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October 26, 2005
Reflection on In-class crime writing
I found this exercise to be very difficult for me. I think that my main problems had to do with getting all of the information written down. I tend to be a very particular person when it comes to writing; everything has to be neat, but this was not realistic with this exercise.
This exercies definitely taught me that I need to use a type of shorthand when I am gathering my information for news articles, rather than being so neat and precise.
I think that with the information that I was able to gather, my story turned out pretty well, but it definitely could have been much better if I had had the facts in front of me.
As a future teacher, I think that this exercise would be a great way to introduce students to journalism. It would teach them that they need to be short in order to get all of the information. Although it may scare most students at first, like it did to many of us college students, they would begin to understand the real meaning behind the exercise, just as we had.
Posted by AshleeLupchinsky at 09:25 PM | Comments (1)
Feature Articles
After reading Chapter 11 in The AP Guide to News Writing, I am both excited and worried about writing a feature story. Although I feel that both of my story pitches (a look at the education faculty and life outside of the dorm) are fairly well thought out, I just don't know how I am ever going to get enough information to cover six pages. I feel like I would have to repeat myself over and over to meet this requirement.
I was very happy that this chapter included three examples of feature articles because it gave me a better understanding of how the article should flow and what it should include.
Hopefully as I begin writing my article and doing my interviews, my article sounds as good as those in the book.
Posted by AshleeLupchinsky at 09:16 PM | Comments (3)
October 19, 2005
The Crime Beat
The crime beat is a place where a journalist can "make his bones," as the mob adage goes.
In this section Dave Krajicek says that the crime beat should be the best in the business for storytelling because most crime stories include a protagonist and an antagonist.
Although I enjoy this parallel, I don't think that a reporter should think of their job as fun because these events are not the fiction that we usually, but instead, they are events that are impacting the lives of the people around us.
Many people may think that "this won't happen to me," but the truth of the matter is that "this" can happen to any one of us at any given time.
As I was searching for something to write about The Crime Beat, I was looking over some peer blogs. As I read Jenna's blog on the same topic, I thought "wow that is exactly what I wanted to say." So, thank you Jenna for inspiring me to write this blog.
Another aspect of this reading that I found interesting is the amount of equipment that a crime reporter should carry with them. This "emergency bag" sounds like it would be the size of a suit case, but as Krajicek says, "reporters with a reputation for being ready to move quickly often draw plum assignments to cover breaking news out of town or out of country."
I hope that in the future as I practice the art of crime writing, I can show my creativity without hurting someone around me.
Posted by AshleeLupchinsky at 09:13 AM | Comments (3)
October 13, 2005
Obligation - Chapter 10
Principle number 10 states, "Journalists have an obligation to personal conscience."
I agree with this priciple completely. All too many times I feel that journalists are only doing their job for the money, when they should be doing it to fulfill their passions (but of course money comes in second).
I admire Carol Marin for leaving her job and switching to another station when she discovered that immoral things were going on, just so that the station would gain more ratings.
At least Marin is true to her word...on page 182 she states, "I think a journalist is someone who believes in something that they would be willing to quit over." She definitely believed in being moral while also doing her job, which thus caused her to transfer to a different station.
I am sad to say that I think that many people would not have the guts to stand up for themselves and leave their job when they discover immoral acts. The average person would just stick around and tough it out, in order to put food on the table.
Posted by AshleeLupchinsky at 10:37 PM | Comments (0)
Credibility - Chapter 9
"The key element of credibility is the perceived motive of the journalist."
This particular passive caught my eye because it both answers my questions and explains journalism in a nut shell. The quote goes on to say, "People do not expect perfection. They do expect good intentions..."
This was basically all that I needed to read to answer my churning questions about journalism. As I have said in my previous blogs, I fear not finding the appropriate sources for a given article, but now I see that as long as these sources are "credible" and know what they are talking about (pertaining to the article at hand), then I am doing my job as the reporter.
I have begun to think that I may be the only person with these churning questions and fears...does anyone else feel this way???
Posted by AshleeLupchinsky at 10:31 PM | Comments (0)
Blog Portfolio 2
I think I am actually starting to get the hang of this.
