Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Friday, March 19, 2010
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Editorial
1. What is a problem/issue that our entire student body (our school, community, country, etc.) faces today?
The problem that our school faces is the top gate being closed to students so there is a major overflow in traffic in the morning and after school
2. What is your view/position on the problem or situation?
I think the gate should be open to decrease traffic flow in the morning. If this happens it will be safer for students to drive to school in the morning and also wont need to leave a half hour early
3. What would you like to achieve with your editorial? (What is the desired result?)
To arouse the problem to higher athorities and have the gate go up like it has for the last 12 years
4. How will you persuade your audience to adopt your viewpoint as theirs? List at least 4 persuasive points.
- Safter driving
- Wont have to leave earlier to get to school
- Less time to leave school
- Get to class on time
5. How will you motivate your readership to action in your conclusion?
By showing them how much this has changed for students and how it has become dangerous to drive in the morning. And also how just because we have a new security guard doesnt mean things were bad before.
6. How will your editorial serve a public purpose?
It will show that there needs to be a change in opening the gate. Everything has been the same for twelve years so why should it change.
The problem that our school faces is the top gate being closed to students so there is a major overflow in traffic in the morning and after school
2. What is your view/position on the problem or situation?
I think the gate should be open to decrease traffic flow in the morning. If this happens it will be safer for students to drive to school in the morning and also wont need to leave a half hour early
3. What would you like to achieve with your editorial? (What is the desired result?)
To arouse the problem to higher athorities and have the gate go up like it has for the last 12 years
4. How will you persuade your audience to adopt your viewpoint as theirs? List at least 4 persuasive points.
- Safter driving
- Wont have to leave earlier to get to school
- Less time to leave school
- Get to class on time
5. How will you motivate your readership to action in your conclusion?
By showing them how much this has changed for students and how it has become dangerous to drive in the morning. And also how just because we have a new security guard doesnt mean things were bad before.
6. How will your editorial serve a public purpose?
It will show that there needs to be a change in opening the gate. Everything has been the same for twelve years so why should it change.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Rough Draft
As graduation is coming up fast for many seniors, many students are trying to figure out what they are doing after they graduate. Some students will decide to work, and many students will be choosing what college they will be attending next fall. The Chapter of High School is ending but there are many new beginnings to be started. A big part of the Chapter in my life, football, has also already come to an end.
Eastview Football has made a huge impact on me and has shaped me into the young adult I am today. I was lucky enough to be on an outstanding team my senior year and also voted to be on the Leadership Council. Our team had a Final record of 7-4 and won the section championship to cross town rival Rosemount. I cannot begin to describe how intense the game was. As a player I had a great game and ran for two touchdowns and also kicked a field goal. The entire game was going back and forth and even one of our key players, Karl Otto, was injured during the third quarter. The final score was 24-15 Eastview. The game was like war and our soldiers conquered the enemy. Everyone in the locker room after the game was going wild. Even players that I had never talked to before were yelling and screaming along with me and dancing around even if they couldn’t dance. Our team was going to state and with a lot of swag and momentum going into the game as well. Our next game was against Cretin Durum Hall in the State Quarter Finals. The team we played against had the number one recruit in the nation Seantrell Henderson. He is a massive Offensive Linemen and also played as a Defensive Linemen in some situations. This recruit was six feet and seven inches tall and weighed around 295 lbs. I remember going to shake his hand before the coin toss at the start of the game and looking up to him thinking that this is what we have to go up against. Although I wanted and tried to stay positive in the back of my head I thought how the hell are we supposed to get around or stop that? The game started and it was another battle. We once again battled back and forth. At halftime we were down and the end was looking grim. Our coaches gave us a pep talk and we came out ready to go. The first play of the second half sophomore Alex Suker had a 60 yard touchdown run. Eastview was now only down a couple of points. The game went into only a couple of minutes left and we were down by a field goal. I am also the kicker for the team and I had confidence in myself to kick at least a 45 yard field goal. Our team was marching down ready to go score when our team got call for twelve men on the field. We were now far from the first down. The coach kept calling deep pass plays and we just couldn’t connect. Our Quarter back ended up throwing an interception and Cretin got the ball and ran out the rest of the clock. The game was over. The season was over. My football career was over.
While I had started my senior year, I thought hard whether or not I was going to try to pursue my football career. This is a very hard decision that many athletes need to make. During the football season I was still unsure whether or not I would continue my career until that day. After thinking about the Cretin game and having many strong feelings for football still, I knew I could not stop playing a sport I love.
