Response to "Journalism Online" ch. 3-4
Chapter three describes the elements of news gathering. It explains that the four steps are:
1. Finding Information
2. Finding People
3. Checking Information
4. Analysing Information
These, although simple, are good guidelines to follow. Although they seem very straightforward, it is not always easy to determine and write the story. One must also be extremely careful as to where they are receiving their information. If it is from another online source, than the reporter must be sure that the source is justifibale and accurate. The text also explains how to use search engines to determine information.
The fourth chapter goes more in depth on how to search online for research. It briefly discusses email, however the book rightly explains to think carefully before sending any email, as the content may not be read by your eyes alone.
Response to "Journalism Online" chapter one and two
Chapter one begins by explaining some of the major changes in journalism. Now that much is posted online, it is more centered around the readers. The readers can determine what they want to read, what they don't, and who they want to receive information from. From online sources, a reader can see text, visual, or listen to auditory commentary.
Online journalism is also quick and easy. It is convinient for people to click to what they want to read, rather than buy a paper and delve through its content for an area of thier interest. It is also more convinient than television or radio, as there are no commercial interuptions, and again, the reader can quickly find what they want to read, and not have to wait for a short clip to be broadcasted.
Another key point is that readers can use hyperlinks to learn additional informaiton on a particular subject, which is useful since traditional news stories do not always cover a story in depth.
In chapter two describes the difficulities of news writing. It is not simply click and post, but rather, research, learn, write, and present the material to the audience in a manner that will attract thier attention. I think that that is a good way to look at it. Although I have never written for the internet before, it makes perfect sense. The book goes into detail on how to do this.
Basically, the chapter mentions a lot about presentation. It is extremely important to capture the readers attention, but also etxtremely difficult, as there are many news sources competing to reach the reader. It is important to have direct news, that is to the point, with the most important facts first. Then, after writing, the creator should create some type of showcase for the material, that is not too showy, but does attract the reader.
Page 162, Exercise 9 (News Reporting and Writing).
Article One: "At U.N., Bush Stands Firm on Iraq, but Also Asks for Help" (NY Times)
Article Two: "Bush Seeks U.N. Help in Iraq" (CNN)
Similiar:
* Both focused around the fact that Bush asked for the U.N.'s help in financial matters with Iraq.
* Both noted that the President of France, Jacques Chirac, critisized the U.S.'s invasion in Iraq.
* Both noted that the U.N., although not completely against Bush's requests, were not all for it either.
Different:
* The New York Times article, although not directly, had a definite attitude against President Bush.
* The CNN article, although not exactly for Bush either, did not seem to have such an obvious dislike for him.
Page 162, Exercises 8 (News Reporting and Writing).
Page 162 Exercise 8
a.) "ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 22 — Utility companies made major strides to restore power today in parts of Maryland and Northern Virginia, but severe damage sharply slowed work in southern Virginia and North Carolina, where more than 700,000 homes and businesses remained dark for yet another day."
Who- Citizens and utility companies
What- Long-range power outages
Where- Alexandria, Virginia (also concerning: Maryland, Northern Virginia, and North Carolina)
When- Monday, September 22, 2003
Why- Hurricane Isabelle caused power outages
- Delayed-Identification Lead
Dao, James. "Frustration Grows as Storm Blackouts Persist." New York
Times23 Sep. 2003.
b.) "Plans for a new Cleveland convention center, declared dead last month, are getting new life. Business leaders, miffed when talk of a new center collapsed, have hatched another plan to drum up hundreds of millions of dollars: raise Cuyahoga County's tax on hotel stays and ask voters to pass a new tax on restaurant meals. They hope to place the issue on the ballot as early as March 2004."
Who- Business Leaders and citizens of Cuyahoga County/Cleveland
What- Plans to revive the building of a new convention center.
Where- Cleveland, OH
When- March 2004
Why- Cleveland citizens have constantly been debating on whether or not they should pay higher taxes in order to build a new convention center.
How- By raising Cuyahoga County’s tax on hotel stays and asking voters to pass a new tax on restaurant meals.
- Immediate-Identifcation Lead
Mazzolini, Joan and Tobin, Mike. "Here Comes a New Convention-Hall Pitch."
Plain Dealer 23 Sep. 2003.
c.) "Columbus -Ohio residents who are 60 and older, regardless of income, will soon be mailed a Golden Buckeye Card that supporters say will shave up to 30 percent off the price of prescription drugs.
Who- Ohio residents who are 60 and older
What- will receive a Golden Buckeye Card that will save them a percent off prescription drugs."
Where- Ohio
When- “soon”
Why- The cards enable Gov. Bob Taft to meet his campaign pledge to help seniors with the rising cost of prescription drugs.
How-The Golden Buckeye Card that they receive could save them up to 30% off the price of prescription drugs.