Coverage: Responses to journalism readings
Chapter 7- AP Guide to News Writing: A brief reflection on the use of "said."
Chapter 6 - Monitor Power and Offer Powerless to the Voiceless: Reflection on a quote from the reading.
Thoughts of a quarantine due to the spread of influenza: A brief reflection on an article printed in the October 11 edition of the Tribune Review.
Chapter 6 Reflection: My thoughts on the good aspects of chapter 6.
Providing a Forum - Chapter 7: Reflection of chapter 7 in The Elements of Journalism.
The Hour Glass - Chapter 8: My thoughts on the hour glass structure vs. the inverted pyramid.
Credibility - Chapter 9: A brief explanation of why it is the job of the reporter to be credible.
Obligation - Chapter 10 : Why it is a reporters OBLIGATION to stand up to immoral acts.
Depth: critical understanding
Homecoming Summary: A brief summary on my homecoming story.
Morgan Spurlock Article: Here I have my reflection from the Spurlock lecture and my article that followed.
Entertainment Writing: Here I have a brief reflection on my first try at entertainment writing, followed by my first entertainment article.
The Hour Glass - Chapter 8
Chapter 6 Reflection
Interaction: interaction with peer blogs
Chapter 6 - Monitor Power and Offer Voice to the Voiceless
Discussion: comments that evoke new insight
Super Size Me: My reflection after view Super Size Me.
Chapter 6 - Monitor Power and Offer Voice to the Voiceless
Timeliness: conversation starter
Super Size Me
Xenoblogging: helping others
Questions for Morgan Spurlock: Here there is a comment that I posted to Rachel Prichard's blog, helping her find questions to ask Morgan Spurlock.
"Speed Kills" Tribune Review 10/11/05: Here I try to encourage Jenna O'Brocto to go with her original idea for her editorial.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month!: With this comment I discuss how I can relate to Ashley Welker when it comes to breast cancer in the family.
Inspiration: the peer that inspired me.
Chapter 6- Monitor Power and Offer Voice to the Voiceless: I was inspired to write this blog after hearing a comment that Nancy Gregg made during class discussion.
Wildcard: my best blog
To all future educators...: With this blog, I have provided my peers with information on how to receive FREE resources from PHEAA.
Comments: my reflection on peer blogs
Not knowing made me unbiased, but that didn't really help: Jenna O'Brocto's reflection on her homecoming article.
Morgan Spurlock Reflection: Jason Pugh's reflection on Spurlock.
Morgan Spurlock Article: Lou Gagliardi's reflection of Morgan Spurlock.
Elements of Journalism 6-8:Katie Lambert's reflection on being a victim of journalism in her high school days.
Enjoy!
Posted by AshleeLupchinsky at 11:43 AM | Comments (1)
The Hour Glass - Chapter 8
In chapter 8 of The Elements of Journalism Kovach and Rosenstiel discuss the idea of the "Hour Glass" structure. After reading through the description of this format of writing, I began to think how it would help me with my journalism writing.
I honestly think that the hour glass format will help me more than the inverted pyramid has because it (the hour glass) just seems more realistic. With the hour glass the most important points are made first, just as they are with the inverted pyramid, but then instead of just reporting from most important to least important, it goes into narrative. Being that it goes into a narrative of the subject, I think it becomes more real to the audience because they are better able to relate to the subject.
Posted by AshleeLupchinsky at 10:42 AM | Comments (1)
Providing a Forum - Chapter 7
The sixth principle noted in The Elements of Journalism is journalism must provide a forum for public criticism and comment. Within this section Kovach and Rosenstiel say that "this forum must be for all parts of the community, not just the affluent or demographically attractive."
I found this comment to be very appropriate. As we discussed in class on Wednesday, the Tribune Review has lately been reporting less and less on the Greensburg area, which makes the news in the paper a bit difficult more many citizens to relate to. I am of course taking into account that many people aren't getting to go out of their immediate area because of busy schedules and of course because of the ever increasing gas prices.