My future plans for college is either going to St. Thomas, or St. Johns to play football for great programs. Each program has its own pros and cons but as of this moment I am currently leaning towards St. Thomas University. I think that I would enjoy St. Thomas more because it is in a city and there are more things to do on the weekends. St. Johns on the other hand is a great school but it is kind of in the middle of nowhere. Football practices are also only in shells, or only in helmets and shoulder pads. I think that I would enjoy this for awhile but the reason I play football is because I love to hit and run people over. I think that the St. Thomas football program fits me better as a person than St. Johns would. I am not only deciding where I am going through football but mainly the school itself. Each school has great academics and they are both private schools. They both have great internships and each help you get many job offers right out of college. St. Johns has an outstanding graduation rate and St. Thomas’ graduation rate isn’t bad either. Both campuses are both beautiful but when it comes to my gut feeling, I just see myself being a “Tommy”. I went on an overnight visit at St. Thomas two weekends ago and had a blast meeting the staff and going around campus with a bunch of football guys. Even though I am leaning towards St. Thomas as of now I think I will easily be able to make my final decision after I go on my over night visit at St. Johns.
Another decision that I think I will have to make is whether or not I will also play lacrosse in college. I do not plan on playing college lacrosse as of now but I am looking forward to a very successful season starting in a couple of weeks. I am wondering if I will realize I can’t stop my lacrosse career as well. Whatever my decision is I know that it will be for the better and I will enjoy what I choose.
Although I will always have memories of Eastview High School Football this chapter in my life has already ended. The entire chapter of high school is coming to an ending soon and I will need to make my own college decision and starting a new chapter. I will miss many things about Eastview but I am also looking forward for college to have a whole new experience. Whether I attend St. Johns or St. Thomas I know I will pick the right school for myself and I will enjoy the new chapter of my life.
Eastview Football has made a huge impact on me and has shaped me into the young adult I am today. I was lucky enough to be on an outstanding team my senior year and also voted to be on the Leadership Council. Our team had a Final record of 7-4 and won the section championship to cross town rival Rosemount. I cannot begin to describe how intense the game was. As a player I had a great game and ran for two touchdowns and also kicked a field goal. The entire game was going back and forth and even one of our key players, Karl Otto, was injured during the third quarter. The final score was 24-15 Eastview. The game was like war and our soldiers conquered the enemy. Everyone in the locker room after the game was going wild. Even players that I had never talked to before were yelling and screaming along with me and dancing around even if they couldn’t dance. Our team was going to state and with a lot of swag and momentum going into the game as well. Our next game was against Cretin Durum Hall in the State Quarter Finals. The team we played against had the number one recruit in the nation Seantrell Henderson. He is a massive Offensive Linemen and also played as a Defensive Linemen in some situations. This recruit was six feet and seven inches tall and weighed around 295 lbs. I remember going to shake his hand before the coin toss at the start of the game and looking up to him thinking that this is what we have to go up against. Although I wanted and tried to stay positive in the back of my head I thought how the hell are we supposed to get around or stop that? The game started and it was another battle. We once again battled back and forth. At halftime we were down and the end was looking grim. Our coaches gave us a pep talk and we came out ready to go. The first play of the second half sophomore Alex Suker had a 60 yard touchdown run. Eastview was now only down a couple of points. The game went into only a couple of minutes left and we were down by a field goal. I am also the kicker for the team and I had confidence in myself to kick at least a 45 yard field goal. Our team was marching down ready to go score when our team got call for twelve men on the field. We were now far from the first down. The coach kept calling deep pass plays and we just couldn’t connect. Our Quarter back ended up throwing an interception and Cretin got the ball and ran out the rest of the clock. The game was over. The season was over. My football career was over.
While I had started my senior year, I thought hard whether or not I was going to try to pursue my football career. This is a very hard decision that many athletes need to make. During the football season I was still unsure whether or not I would continue my career until that day. After thinking about the Cretin game and having many strong feelings for football still, I knew I could not stop playing a sport I love.
My future plans for college is either going to St. Thomas, or St. Johns to play football for great programs. Each program has its own pros and cons but as of this moment I am currently leaning towards St. Thomas University. I think that I would enjoy St. Thomas more because it is in a city and there are more things to do on the weekends. St. Johns on the other hand is a great school but it is kind of in the middle of nowhere. Football practices are also only in shells, or only in helmets and shoulder pads. I think that I would enjoy this for awhile but the reason I play football is because I love to hit and run people over. I think that the St. Thomas football program fits me better as a person than St. Johns would. I am not only deciding where I am going through football but mainly the school itself. Each school has great academics and they are both private schools. They both have great internships and each help you get many job offers right out of college. St. Johns has an outstanding graduation rate and St. Thomas’ graduation rate isn’t bad either. Both campuses are both beautiful but when it comes to my gut feeling, I just see myself being a “Tommy”. I went on an overnight visit at St. Thomas two weekends ago and had a blast meeting the staff and going around campus with a bunch of football guys. Even though I am leaning towards St. Thomas as of now I think I will easily be able to make my final decision after I go on my over night visit at St. Johns.
Another decision that I think I will have to make is whether or not I will also play lacrosse in college. I do not plan on playing college lacrosse as of now but I am looking forward to a very successful season starting in a couple of weeks. I am wondering if I will realize I can’t stop my lacrosse career as well. Whatever my decision is I know that it will be for the better and I will enjoy what I choose.
