is written
why?
the story helps determine what is most interesting/newsworthy
the headline may be written by someone else
the headlines should be brief and contain keywords
can use subheads
usually a short one sentence blurb that expands on the headline
they should be search engine friendly
keys to a good lead:
identifying the important point(s)
short (4 - 8 words)
active verbs
clever is okay as long as it still conveys the most important point
don't mimic the lead
don't let it be misleading
don't have it differ in tone from the article
D. Graphics
can generate or add interest to the story
cutlines - photo captions
E. Links
within the text - headline/lead/nut - More...
shells - a collection of related stories linked to the main story
What tools can the online journalist use to help the reader interact with the story/stories?
1. active vs. passive voice
the subject performs the action rather than having the action performed on them
creates energy
usually uses fewer words
watch your verbs!
2. pacing
balancing "long" and short sentences
run-on vs. choppy
a key - read the story aloud
(the verbal reading may help with informality as well)
3. Transitions
shifting to the next idea
a new paragraph?
connecting what's next with what came before
(seamlessness)
dialogue - a way of alternating quotes (from different speakers)
Deadlines
"rolling"
stories can be updated at any time
may only update part of a story
how important is it to update vs. having journalists work on new stories?
what are your audiences expectations?
should a story be updated or should a follow-up be written?
a key - if a follow-up, a summary lead helps the reader get up to speed
(can't assume the reader read the original story)
After the story is written (and before when possible)
be thinking about audio, video, related stories etc.
links:
embedded?
at the end?
links to outside sites?
to archived stories?
What help is available?
Journalists are on deadline
A lot of what they write is rushed, it needs help!
Poorly written copy can turn away readers
Interactivity means readers are more likely to criticize poor writing/content
The solution?
Copy Editors
proofreading "+"
catching factual errors
looking for bias
addressing legal/ethical issues
checking for broken links
The copy editor usually does two reads
1. for mechanical errors (spelling, grammar etc.)
the AP stylebook can be helpful here
this is a word for word read
2. for larger issues
if there is no copy editor...
The copy editor may be the one writing headlines
The copy editor may repurpose print stories
length?
if shoveled from print and the original print was edited for space, do you shovel the whole story over or the edited version?
if shoveled, how can it be enhanced for online?
The copy editor may do other "+" tasks
establishing and monitoring discussion forums, online polls, other feedback/interactive areas
creating a FAQ page
making sure contact info is up to date
managing multimedia
Researching the Story
quote on p. 84 (a natural skepticism)
the abundance of the internet
finding experts
Interviewing
who?
how contact?
Interviewing
no set rules, but there are guidelines
Two key principles
1. Come prepared(know about the interviewee/subject)
2. Prepare questions ahead of time
Interviews can be "live" or "canned"
Live can generate immediacy, but can also be a problem (gives up control)
In general, interviews alone can't tell the story
What makes for a good interview?
| 1. Think of your audience |
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2. Don't let the interviewee wander too far off track
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3. Be wary of the interviewee trying to manipulate the interview |
| 4. Be aware of pacing |
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5. Set up questions logically and progressively |
6. Avoid asking yes/no questions unless essential |
7. Clash/conflict can make for good interviews |
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8. Avoid two part questions |
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| 9. Avoid obvious questions |
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| 10. Ethics are important |
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11. Be relaxed yourself |
12. Be aware that cameras, lights, mikes, etc. can disorient an interviewee |
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| 13. The reporter isn't the story |
ABOVE ALL, LISTEN!!!!! |
Features
stories that interest people
entertaining and informing
can help keep things in perspective or add depth to analysis
most news stories contain the ingredients for a feature story
features can be hard or soft news
What makes for a good feature story?
ability to find a fresh perspective
getting behind the facts to find something powerful
adding historical, cultural perspective
stressing the "why" and its consequences
tells a STORY
emotional and personal