Kovach and Rosenstiel make the point that reporters need to take this into account and that the articles printed need to be written so that the "average Joe" is able to comprehend and relate.
Finally, the second biggest point that they make in this chapter is that this forum should be based on facts, truthfulness, and verification, just like every other part of journalism. The community needs to be able to put their trust in the local news paper; trust that they are getting the facts and not just the assumptions of a lazy journalist.
Posted by AshleeLupchinsky at 10:32 AM | Comments (0)
Chapter 6 Reflection
After I read through my previous blog on Chapter 6, I felt that I had been a bit too harsh because there were some good aspects of the chapter.
One aspect that I found to be very note worthy, was the quote by reporter Susan Kelleher. Kelleher made the point that before she does any investigative reporting, she first talks to all of the sources and makes it known that they need to go on the record with their comments and that they will be checked out, in order to make the article fair.
I think that this is a great way to approach the sources for an article. These people need to know exactly what they are getting into before they say anything that could be printed. Kelleher has a very responsible outlook on the way that she approaches investigative reporting. This outlook protects both herself and her sources.
Posted by AshleeLupchinsky at 10:22 AM | Comments (0)
October 12, 2005
Thoughts of a quartine due to the spread of influenza
"Modern quarantine would break stereotypes"
Quarantine: "restricting the movement of still healthy people who may have been exposed to an infectious disease, in case they're carrying it."
As I was reading through this article in the October 11th edition of the Tribune Review, I began to think, how can the government possibly inforce a quaratine on a disease/illness that is so widespread?
After reading the article I am still not completely clear on how the government would go about enforcing this quarantine. The article states that in order to follow through with this, the military would have to get involved and in order for the military to be involved, legislation would have to be passed. I don't know about the rest of the world, but I think that this would just be close to impossible.
If a quarantine were to be put in place for a "Superflu", the government would probably restrict children from going to school and adults from going to work. Each individual state has the authority to enact a quarantine within their boundaries to keep their citizens from contracting a disease/illness.
I am still not sure that this would ever be able to be put into effect. What do you think?
Posted by AshleeLupchinsky at 09:44 AM | Comments (1)
Entertainment Writing
I decided to follow through with the optional assignment, dealing with entertainment or sports writing. I chose to attend Seton Hill's production of Fuddy Meers. As I was watching the play, I was trying to decide how I was ever going to write an article. The lights were completely off, so I couldn't see my notebook and when I tried to interview people that didn't want to speak because they just wanted to be able to see and congratulate their children and friends in the cast.
I am not sure that I have written my entertainment article in the correct form, but at least I gave it a try.
Seton Hill Theater Presents Fuddy Meers
Seton Hill University presents their first production of the semester, Fuddy Meers. Fuddy Meers, which runs from October 7 through October 15, is a comedy about a girl (Claire) with a severe, but rare case of amnesia. This amnesia causes Claire to forget everything that she learned during her day when she falls asleep at night. The play leads the audience through a day in the life of Claire as she tries to remember her family and friends, while piecing back together the details of her life before the amnesia.
Before the show began, parents were rushing to get their tickets. When asked about the production Sophomore Laura Stracko said, “It’s very funny! You follow the journey of a woman putting her personal puzzle pieces back together.” Stracko who was the Prop Mistress and member of the box office staff for this production said, “[It’s] stressful, but worth it and it’s definitely an adventure, every production is different,” she said, in reference to her job at the theater.
Senior Matt Starry, who is usually a member of the cast, has decided to take the semester off, but was still able to see a performance of Fuddy Meers. In reference to being a member of the audience rather than the cast, Starry said, “You sit there wanting to be a part of the show in any way possible. It’s just great to see the cast you know and perform with, grow and become so productive. I sit there, smile, and say [that] I am proud,” he said.
The Saturday evening performance consisted of an audience that was only filled with about 10 students, in comparison to the 30 or so adults. It seems that some students just didn’t know about the production or didn’t have time with their busy schedules to attend. Senior Erin Pitts said, “I don’t have the time because I have three kids, work part-time, go to school full-time, and coach soccer.”