Although I will always have memories of Eastview High School Football this chapter in my life has already ended. The entire chapter of high school is coming to an ending soon and I will need to make my own college decision and starting a new chapter. I will miss many things about Eastview but I am also looking forward for college to have a whole new experience. Whether I attend St. Johns or St. Thomas I know I will pick the right school for myself and I will enjoy the new chapter of my life.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Story
The Eastview Boy’s Lacrosse team is working hard to make another successful season. There are many things that the team has been doing to prepare for the upcoming season in the spring. A lot of “laxers” or lacrosse players have been getting together to build up the team chemistry. The Eastview Boy’s Lacrosse team also is competing in the lacrosse winter league at the Rosemount Dome. Eastview has two teams that are participating in the league and they are both playing well. Due to the lack of gym time and field time in Dome, some of their practices and games have been late at night. Last Saturday the 27th of February one of the lacrosse teams had a game at 11:30 p.m. When the final whistle blew the score was 10-2 Eastview and it was already almost 1:00 a.m. When I interviewed senior lacrosse Captain Alex Weckerly, I asked what are practices be like before the season. His response was “A lot of fundamentals. We will be working hard to get our stick skills good before we start putting in our more complex plays”. The team also does a lot of drills that are game like situations so when the season starts they will be prepared. I also got a chance to sit down and interview senior lacrosse Captain Justin Vossen. I asked him what the attitude is like at Captains practice. Justin’s response was “The attitude at Captains is fun but also serious. We make sure we have fun but we focus when we need to”. I also asked Justin if the team is on a workout program. Vossen’s response was “Yes, this year we are trying a new twist for working out before the season starts. Everyone is responsible for themselves to go workout when they can. Once the season will start, everyone will lift together after school before practice”. For all of you lacrosse players out, there Justin gave me one tip to become a better lacrosse player. “Have Flow. They must have long hair, the longer the better” said Captain Justin Vossen. This is also the motto for this year’s Boy’s Varsity Lacrosse team, One Flow. The Varsity team has made an appearance to state every year since it has become a varsity sport. In 2007 the team placed 4th in state. In 2008 the team placed 3rd in state. Last year the team placed 2nd in state and lost a hard fought game to the Minnetonka, State Champions. This year the team will need a lot of focus and determination in order for the team to make another outstanding run in the state tournament. The team has a tremendous amount of team chemistry in the senior class because a lot of the athletes have been playing together since early youth ages. The senior class also has a great amount of playing experience at the varsity level. There are a few seniors that have been on the team since their freshman year and a couple that have actually started the sophomore year. While I interviewed another Captain of the lacrosse team Keaton Palo, a two year starting defensemen, I asked what his favorite thing to do in lacrosse. He replied “ROG, or the Rusty Old Gate”. This is a move in which he tricks the offensive player to going to his back side. When the player is behind him his swings his six foot pole behind his back and rocks the player. The player usually will get hit by this and drop the ball because he is not prepared for being hit. The Eastview Boy’s Lacrosse Coaches are also a big help to the team. They too are expecting another great season out of the team.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Interviews for Article
*Interview from Lacrosse Captain Alex Weckerly*
What kind of things are you doing to prepare for the season?
~building up the team chemistry by getting all of the laxers together. We also have two winter league lacrosse teams that play at the Rosemount Dome.
What will practices be like before the season?
~A lot of fundamentals. We will be working hard to get our stick skills good before we start putting in our more complex plays.
How is the coaching staff?
~Great. They all have played the game and understand how to coach a team to make a great team. They are really good at making players play up to their full potential.
I hear there is a new coach coming to the team this year?
~Yes Coach Achenbach. He currently plays for the Minnesota Swarm lacrosse team and is going to be our offensive coordinator. He is planning on putting in a lot of new plays to help the team win state.
How is the outlook of the season?
~Very good. We have a lot of team chemistry and a lot of us seniors have been playing together for a long time. There is also a lot of experience in the senior class.
*Interview from Lacrosse Captain Justin Vossen*
What are Captain practices like?
~We do drills that are like game situations so when the season starts we will be prepared.
What is the attitude at Captains?
~It is fun and Serious, we make sure we are having fun but we focus when we need to.
Is the lacrosse team on a workout program?
~Yes, this year we are trying a new twist for working out. Everyone is responsible for them selves to go workout when they can. Once the season will start, everyone will lift together after school before practice.
What is the main thing that a lacrosse player can do to get better?
~Have Flow. They must have long hair, the longer the better.
What will it take to go to the State Tournament?
~Focus and Determination.
*Interview from Lacrosse Captain Keaton Palo*
Where have the Captain practices been held?
~At school in the north gym. We try to get in one practice a week whenever we can get gym time.
What is your favorite thing to do in lacrosse?
~ ROG. Rusty Old Gate
What position do you play?
