Monday, August 23, 2010

A Brutal Mental Block !

Every writer has to encounter the so notorious writer's block during the process of his writing career. The reasons could be different in each individual case.

Similarly, I am also facing an unmanageable block that I have termed as 'Brutal Mental Block' since I, along with the whole Pakistani nation and the rest of the world, watched the following video that first went on air 4 days after the unbelievable tortured killing of two young boys.

I have seen HD graphic videos on Facebook that I don't like to post here for apparent reasons.

This is a deliberately selected low definition video of the brutal, gruesome, ruthless, barbaric and inhumanely tortured killing of two innocent teenager brothers by the mad crowd of beasts in Sialkot, Pakistan on Sunday, 15th of August, 2010, on the forged accusation of dacoity.

And the only reason for posting it here is merely to let the respectable visitors of my blog realize my state of mind after watching these videos.

I seek your pardon for not being able to write or post anything for the last few days and most probably may not be able to do so for another couple of days until I completely get out of the shock.

Please bear with me.

God bless you all and fill every moment of your life with His special blessings.

No comments:

ADVICE FOR STUDENTS INTERESTED IN A CAREER IN JOURNALISM

Bill Kovach, Senior Counselor of the Project for Excellence in Journalism

A curious mind and a broad liberal arts education are by far the best qualifications for a career in journalism.

The best foundation begins with an undergraduate liberal arts education that exposes you to a wide range of disciplines of study and helps you supplement your native curiosity with a habit of critical thinking. Whatever course of study you follow, be sure to include a strong foundation in ethics. Then consider study at a university that offers a graduate degree in journalism.

You can begin to develop your skill in the "craft" of journalism by working on a college newspaper or radio station; a television station that features a college report; or working as a college correspondent for a local, regional or national news organization. As for experience while still in school and immediately after graduation, think about immersing yourself in a local experience. Working in a community in which you must look the people in the eye about whom you report before and AFTER you have reported on them can provide very important lessons.

And, throughout all this, read. Read everything you can, including classics in fiction that can help you begin to understand human nature and the human condition. Develop a habit of critically following the work of other journalists and find models for your own work.

Good luck.

Source : http://www.journalism.org/resources/advice_to_students

Journalism Quotes

It was while making newspaper deliveries, trying to miss the bushes and hit the porch, that I first learned the importance of accuracy in journalism. - Charles Osgood

Trying to determine what is going on in the world by reading newspapers is like trying to tell the time by watching the second hand of a clock. - Ben Hecht

The flood of print has turned reading into a process of gulping rather than savoring. - Warren Chappell

Journalists aren't supposed to praise things. It's a violation of work rules almost as serious as buying drinks with our own money or absolving the CIA of something. - P.J. O'Rourke

The man who reads nothing at all is better educated than the man who reads nothing but newspapers. - Thomas Jefferson

Journalism is literature in a hurry. - Matthew Arnold

OBSESSION!

I started blogging when my own personal integrity, sanity and survival was literally at stake. I was battling hard with the most devastating and murdering negative emotion; the suicidal depression. Beside other actions that I successfully took to fight back, I was struck by the idea of learning blogging and since then this most mind-engaging activity (at least for me) has pushed back my prior obsession 'Photography' to a secondary slot.

The sole purpose of creating this latest one is to facilitate the students and newbies of journalism in learning and polishing their skills of the art of writing articles, blog posts and editorials, by collecting and posting here Editorials, Editorial Page Articles, Columns and Newspaper Blog Posts on diversified topics initially from a few selected worldwide newspapers, magazines and journals.

I am sanguine that all the concerning visitors would certainly help me improve the quality of this blog by suggesting other important media blogs and websites of global interest and essence.

God bless our world with lasting peace, harmony and brotherhood, health, happiness and prosperity for all. Amen!

AdamXaad : theeditorials@gmail.com

Materialize The Passing Moment

August 10, 2010

I have been trying to induce, persuade and motivate some of my younger friends, for the last fifteen years, to explore their inner grounds, find the seeds of writing passion and tap their potential of writing in English. Writing anything, short stories, novels, articles/essays for newspapers, magazine and lately writing on internet.

To my chagrin, none demonstrated the courage to accept the challenge. Today, I do admit that, in actual fact, it is me who utterly failed to break the shackles of self imposed compulsions and unleash a great writer, contained somewhere deep inside. I pursued others to help them discovering their talents and abilities while my own passions and obsessions suffered heavily.

Admitting my failure has also shown me a thin beam of hope that I may one day discover the writer that I myself buried under heavy debris of my shattered dreams.