Posted by AshleeLupchinsky at 09:40 AM | Comments (0)
October 11, 2005
Morgan Spurlock Article
When I started thinking about writing my Morgan Spurlock article I was a bit worried because I felt that many people would have the same angles to their stories. This was all settled after listening to the lecture. Spurlock gave students an abundance of information that they could just run with. I thought that the lecture was both entertaining and educational. Spurlock taught students and guests the importance of watching what you eat and the benefits that it will have on your health in the long run. Finally, I can't remember when the last time was that I laughed as much as I did Thursday evening; Spurlock was definitely a welcomed guest to Seton Hill University.
Below is my Morgan Spurlock article:
Anyone Can Make a Difference in the World
On October 6, 2005, Seton Hill University (SHU) invited writer, director, and producer, Morgan Spurlock to speak on campus to students, alumni, and guests. Spurlock, whose first documentary, Super Size Me, nominated for an Academy Award, spoke to students about producing his documentary and how each person can make a difference in the world.
Spurlock told the audience that the idea for Super Size Me came to him while watching television after Thanksgiving Dinner. While watching the news, there was a comment about the two girls that were suing McDonalds for making them fat. He said that he has always been a person who believes in “personal responsibility,” but after thinking about it he felt that these girls had grounds for their argument.
After being asked many questions, Spurlock ended his lecture by saying, “You have to find that thing that matters the most to you and you have to stand up for it,” in reference to how each individual can make a difference in the world.
Many students on campus felt that Spurlock was quite an inspiration. Junior Rachel Ramsey, who was chosen out of the audience by Spurlock, said, “I was excited that Spurlock knows my name. I think he is a real role model for children. In a day and age where children idolize movie starts with eating disorders and drug and alcohol addictions, Spurlock is a welcome change,” she said. After the lecture, Ramsey said that she got to speak with Spurlock one-on-one and she said, “He was genuine and down to earth. He even thanked me for being a good sport.”
Following the lecture, students were outside the lecture hall selling copies of Spurlock’s new book Don’t Eat this Book, which also could be signed by Spurlock. Senior Tim Blasko, who was waiting in line to get his new copy of Don’t Eat this Book signed, said “I find him to be very inspiring and the very little fast food that I eat now will probably diminish,” he said, in reference to why he purchased the book.
During the lecture, Spurlock answered many of the hanging questions that his guests had. Post-Baccalaureate student, Amanda Frye said that although she has never seen the movie, “Will the fast food industry make any changes due to this movie? I hate to think that he [Spurlock] went through this for nothing.”
Frye’s question was one of the major questions that many of the guests were pondering. To answer this question, Spurlock told the audience that there were many coincidences following his movie, such as the elimination of the Super Size portions, just six weeks before the movie came out. Spurlock said that his favorite “coincidence” of all was when McDonald’s stated that they wanted to make a change, so they were going to have Ronald McDonald create an exercise video for the kids. After recalling his favorite coincidence Spurlock said, “Watch the commercials, the clown never eats the food.”
Spurlock said, “start in your town, support your local farmer,” this is how one can make a difference, such as the one that Spurlock feels that he has begun to make.
Posted by AshleeLupchinsky at 09:13 PM | Comments (3)
Homecoming Summary
First of all, I have to say that reporting on the topic that I had was very difficult. My homecoming topic was the King and Queen of the Hill Pageant, which was cancelled. It was very difficult to write about something that never occurred because it was hard to get people to comment and it was hard to find out what went wrong.
Many of my sources did not want to be quoted, so I basically wrote my article based on the thoughts and reactions of the only couple and of other students on campus. Below are some of the comments that I received from students on campus:
Junior Jimmy Pirlo said, “I think it’s sad that it was cancelled because it would have been a fun way for everyone to participate in the homecoming festivities.”
Many students at SHU had mixed feelings about this pageant and the activities surrounding homecoming. Post-baccalaureate student, Matthew Gehly said, “I think that this school is becoming more and more like the average state school and by starting a football team and other extracurricular activities they are risking their reputation.”