~Defense
How does the Defense look this year?
~It looks good. Almost all of our defenders have already had a lot of varsity expierence and started last year.
What are you looking forward to most about the up coming season?
~At the chance of us going to the state championship and winning.
What kind of things are you doing to prepare for the season?
~building up the team chemistry by getting all of the laxers together. We also have two winter league lacrosse teams that play at the Rosemount Dome.
What will practices be like before the season?
~A lot of fundamentals. We will be working hard to get our stick skills good before we start putting in our more complex plays.
How is the coaching staff?
~Great. They all have played the game and understand how to coach a team to make a great team. They are really good at making players play up to their full potential.
I hear there is a new coach coming to the team this year?
~Yes Coach Achenbach. He currently plays for the Minnesota Swarm lacrosse team and is going to be our offensive coordinator. He is planning on putting in a lot of new plays to help the team win state.
How is the outlook of the season?
~Very good. We have a lot of team chemistry and a lot of us seniors have been playing together for a long time. There is also a lot of experience in the senior class.
*Interview from Lacrosse Captain Justin Vossen*
What are Captain practices like?
~We do drills that are like game situations so when the season starts we will be prepared.
What is the attitude at Captains?
~It is fun and Serious, we make sure we are having fun but we focus when we need to.
Is the lacrosse team on a workout program?
~Yes, this year we are trying a new twist for working out. Everyone is responsible for them selves to go workout when they can. Once the season will start, everyone will lift together after school before practice.
What is the main thing that a lacrosse player can do to get better?
~Have Flow. They must have long hair, the longer the better.
What will it take to go to the State Tournament?
~Focus and Determination.
*Interview from Lacrosse Captain Keaton Palo*
Where have the Captain practices been held?
~At school in the north gym. We try to get in one practice a week whenever we can get gym time.
What is your favorite thing to do in lacrosse?
~ ROG. Rusty Old Gate
What position do you play?
~Defense
How does the Defense look this year?
~It looks good. Almost all of our defenders have already had a lot of varsity expierence and started last year.
What are you looking forward to most about the up coming season?
~At the chance of us going to the state championship and winning.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Writing a News Story
Writing a News Story
1. What can I write about? What is news?
On the surface, defining news is a simple task. News is an account of what is happening around us. It may involve current events, new initiatives or ongoing projects or issues. But a newspaper does not only print news of the day. It also prints background analysis, opinions, and human interest stories.
Choosing what's news can be harder.
The reporter chooses stories from the flood of information and events happening in the world and in their community. Stories are normally selected because of their importance, emotion, impact, timeliness and interest. Note: all these factors do NOT have to coincide in each and every story!
2. Identify what kind of a story it is
Hard news (+/- 600 words): This is how journalists refer to news of the day. It is a chronicle of current events/incidents and is the most common news style on the front page of your typical newspaper.
It starts with a summary lead. What happened? Where? When? To/by whom? Why? (The journalist's 5 W's). It must be kept brief and simple, because the purpose of the rest of the story will be to elaborate on this lead.
Keep the writing clean and uncluttered. Most important, give the readers the information they need. If the federal government announced a new major youth initiative yesterday, that's today's hard news.
Soft news (+/-600 words): This is a term for all the news that isn't time-sensitive. Soft news includes profiles of people, programs or organizations. As we discussed earlier, the "lead" is more literary. Most of YPP's news content is soft news.
Feature (+/-1500 words): A news feature takes one step back from the headlines. It explores an issue. News features are less time-sensitive than hard news but no less newsworthy. They can be an effective way to write about complex issues too large for the terse style of a hard news item. Street kids are a perfect example. The stories of their individual lives are full of complexities which can be reflected in a longer piece.
Features are journalism's shopping center. They're full of interesting people, ideas, color, lights, action and energy. Storytelling at its height! A good feature is about the people in your community and their struggles, victories and defeats. A feature takes a certain angle (i.e. Black youth returning to church) and explores it by interviewing the people involved and drawing conclusions from that information. The writer takes an important issue of the day and explains it to the reader through comments from people involved in the story.
Hint: Remember to "balance" your story. Present the opinions of people on both sides of an issue and let the readers make their own decision on who to believe. No personal opinions are allowed. The quotes from the people you interview make up the story. You are the narrator.
Editorial: The editorial expresses an opinion. The editorial page of the newspaper lets the writer comment on issues in the news. All editorials are personal but the topics must still be relevant to the reader.
Young People's Press publishes two types of editorials:
3. Structure for your article
The structure of a news story (hard & soft news & features) is simple: a lead and the body.
The lead
One of the most important elements of news writing is the opening paragraph or two of the story. Journalists refer to this as the "lead," and its function is to summarize the story and/or to draw the reader in (depending on whether it is a "hard" or "soft" news story - See below for the difference between these two genres of news stories).