The genetic default of having a flair for writing, creativity and expressing my true emotions is an undeniable truth. Then why I ignored or deceived myself by mis-perceiving that writing is not for me? It is an unpardonable sin for which I am sternly admonishing myself. And I have my own way of doing this.

In addition to various other abandoned blogs, I also created some with purpose that need to be updated regularly and the task is like squeezing the lemon to eke out even the last smallest remaining drop of its sour and acidic juice. That's the price I have to pay for all the complacence, lethargy, procrastination and self-deception.

My dear younger friends, please try to avoid the circumstances that I have been through and don't waste your valuable time in futile activities.

Take full advantage of the passing moment, for it is the only opportunity that you have to avail. Past is gone, future is unknown. Only the passing moment is what you have to manipulate and utilize to your own advantage.

To fulfill your dreams and to achieve your goals, materialize this passing moment using every unit of your intellectual, spiritual and physical energies. Wishing you all the best in the process of moving towards your destiny.

Think big, act intrepidly!

Saalik Siddikki

Principles of Journalism

In 1997, an organization then administered by PEJ, the Committee of Concerned Journalists, began a national conversation among citizens and news people to identify and clarify the principles that underlie journalism. After four years of research, including 20 public forums around the country, a reading of journalism history, a national survey of journalists, and more, the group released a Statement of Shared Purpose that identified nine principles. These became the basis for The Elements of Journalism, the book by PEJ Director Tom Rosenstiel and CCJ Chairman and PEJ Senior Counselor Bill Kovach. Here are those principles, as outlined in the original Statement of Shared Purpose.

A STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

After extended examination by journalists themselves of the character of journalism at the end of the twentieth century, we offer this common understanding of what defines our work. The central purpose of journalism is to provide citizens with accurate and reliable information they need to function in a free society.

This encompasses myriad roles--helping define community, creating common language and common knowledge, identifying a community's goals, heros and villains, and pushing people beyond complacency. This purpose also involves other requirements, such as being entertaining, serving as watchdog and offering voice to the voiceless.

Over time journalists have developed nine core principles to meet the task. They comprise what might be described as the theory of journalism:

1. JOURNALISM'S FIRST OBLIGATION IS TO THE TRUTH

Democracy depends on citizens having reliable, accurate facts put in a meaningful context. Journalism does not pursue truth in an absolute or philosophical sense, but it can--and must--pursue it in a practical sense. This "journalistic truth" is a process that begins with the professional discipline of assembling and verifying facts. Then journalists try to convey a fair and reliable account of their meaning, valid for now, subject to further investigation. Journalists should be as transparent as possible about sources and methods so audiences can make their own assessment of the information. Even in a world of expanding voices, accuracy is the foundation upon which everything else is built--context, interpretation, comment, criticism, analysis and debate. The truth, over time, emerges from this forum. As citizens encounter an ever greater flow of data, they have more need--not less--for identifiable sources dedicated to verifying that information and putting it in context.

2. ITS FIRST LOYALTY IS TO CITIZENS

While news organizations answer to many constituencies, including advertisers and shareholders, the journalists in those organizations must maintain allegiance to citizens and the larger public interest above any other if they are to provide the news without fear or favor. This commitment to citizens first is the basis of a news organization's credibility, the implied covenant that tells the audience the coverage is not slanted for friends or advertisers. Commitment to citizens also means journalism should present a representative picture of all constituent groups in society. Ignoring certain citizens has the effect of disenfranchising them. The theory underlying the modern news industry has been the belief that credibility builds a broad and loyal audience, and that economic success follows in turn. In that regard, the business people in a news organization also must nurture--not exploit--their allegiance to the audience ahead of other considerations.

3. ITS ESSENCE IS A DISCIPLINE OF VERIFICATION

Journalists rely on a professional discipline for verifying information. When the concept of objectivity originally evolved, it did not imply that journalists are free of bias. It called, rather, for a consistent method of testing information--a transparent approach to evidence--precisely so that personal and cultural biases would not undermine the accuracy of their work. The method is objective, not the journalist. Seeking out multiple witnesses, disclosing as much as possible about sources, or asking various sides for comment, all signal such standards. This discipline of verification is what separates journalism from other modes of communication, such as propaganda, fiction or entertainment. But the need for professional method is not always fully recognized or refined. While journalism has developed various techniques for determining facts, for instance, it has done less to develop a system for testing the reliability of journalistic interpretation.