Some individuals say that the lack of participation for this year’s pageant was due to the lack of information on campus. Sophomore Tracey Flaherty, who didn’t know much about the pageant said, “I think it’s okay that we have a homecoming dance [the decade’s dance] and all of the other events surrounding homecoming, but we shouldn’t subject ourselves to having a king and queen because we are a university, not a high school anymore.”
I definitly learned a great deal from writing this article because I found out that a lot of background research needs to be done before an event takes place, in order to make the writing process a bit easier if that event is in fact cancelled.
Posted by AshleeLupchinsky at 09:07 PM | Comments (1)
Chapter 6 - Monitor Power and Offer Voice to the Voiceless
"Journalists must serve as an independent monitor of power."
After reading this chapter (and this quote in particular), I began to reflect back on the comment that Nancy Gregg made in class about her boss at the community college.
I think that this is where journalism crosses the line. I have a huge problem with getting into people's faces and asking them questions that shouldn't be asked. I sometimes even have a problem with going up to a person and asking them their thoughts. I guess that this has to do with the fact that I am not a very forward person and that I wouldn't like it if someone came up to me and started asking me a million questions for some article.
I found myself becoming very angry in class, as Nancy was describing the interview to the class. How do reporters think that they can get away with trying to sabbotage someone's reputation with their writing? I am almost positive that most of them would not answer the questions that they are asking if the roles were reversed, so why do they do it to others, just to earn their salary and a better reputation.
I truly think that if I were ever in a situation like this, I would simply refuse to speak to the reporter.
Posted by AshleeLupchinsky at 11:02 AM | Comments (4)
To all future educators...
I just recently attended a conference at SHU that was given by PHEAA (Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency). When most people think of PHEAA, they just think about their financial aid; the loans and grants that they receive for each year. At least this is how I thought of them before I went to the conference. At this conference I found out that PHEAA provides teachers with FREE resources for their classrooms, such as quarterly planners, activity books, educational CD ROMS and CDs for the classroom, and much more. All you need to do is visit their website or call their main office and order the supplies, which will be delivered to your front door.
So anyone who wants to see what they can receive from PHEAA to help them with their teaching, just visit their website. Once you get to this website you need to follow these 5 steps:
1. Click on the counselors link under "partners"
2. Click "order materials online"
3. Complete your personal information
4. Enter the quantities of each item and click submit
5. Review all information to make sure it is correct and click submit
I hope that this will help each and every one of you with your teaching. If you have any questions feel free to ask me, I have some examples of the materials at home.
Posted by AshleeLupchinsky at 10:51 AM | Comments (1)
October 05, 2005
Chapter 7- AP Guide to News Writing
As I was writing my revision for my homecoming article, I was becoming quite bored with the use of "said." I remembered Dr. Jerz saying in class that we should only use "said" with our quotes because if we use other words it basically makes our work look too "flowery" (my own interpretation).
After reading Chapter 7, I was still a bit confused by which words I should use, but the book was able to show me the differences between many of the words that I probably would have chosen to use.
I really like how The AP Guide to News Writing gives its readers examples of what they are discussing. This is really a big help for me when I am doing my journalism writing. I like the fact that I am able to go back through the book and find answers to some of the common errors that I make.
So, after reading this chapter on "attributive verbs and loaded words," I think that I might have a clearer understanding. If any one has any suggestions of the verbs that they use in their writing, it would be very much appreciated.
Posted by AshleeLupchinsky at 12:08 PM | Comments (2)
October 04, 2005
Supersize Me
After watching Supersize Me for the first time, I was amazed at how much background research had to be done in order to create the film. The statistics that were shown were outrageous, I couldn't believe that fast food impacted one's life so drastically.
Another part of the movie that jumped out, was the numerous interviews that Morgan Spurlock did himself throughout the film. Using my new found knowledge of journalism, I was interested in the types of questions that he asked and the way that he went about asking the questions. It was funny to see that how many times he had to call the McDonalds Corporation, just to get an interview with someone (if he ever did get the interview.)
All-in-all, even though the movie was to show the effects of McDonalds, I thought that it was very educational, due to the many statistics that were shown and the effects of Spurlock's binge.
Posted by AshleeLupchinsky at 08:57 PM | Comments (7)