Run on = Run down
I am personally guilty of run-on sentences. I like to be creative and add as much detail as possible. In English and creative writing, that is great, detail and decently long descriptive sentences are somewhat acceptable. As for news writing, chapter 4 explains "The average sentence length should be 16-17 words. Therefore having a sentence longer than 20 words in a news article may either lose the reader's attention, contain redundant information that can be said in fewer words, or if they're reading aloud, possibly cause shortness or even loss of breath ultimately leading to a blackout or unconsciousness. <--48 words, over half the size of what a sentence SHOULD be in a news article. The period is always a solution.
"Therefore, having a sentence longer than 20 words in a news article may lose the reader's attention." <--15 words
"It may contain redundant information which can be said in fewer words." <--12 words
Long sentences may even lead to blackouts (Haha joke) <--7 words
Three sentences in 37 words rather than one sentence in 48 words.
Periods and puncuation can eliminate run-ons as well as wordiness. It's a win-win situation.
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Comments
GREAT COMMENT! I can relate to you on both aspects, because I try to cram as much into a sentence as humanly possible. I thought that the paragraph about visualizing was so helpful, becuase it taught you have to be creative while still keeping your journalese. These chapters highlighted a great deal of useful information, and I think you picked out some of the most important aspects!
Posted by: Stephanie Wytovich | September 20, 2007 11:24 PM
I can def. relate to the (I'm guilty of run-on sentences) point that you make. I do that way to much too, and for the same reasons.
Posted by: ChelseaOliver | September 21, 2007 2:03 AM