4. ITS PRACTITIONERS MUST MAINTAIN AN INDEPENDENCE FROM THOSE THEY COVER

Independence is an underlying requirement of journalism, a cornerstone of its reliability. Independence of spirit and mind, rather than neutrality, is the principle journalists must keep in focus. While editorialists and commentators are not neutral, the source of their credibility is still their accuracy, intellectual fairness and ability to inform--not their devotion to a certain group or outcome. In our independence, however, we must avoid any tendency to stray into arrogance, elitism, isolation or nihilism.

5. IT MUST SERVE AS AN INDEPENDENT MONITOR OF POWER

Journalism has an unusual capacity to serve as watchdog over those whose power and position most affect citizens. The Founders recognized this to be a rampart against despotism when they ensured an independent press; courts have affirmed it; citizens rely on it. As journalists, we have an obligation to protect this watchdog freedom by not demeaning it in frivolous use or exploiting it for commercial gain.

6. IT MUST PROVIDE A FORUM FOR PUBLIC CRITICISM AND COMPROMISE

The news media are the common carriers of public discussion, and this responsibility forms a basis for our special privileges. This discussion serves society best when it is informed by facts rather than prejudice and supposition. It also should strive to fairly represent the varied viewpoints and interests in society, and to place them in context rather than highlight only the conflicting fringes of debate. Accuracy and truthfulness require that as framers of the public discussion we not neglect the points of common ground where problem solving occurs.

7. IT MUST STRIVE TO MAKE THE SIGNIFICANT INTERESTING AND RELEVANT

Journalism is storytelling with a purpose. It should do more than gather an audience or catalogue the important. For its own survival, it must balance what readers know they want with what they cannot anticipate but need. In short, it must strive to make the significant interesting and relevant. The effectiveness of a piece of journalism is measured both by how much a work engages its audience and enlightens it. This means journalists must continually ask what information has most value to citizens and in what form. While journalism should reach beyond such topics as government and public safety, a journalism overwhelmed by trivia and false significance ultimately engenders a trivial society.

8. IT MUST KEEP THE NEWS COMPREHENSIVE AND PROPORTIONAL

Keeping news in proportion and not leaving important things out are also cornerstones of truthfulness. Journalism is a form of cartography: it creates a map for citizens to navigate society. Inflating events for sensation, neglecting others, stereotyping or being disproportionately negative all make a less reliable map. The map also should include news of all our communities, not just those with attractive demographics. This is best achieved by newsrooms with a diversity of backgrounds and perspectives. The map is only an analogy; proportion and comprehensiveness are subjective, yet their elusiveness does not lessen their significance.

9. ITS PRACTITIONERS MUST BE ALLOWED TO EXERCISE THEIR PERSONAL CONSCIENCE

Every journalist must have a personal sense of ethics and responsibility--a moral compass. Each of us must be willing, if fairness and accuracy require, to voice differences with our colleagues, whether in the newsroom or the executive suite. News organizations do well to nurture this independence by encouraging individuals to speak their minds. This stimulates the intellectual diversity necessary to understand and accurately cover an increasingly diverse society. It is this diversity of minds and voices, not just numbers, that matters.

Source : http://www.journalism.org/resources/principles

Yellow Journalism

Yellow journalism, in short, is biased opinion masquerading as objective fact. Moreover, the practice of yellow journalism involved sensationalism, distorted stories, and misleading images for the sole purpose of boosting newspaper sales and exciting public opinion. It was particularly indicative of two papers founded and popularized in the late 19th century- The New York World, run by Joseph Pulitzer and The New York Journal, run by William Randolph Hearst.

It all started, some historians believe, with the onset of the rapid industrialization that was happening all around the world. The Industrial Revolution eventually affected the newspaper industry, allowing newspapers access to machines that could easily print thousands of papers in a single night. This is believed to have brought into play one of the most important characteristics of yellow journalism - the endless drive for circulation. And unfortunately, the publisher's greed was very often put before ethics.

Although the actual practice of what would later become known as yellow journalism came into being during a more extended time period (between 1880-1890), the term was first coined based on a series of occurrences in and following the year of 1895. This was the year in which Hearst purchased the New York Journal, quickly becoming a key rival of Pulitzer's. The term was derived, through a series of peculiar circumstances, from a cartoon by the famous 19th century cartoonist, Robert Outcault called "The Yellow Kid".

The cartoon was first published in The World, until Hearst hired him away to produce the strip in his newspaper. Pulitzer then hired another artist to produce the same strip in his newspaper. This comic strip happened to use a new special, non-smear yellow ink, and because of the significance of the comic strip, the term "yellow journalism" was coined by critics.

Sadly though, this period of sensationalist news delivery (where the so-called yellow press routinely outsold the more honest, truthful, unbiased newspapers) does stand out as a particularly dark era in journalistic history. The demand of the United States people for absolutely free press allowed such aforementioned newspapers, which often appealed to the shorter attention spans and interests of the lower class, to print whatever they so desired. This means that they could easily steal a headline and story directly from another paper, or simply fabricate a story to fit their particular agenda.