- Delayed-Identification Lead
Theis, Sandy. "Golden Buckeye Cards to Offer Drug Discount." Plain
Dealer 23 Sep. 2003.
d.) "BOSTON, Sept. 22 — Bucking the national pattern of efforts by states and juries to rein in the use of the death penalty, Gov. Mitt Romney of Massachusetts said today that he had assembled a panel of experts to help him develop a law that would institute capital punishment in Massachusetts."
Who- Governor Mitt Romney and “panel of experts”
What- Will try to develop a law to institute capital punishment in Massachusetts
Where- Massachusetts
When- Monday, September 22, 2003
Why- Because some, like Governor Romney, believe that the death penalty is a just sentence.
How- Governor Romney and the panel of experts will assemble to try and create a law in which only the truly guilty can be sentenced to death.
Belluck, Pam. "Push in Massachusetts for a Death Penalty." New York
Times 23 Sep. 2003.
e.) "Parma - Police are investigating whether on-duty officers used their cruisers to give free taxi service to a sergeant on paid medical leave.
The criminal investigation focuses on Sgt. Don McNea, said Capt. Wayne Schmigel, who turned the case over to detectives."
Who- Sergeant Don McNea and suspected police officers
What- Suspected of being given free rides in police cruisers while on sick leave
Where- Parma, OH
When- From May 2003 to present
Why- Sergeant McNea is said to have been given rides by eight Parma officers while on sick leave, along with many other bad reports in his crime-fighting career.
- Delayed-Identification Leads
Wagner, Joseph. "Police Try to Determine if Sick Officer Got Rides." Plain
Dealer 23 Sep. 2003.
f.) “WASHINGTON (AP) -- America Online and federal regulators have settled charges of unfair practices. The Federal Trade Commission had accused AOL of continuing to charge customers who had asked to be canceled. Meanwhile, the company's Compuserve subsidiary was charged for failing to deliver promised rebates.”
Who- America Online (AOL) vs. Federal Regulators
What- AOL charged regular billing to customers who had asked to be canceled, and did not pay rebates that they were promised to
Where- Washington
When- Tuesday, September 23, 2003
Why- AOL keep their profits flourishing, even if their customers were decreasing
How- AOL customer service representatives tried to persuade customers to keep AOL, and therefore billed them regularly, whether the customers wished to stay, or not.
-Summary Lead
AP "AOL Settles Charges of Unfair Practices." New York Times
23 Sep. 2003.
Ok, so I think that I got the hang of blogging. . . now all that I need is a theme!
Suprisingly, I have been enjoying this weblog. I was a little skeptical at first, because computers usually have a tendency to frustrate and intemidate me. However, now that I know what I am doing (I hope!) I find that enjoy updating my weblog. Although, I do enjoy reading comments more, so please leave a message! :)
However, I still find myself at a blank when I try to think of a theme for my weblog. My major is going through changes, and my interests are very scattered. However, I suppose that does not matter when blogging.
I have been viewing other people's weblogs, and I must say that I am extremely impressed. Everyone has found such interesting events to blog about, and it is comforting to see the support from peers by their comments. However, I really liked Diana's weblog, A Storybook of Quotes. I thought that it was very imaginative, and extremely conversational. Good job!
Hopefully, my site will have some type of a theme soon. I just wanted to give you a head's up in case you were looking for a connection between my entries. *This site is still under construction.*
In a reading for the course, The Writing of Poetry, a reading was assigned that included the anonymous poem, Papa's Letter.
In chapter two of Western Wind, the required text for EL233, The Practice of Poetry, the topic discussed is emotions. The book explains that a writer/reader can neither be too sensitive nor too insensitive. The book gives many examples of each, as well as well-balanced poems.
One of the poems that is depicted as too sensitive is the anonymous poem, Papa's Letter. I have never heard of this poem before this assignment, however, I thought that it was an excellent poem. Now perhaps I am condemning myself as an over-sensitive "poet," but I think that the text did not give this poem the credit that it deserves.
Papa's Letter
I was sitting in my study,
Writing letters when I heard
"Please dear mama, Mary told me
Mama mustn't be disturbed.
"But I's tired of the kitty;
Want some ozzer fing to do.
Writing letters, is ou mama?
Tan't I wite a letter too?"
"Not now, darling, mama's busy;
Run and play with kitty, now."
"No, no mama, me wite letter;
Tan, if 'ou will show me how."
I would paint my darling's portrait
As his sweet eyes searched my face.
Hair of gold, eyes of azure,
Form of childish, witching grace.
But the eager face was clouded,
As I slowly shook my head,
Till I said: "I'll make a letter
Of you, darling boy, instead."
So I parted back the tresses
From his forehead high and white,
And a stamp in sport I pasted
'Mid its waves of golden light.
Then I said, "Now, little letter,
Go away and bear good news."
And I smiled as down the staircase
Clattered loud the little shoes.
Down the street the baby hastened
Till he reached the office door.
"I'se a letter, Mr. Postman;
Is there room for any more?