In a hard news story, the lead should be a full summary of what is to follow. It should incorporate as many of the 5 "W's" of journalism (who, what, where, when and why) as possible. (e.g. "Homeless youth marched down Yonge St. in downtown Toronto Wednesday afternoon demanding the municipal government provide emergency shelter during the winter months." - Can you identify the 5 W's in this lead?)
In a soft news story, the lead should present the subject of the story by allusion. This type of opening is somewhat literary. Like a novelist, the role of the writer is to grab the attention of the reader. (e.g. "Until four years ago, Jason W. slept in alleyways...") Once the reader is drawn in, the 5 "W's" should be incorporated into the body of the story, but not necessarily at the very top.
The body
The body of the story involves combining the opinions of the people you interview, some factual data, and a narrative which helps the story flow. A word of caution, however. In this style of writing, you are not allowed to "editorialize" (state your own opinion) in any way.
Remember:
The role of a reporter is to find out what people are thinking of an issue and to report the opinions of different stakeholders of an issue. These comments make up the bulk of the story. The narrative helps to weave the comments into a coherent whole. Hint: Stick to one particular theme throughout the story. You can put in different details but they all have to relate to the original idea of the piece. (e.g. If your story is about black youth and their relationship with the police you DO NOT want to go into details about the life of any one particular youth).
As a reporter, you are the eyes and ears for the readers. You should try to provide some visual details to bring the story to life (this is difficult if you have conducted only phone interviews, which is why face-to-face is best). You should also try to get a feel for the story. Having a feel means getting some understanding of the emotional background of the piece and the people involved in it. Try to get a sense of the characters involved and why they feel the way they do.
Okay, got it? Let's look at two examples as a way of summarizing the essentials:
Youth are banding together to start an organization. You want to show why are they doing that and the changes are they trying to make in the world. You want to say who they are and the strategies they are using.
An artist is having her first show. Why? What is it that she believes about her art? Is her artistic process rational or from the soul? What does the work look like?
4. Further tips for news writing
Finding story ideas
Keep your eyes and ears open; listen to what your friends are talking about.
Read everything you can get your hands on; get story ideas from other newspapers and magazines.
Think of a youth angle to a current news story.
Research a subject that interests you ask yourself what you would like to know more about.
Talk to people in a specific field to find out what is important to them.
Newsgathering
Begin collecting articles on your subject.
Talk to friends and associates about the subject.
Contact any agencies or associations with interest or professional knowledge in the area.
Create a list of people you want to interview; cover both sides of the story by interviewing people on both sides of the issue.
Collect government statistics and reports on the subject get old press releases or reports to use as background.
Interviewing do's and don'ts
Be polite.
Explain the ground rules of the interview to people unfamiliar with how the media works - this means that you tell them the information they give you can and will be published. If they do not want any part of what they say published, they need to tell you it is "off the record."
Tape the interview (so if anyone comes back at you, you have the proof of what was said).
Build a relationship with the person being interviewed.
Start with easy questions; end with difficult questions.
Read the body language of the person you're interviewing and if they get defensive, back away from the question you are asking and return later.
Don't attack the source.
Keep control of the interview; don't let the subject ramble or stray from the subject.
On the other hand, don't let your "opinion" of what the story should be colour the interview. Always remember that the person you are talking with knows more about the subject than you do.
Organizing the information
Gather your notes, interviews and research into a file.
Review your notes.
Look for a common theme.
Search your notes for good quotes or interesting facts.
Develop a focus.
Write the focus of the article down in two or three sentences.
Writing and editing
Remember you are the narrator, the story teller.
Don't be afraid to rewrite.
Be as clear and concise in the writing as possible.
Avoid run-on sentences.
Be direct.
Tell a good story.
Tell the reader what you think they want to know.
Always ask yourself what the story is about.
Read the story out loud; listen carefully.
1. Find a topic
2. Find an angle
3. Collect data/information
4. Conduct Interviews
5. Organize and write
6. Revise and Edit
1. What can I write about? What is news?
On the surface, defining news is a simple task. News is an account of what is happening around us. It may involve current events, new initiatives or ongoing projects or issues. But a newspaper does not only print news of the day. It also prints background analysis, opinions, and human interest stories.
Choosing what's news can be harder.
The reporter chooses stories from the flood of information and events happening in the world and in their community. Stories are normally selected because of their importance, emotion, impact, timeliness and interest. Note: all these factors do NOT have to coincide in each and every story!
2. Identify what kind of a story it is
Hard news (+/- 600 words): This is how journalists refer to news of the day. It is a chronicle of current events/incidents and is the most common news style on the front page of your typical newspaper.
It starts with a summary lead. What happened? Where? When? To/by whom? Why? (The journalist's 5 W's). It must be kept brief and simple, because the purpose of the rest of the story will be to elaborate on this lead.
Keep the writing clean and uncluttered. Most important, give the readers the information they need. If the federal government announced a new major youth initiative yesterday, that's today's hard news.
