News Writing (Fall 2011)

Exercise 5, due Monday, is a layout project.

I’m asking you to use either the low-tech cut-and-paste route, or some kind of software, to lay out a news page (a good standard size is 11 inches wide, and 15 or 17 inches long).

• The Xerox copy center will print pages up to 11×17, but you are welcome to print your page in smaller chunks and assemble them with scissors and tape.
• You are welcome to save money and use B & W only, though you should feel free to experiment with color if you wish.
• You might use MS Word to print out each individual story with the right column width, and then use scissors and tape to arrange the columns in the proper blocks.
• You might use the multi-column feature of MS Word to lay out a tabloid-style page.
• In MS-Word, go to Format -> Document -> Page Setup -> Paper Size -> Tabloid;
• On the same screen, set the margins to 1/2 inch all around.
• The “Header” of your document (where in an MLA paper you usually put your name and page number) will expand as you add more stuff, so you can fit the name of your simulated newspaper and other information there.
• You may also use the footer, to demonstrate your knowledge of what often goes into the footer of a newspaper.
• In the body, you could use tables, columns, and Insert -> Text boxes to adjust the layout. (But remember — if this proves too cumbersome, you can still show your knowledge of page layout by using scissors and tape.)
• The MS-Word “Newspaper” template is really just a newsletter — single 8 1/2 x 11 page, so it really won’t help you on this assignment. (Besides, I don’t want you to use an out-of-the box template, I want you to explore design on your own.)
• If you have a great design idea but you’re having trouble implementing it in software, feel free to sketch your ambitious design on a separate page, and submit a less-ambitious fully laid-out page for Ex 5.
• You are welcome — but not required — to use The Setonian‘s InDesign tool. (You’ll need to speak to an editor or staff member about arranging a time to use the computers.)