'Cause dis' letter's doin to papa,
Papa lives with God, 'ou know,
Mama sent me for a letter,
Do 'ou fink at I tan go?"
But the clerk in wonder answered,
"Not today, my little man."
"Den I'll find anozzer office,
'Cause I must go if I tan."
Suddenly the crowd was parted,
People fled to left, to right,
As a pair of maddened horses
At the moment dashed in sight.
No one saw the baby figure-
No one saw the golden hair,
Till a voice of frightened sweetness
Rang out on the autumn air.
'Twas too late-a moment only
Stood the beauteous vision there,
Then the little face lay lifeless
Covered o'er with golden hair.
Rev'rently they raised my darling,
Brushed away the curls of gold,
Saw the stamp upon his forehead
Growing now so icy cold.
Not a mark the face disfigured,
Showing where the hoof had trod;
But the little life had ended-
Papa's letter was with God.
Anonymous, Nineteenth Century
Exercises 1-4 (Pages 161-162) News Reporting and Writing
1. Who- The United Jewish Appeal
What- Is sponsoring its first walkathon
Where- Springfield
When- This morning
Why- To raise money for The Soup Kitchen
2. The fourth version (d.) answers the most of the basic questions to all stories.
Who- Funeral Homes (Funeral Home directors)
What- A federal regulation goes into effect
When-Monday
How- Funeral Homes must provide a list of services and fees before a person agrees to any arrangements.
3. a.) What began 12 years ago with a federal staff investigation and led to hearings and a court fight culminates today with a Federal Trade Commission rule to prevent funeral homes from ripping-off clients like you.
c.) A new disclosure law going into effect today will make it easier for you to determine the cost of a funeral.
I think in an instance such as this, the “you” lead works because although the content is on a national level, it affects everyone. Also, it is common knowledge that funerals are extremely expensive, and therefore this material should really capture the readers’ attention in order to inform them of the new regulation, and by addressing the second person, “you,” the reader will most likely read this article more-so than if it was written as a traditional third person.
4. On Tuesday, a nuclear weapon with a yield equivalent to 150,000 tons of TNT detonated 40 miles from a meeting of pacifists and 2,000 feet beneath the surface of Pahute Mesa in the Nevada desert to test the weapon, Department of Energy officials said. 450 physicians and peace activists were gathered to protest continued nuclear testing by the United States.
I thought that the reading assigned for EL227 (The Practice of Journalism) was very interesting. The book went through many different types of styles used for distributing information in a news entry. Some examples given were, the inverted pyramid, writing the lead, "you" leads, immediate-identification lead, delayed-identification lead, summary lead, and sidebars.
Although this may seem very basic, that is was intrigued me. I have never written for any type of news source before this course. However, it seemed relatively simple; find the basic facts (who, what, where, when, why and how) and briefly relate them to the readers. But as trial and error proved, it is not so simple after all. I liked how each term was explained simply, and many examples were given. I learned a lot from only 20 pages.
Ok, here is a stupid question for you: what is the difference between a weblog and a message board? From what I can gather, a weblog is more personal, and sort of like a journal. A message board, is a community of people w/ similair interests that use the internet to generate discussions on proposed topics. Again, this is my educated guess as to the difference, please correct me if I am wrong.
However, although I have noticed weblogs to include a greater variety of discussion topics, like message boards, it also should have a theme. (Mine is in the process of being created). But what is the significant difference b/w them? There is probably an obvious difference right in front of my face, but any calirification would be greatly appreciated!
Hey, thanks for checking out my new blogging experience. I am a first time blogger, but I am excited to learn this "tool of the trade." If anyone has any suggestions or comments about blogging, please let me know. I would really appreciate any feedback!
There are so many weblogs posted on the Internet, and each has such a variety of material to present, that I had some difficulty choosing a site to reflect upon.
There are so many weblogs posted on the Internet, and each has such a variety of material to present, that I had some difficulty choosing a site to reflect upon. However, I eventually searched on www.google.com under the keywords “education” weblogs.
Under that search I found approximately 273,000 hits. However, the first website offered a brief abstract as to its content. It was an Education website that explained the need for technology such as weblogging for courses like American Literature (http://www.weblogg-ed.com/).
I myself am extremely interested in literature, and have previously taken education courses. So after scanning the website, I found a couple entries that interested me.
A new teacher that was inexperienced at weblogging posted one such entry. I can easily relate to this entry, as I have very little knowledge in weblogs, and I am familiar with the increasing demand for technology in classrooms. Also, one “blogger” posted a “quote of the day” on the site that really made me appreciate weblogging a little more.
"We live in a world that denigrates thinking. With blogs you can surround yourself with those who revel in it. It's a gift economy where the gifts are thoughts, ideas, and perspectives that can widen your horizons if you're willing to accept the gifts as they appear on the threshold of your aggregator."
I really liked this quote because I believe that there is a lot that can be said and learned from every person, and if people would just take the time to listen as well as make their own opinions known, I think that people’s perceptions in certain areas could improve greatly.