Soft news (+/-600 words): This is a term for all the news that isn't time-sensitive. Soft news includes profiles of people, programs or organizations. As we discussed earlier, the "lead" is more literary. Most of YPP's news content is soft news.
Feature (+/-1500 words): A news feature takes one step back from the headlines. It explores an issue. News features are less time-sensitive than hard news but no less newsworthy. They can be an effective way to write about complex issues too large for the terse style of a hard news item. Street kids are a perfect example. The stories of their individual lives are full of complexities which can be reflected in a longer piece.
Features are journalism's shopping center. They're full of interesting people, ideas, color, lights, action and energy. Storytelling at its height! A good feature is about the people in your community and their struggles, victories and defeats. A feature takes a certain angle (i.e. Black youth returning to church) and explores it by interviewing the people involved and drawing conclusions from that information. The writer takes an important issue of the day and explains it to the reader through comments from people involved in the story.
Hint: Remember to "balance" your story. Present the opinions of people on both sides of an issue and let the readers make their own decision on who to believe. No personal opinions are allowed. The quotes from the people you interview make up the story. You are the narrator.
Editorial: The editorial expresses an opinion. The editorial page of the newspaper lets the writer comment on issues in the news. All editorials are personal but the topics must still be relevant to the reader.
Young People's Press publishes two types of editorials:
3. Structure for your article
The structure of a news story (hard & soft news & features) is simple: a lead and the body.
The lead
One of the most important elements of news writing is the opening paragraph or two of the story. Journalists refer to this as the "lead," and its function is to summarize the story and/or to draw the reader in (depending on whether it is a "hard" or "soft" news story - See below for the difference between these two genres of news stories).
In a hard news story, the lead should be a full summary of what is to follow. It should incorporate as many of the 5 "W's" of journalism (who, what, where, when and why) as possible. (e.g. "Homeless youth marched down Yonge St. in downtown Toronto Wednesday afternoon demanding the municipal government provide emergency shelter during the winter months." - Can you identify the 5 W's in this lead?)
In a soft news story, the lead should present the subject of the story by allusion. This type of opening is somewhat literary. Like a novelist, the role of the writer is to grab the attention of the reader. (e.g. "Until four years ago, Jason W. slept in alleyways...") Once the reader is drawn in, the 5 "W's" should be incorporated into the body of the story, but not necessarily at the very top.
The body
The body of the story involves combining the opinions of the people you interview, some factual data, and a narrative which helps the story flow. A word of caution, however. In this style of writing, you are not allowed to "editorialize" (state your own opinion) in any way.
Remember:
The role of a reporter is to find out what people are thinking of an issue and to report the opinions of different stakeholders of an issue. These comments make up the bulk of the story. The narrative helps to weave the comments into a coherent whole. Hint: Stick to one particular theme throughout the story. You can put in different details but they all have to relate to the original idea of the piece. (e.g. If your story is about black youth and their relationship with the police you DO NOT want to go into details about the life of any one particular youth).
As a reporter, you are the eyes and ears for the readers. You should try to provide some visual details to bring the story to life (this is difficult if you have conducted only phone interviews, which is why face-to-face is best). You should also try to get a feel for the story. Having a feel means getting some understanding of the emotional background of the piece and the people involved in it. Try to get a sense of the characters involved and why they feel the way they do.
Okay, got it? Let's look at two examples as a way of summarizing the essentials:
Youth are banding together to start an organization. You want to show why are they doing that and the changes are they trying to make in the world. You want to say who they are and the strategies they are using.
An artist is having her first show. Why? What is it that she believes about her art? Is her artistic process rational or from the soul? What does the work look like?
4. Further tips for news writing
Finding story ideas
Keep your eyes and ears open; listen to what your friends are talking about.
Read everything you can get your hands on; get story ideas from other newspapers and magazines.
Think of a youth angle to a current news story.
Research a subject that interests you ask yourself what you would like to know more about.
Talk to people in a specific field to find out what is important to them.
Newsgathering
Begin collecting articles on your subject.
Talk to friends and associates about the subject.
Contact any agencies or associations with interest or professional knowledge in the area.
Create a list of people you want to interview; cover both sides of the story by interviewing people on both sides of the issue.
Collect government statistics and reports on the subject get old press releases or reports to use as background.
Interviewing do's and don'ts
Be polite.
Explain the ground rules of the interview to people unfamiliar with how the media works - this means that you tell them the information they give you can and will be published. If they do not want any part of what they say published, they need to tell you it is "off the record."
Tape the interview (so if anyone comes back at you, you have the proof of what was said).
Build a relationship with the person being interviewed.
Start with easy questions; end with difficult questions.
Read the body language of the person you're interviewing and if they get defensive, back away from the question you are asking and return later.
Don't attack the source.
Keep control of the interview; don't let the subject ramble or stray from the subject.
On the other hand, don't let your "opinion" of what the story should be colour the interview. Always remember that the person you are talking with knows more about the subject than you do.
Organizing the information
Gather your notes, interviews and research into a file.
Review your notes.
Look for a common theme.
Search your notes for good quotes or interesting facts.
Develop a focus.
Write the focus of the article down in two or three sentences.
Writing and editing
Remember you are the narrator, the story teller.
Don't be afraid to rewrite.
Be as clear and concise in the writing as possible.
Avoid run-on sentences.
Be direct.
Tell a good story.
Tell the reader what you think they want to know.
Always ask yourself what the story is about.
Read the story out loud; listen carefully.
1. Find a topic
2. Find an angle
3. Collect data/information
4. Conduct Interviews
5. Organize and write
6. Revise and Edit
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Law and Ethic Notes
The first Amendment
1. Press
2. Religion
3. Assembly
4. Speech
5. Petition
The Tinker Standard
-Tinker vs. Des Moines School District (1969)
-Black armbands in 1965
-Student speech cannot be censored as long as it does not "materially disrupt class work or involve substantial disorder or invasion of the rights of others."
The Fraser Standard
-Bethel School District vs. Fraser (1986)
-Inappropriate speech for class president
-Because school officials have an "interest in teaching students the boundaries of socially appropriate behavior," they can censor student speech that is vulgar or indecent, even if it does not cause a "material or substantial disruption."
Hazelwood Standard
-Hazelwood School District vs. Kuhlmeier (1988)
-Censor stories in student newspaper about teen pregnancy and divorce
-Censorship of school-sponsored student expression is permissible when school officials can show that it is "reasonably related to legitimate pedagogical concerns."
The Frederick Standard
Morse vs Frederick (June 25, 2007)
-January 2002, Olympic torch travels through town
-Principal Morse cancels school
-Senior Frederick unveils banner on the sidewalk across street which reads "Bong Hits for Jesus"
-Suspended for 10 days
Elements of Libel
What is the definition of libel?
"There is no legal justification for censoring a student's expression in the privacy of his home."
-Defamatory statement (hurts persons reputation)
-Published to at least one other person
-Concerning the plaintiff
-False statement of fact
-Made with fault
1. Press
2. Religion
3. Assembly
4. Speech
5. Petition
The Tinker Standard
-Tinker vs. Des Moines School District (1969)
-Black armbands in 1965
-Student speech cannot be censored as long as it does not "materially disrupt class work or involve substantial disorder or invasion of the rights of others."
The Fraser Standard
-Bethel School District vs. Fraser (1986)
-Inappropriate speech for class president
-Because school officials have an "interest in teaching students the boundaries of socially appropriate behavior," they can censor student speech that is vulgar or indecent, even if it does not cause a "material or substantial disruption."
Hazelwood Standard
-Hazelwood School District vs. Kuhlmeier (1988)
-Censor stories in student newspaper about teen pregnancy and divorce
-Censorship of school-sponsored student expression is permissible when school officials can show that it is "reasonably related to legitimate pedagogical concerns."
The Frederick Standard
Morse vs Frederick (June 25, 2007)
-January 2002, Olympic torch travels through town
-Principal Morse cancels school
-Senior Frederick unveils banner on the sidewalk across street which reads "Bong Hits for Jesus"
-Suspended for 10 days
Elements of Libel
What is the definition of libel?
"There is no legal justification for censoring a student's expression in the privacy of his home."
-Defamatory statement (hurts persons reputation)
-Published to at least one other person
-Concerning the plaintiff
-False statement of fact
-Made with fault
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
What is the company?
playstation
Who is the target audience:
males 18-30 year old
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
Humor
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
used quit cuts
What is the slogan/message for the company?
Live in your world play in ours
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
Yeah, it was a funny commercial
What is the company?
Budweiser
Who is the target audience:
Consume budweiser, football fans 21-65
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
Humor
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
different camera angles, replays, animals
What is the slogan/message for the company?
none used
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
Yes it got me to laugh and remember their brand name
What is the company?
Chrysler Crossfire
Who is the target audience:
adults looking to buy a car
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)
celebrity
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
different angles on the car's features
What is the slogan/message for the company?
Drive & Love
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
Yeah because the celebrity made it more intereseting
What is the company?
Pepsi
Who is the target audience:
Mr. Krebs generation
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)
celebrity
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
use transformations and good angles
What is the slogan/message for the company?
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
No because the people used in this commerical were not in my era
What is the company?
FedEx
Who is the target audience:
FedEx users
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
Humor
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
What is the slogan/message for the company?
Express
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
No i didnt get the commercial
What is the company?
Dodge
Who is the target audience:
People buying a car/truck
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
humor/action
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
dirt and mud making the
What is the slogan/message for the company?
Grab life by the horns
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
Yes because i want that truck now
What is the company?
Gatorade
Who is the target audience:
Athletes
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
Celebrity
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
Sweating Gatorade
What is the slogan/message for the company?
Is it in you?
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
Yes because i want a gatorade right now
What is the company?
Sports Center
Who is the target audience:
Males
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
Celebrity/Humor
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
quick shots for them looking for the ring
What is the slogan/message for the company?
This is Sports Center
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
Yeah because i thought it was funny
What is the company?
H&R Block
Who is the target audience:
Adults doing their taxes
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
Humor/Celebrity
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
different scenes and flashbacks
What is the slogan/message for the company?
Double check your taxes
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
kind of but it doesnt concern me as of now
What is the company?
Budlight
Who is the target audience:
People who drink beer
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
Humor
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
Shot of a cold drink and a weird clown outfit
What is the slogan/message for the company?
wont fill you up and never let you down
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
yeah it made me laugh
What is the company?
Visa
Who is the target audience:
People who use check cards
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
Celebrity/Humor
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
Camera shots low and high
What is the slogan/message for the company?
Its everywhere you want to be
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
Yes it was funny and made me consider getting a check card
playstation
Who is the target audience:
males 18-30 year old
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
Humor
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
used quit cuts
What is the slogan/message for the company?
Live in your world play in ours
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
Yeah, it was a funny commercial
What is the company?
Budweiser
Who is the target audience:
Consume budweiser, football fans 21-65
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
Humor
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
different camera angles, replays, animals
What is the slogan/message for the company?
none used
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
Yes it got me to laugh and remember their brand name
What is the company?
Chrysler Crossfire
Who is the target audience:
adults looking to buy a car
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)
celebrity
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
different angles on the car's features
What is the slogan/message for the company?
Drive & Love
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
Yeah because the celebrity made it more intereseting
What is the company?
Pepsi
Who is the target audience:
Mr. Krebs generation
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)
celebrity
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
use transformations and good angles
What is the slogan/message for the company?
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
No because the people used in this commerical were not in my era
What is the company?
FedEx
Who is the target audience:
FedEx users
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
Humor
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
What is the slogan/message for the company?
Express
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
No i didnt get the commercial
What is the company?
Dodge
Who is the target audience:
People buying a car/truck
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
humor/action
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
dirt and mud making the
What is the slogan/message for the company?
Grab life by the horns
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
Yes because i want that truck now
What is the company?
Gatorade
Who is the target audience:
Athletes
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
Celebrity
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
Sweating Gatorade
What is the slogan/message for the company?
Is it in you?
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
Yes because i want a gatorade right now
What is the company?
Sports Center
Who is the target audience:
Males
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
Celebrity/Humor
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
quick shots for them looking for the ring
What is the slogan/message for the company?
This is Sports Center
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
Yeah because i thought it was funny
What is the company?
H&R Block
Who is the target audience:
Adults doing their taxes
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
Humor/Celebrity
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
different scenes and flashbacks
What is the slogan/message for the company?
Double check your taxes
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
kind of but it doesnt concern me as of now
What is the company?
Budlight
Who is the target audience:
People who drink beer
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
Humor
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
Shot of a cold drink and a weird clown outfit
What is the slogan/message for the company?
wont fill you up and never let you down
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
yeah it made me laugh
What is the company?
Visa
Who is the target audience:
People who use check cards
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
Celebrity/Humor
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
Camera shots low and high
What is the slogan/message for the company?
Its everywhere you want to be
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
Yes it was funny and made me consider getting a check card
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Journalism notes
Definition: Current events that are news worthy that are sent out via newpaper, internet, television, ect.
Define “Journalism” in 1-3 sentences.
List and describe the six criteria of newsworthiness.
TITLE DESCRIPTION EXAMPLE
1. Significance- Somthing that effects important people- Haiti
2. Timeliness- Current events- Weather
3. Unusual- Out of the ordinary- Fires
4. Proximity- Things that are close to us- Vikings
5. Prominence- Important people- Obama
6. Human Interest- Good story- Baby dolphin born
What are the advantages of print journalism?
1. Read it when you want
2. Don't have to wait until evening news
3. Choose what you read
What are the advantages of broadcast journalism?
1. Element of Video and sound
2. Much more current (live)
3. Can easily be changed
Why has online journalism (convergent media) become so popular?
It allows you to use all of the strengths of print journalism and online journalism all at one resource.
Define “Journalism” in 1-3 sentences.
List and describe the six criteria of newsworthiness.
TITLE DESCRIPTION EXAMPLE
1. Significance- Somthing that effects important people- Haiti
2. Timeliness- Current events- Weather
3. Unusual- Out of the ordinary- Fires
4. Proximity- Things that are close to us- Vikings
5. Prominence- Important people- Obama
6. Human Interest- Good story- Baby dolphin born
What are the advantages of print journalism?
1. Read it when you want
2. Don't have to wait until evening news
3. Choose what you read
What are the advantages of broadcast journalism?
1. Element of Video and sound
2. Much more current (live)
3. Can easily be changed
Why has online journalism (convergent media) become so popular?
It allows you to use all of the strengths of print journalism and online journalism all at one resource.
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