One of the more disturbing features involved with the former practice of yellow journalism, and the period in which it was most active in is that there is no definite line between this period of yellow journalism and the period afterwards. There only exists evidence that such practices were frowned upon by the general public - by 1910, circulation had dropped off very rapidly for such papers. But regardless, does this mean that yellow journalism simply faded away, never to return? Or did it absorb itself into the very heart of our newspapers, where it will remain forever? One thing is for certain - after the late 1800s, newspapers changed drastically, and still show no sign of changing back. The modernly present newspaper appearances of catchy headlines, humorous comic strips, special interest sections, intrusive investigative reporting, et cetera serve as a constant reminder that one must always stay skeptical when examining our news sources.

What is the remedy to yellow journalism? Simply double- and triple-checking one's sources and reading between the lines. If one disregards the obvious marketing that is used to hook readers, newspapers may actually prove to be reliable sources of information.

Source : http://library.thinkquest.org/C0111500/spanamer/yellow.htm

What is Tea Party Movement

The Tea Party is a grassroots movement that calls awareness to any issue that challenges the security, sovereignty, or domestic tranquility of our beloved nation, the United States of America.

From our founding, the Tea Party is the voice of the true owners of the United States, WE THE PEOPLE.

Many claim to be the founders of this movement — however, it was the brave souls of the men and women in 1773, known today as the Boston Tea Party, who dared defy the greatest military might on earth.

We are the beneficiaries of their courage. By joining the Tea Party, you are taking a stand for our nation. You will be upholding the grand principles set forth in the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights.

About our founder, Dale Robertson

Dale Robertson enlisted in the Marines, went through boot-camp and was offered an outstanding opportunity and a life career as a Lieutenant in the Navy which he accepted. He is a decorated career military man who served his nation for over 22 years. Dale Robertson was an outstanding officer in the nuclear program and is now enjoying his military pension.

Non-negotiable core beliefs

Illegal Aliens Are Here illegally.
Pro-Domestic Employment Is Indispensable.
Stronger Military Is Essential.
Special Interests Eliminated.
Gun Ownership Is Sacred.
Government Must Be Downsized.
National Budget Must Be Balanced.
Deficit Spending Will End.
Bail-out And Stimulus Plans Are Illegal.
Reduce Personal Income Taxes A Must.
Reduce Business Income Taxes Is Mandatory.
Political Offices Available To Average Citizens.
Intrusive Government Stopped.
English As Core Language Is Required.
Traditional Family Values Are Encouraged.

Common Sense Constitutional
Conservative Self-Governance

A word from our founder

"Remember Our Heroes, Freedom Isn't Free."

Dale Robertson is a man of courage and conviction, a rare commodity in today's topsy-turvy world. Dale, is the Founder of the modern day Tea Party and also President ofTeaParty.org

Dale Robertson, a public speaker, a family man with a wife and 5 children, has lead Tea Party rallies across America from its inception.

Initially Dale served his nation first as a U.S. Marine. After completing his duties with the Corps, he reenlisted into the U.S. Navy and became a U.S. Naval Officer. During his distinguished time of service, Dale's Battle Group was first to the scene on 9/11 as well as first to launch an offensive in Afghanistan. He was stationed on the USS Sacramento which was the life blood of the Battle Group. He faithfully served our nation with Honor and Integrity, retiring after 22 years.

Dale, is the progeny of a long list of heroes, being 1 of 5 children he assumed the responsibility of the protector of the family after his father's early demise. His father was a decorated Korean War hero suffering as a double amputee Veteran. As a child, Dale proved himself by assisting his step-father, a decorated Vietnam Veteran, who suffered from the result of his tour of Duty. While caring for the family, Dale was an inspirational player in one of the most successful High School sport teams. His history included facing down ethnic gang members while protecting the innocent and the U.S. flag.

Dale Roberson's academic background includes extended training in theology, as well as excelling in the field of Engineering at Southwest College, San Diego, California. He went on to earn a second degree in Political Science at the University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.

Dale's scholastic focus has turned into a true passion for Constitutional Law.

"I discovered the answer too many of America's dilemmas lay squarely on the shoulders of We The People, while economics issues rest in the hands of small business." Dale Robertson

"We must not define ourselves by the calamities in our lives, but by our resolve to pick up the pieces and move on." Dale Robertson

Being frustrated by "Politics As Usual" this brave man decided to create a new voice, a voice that echoed from the pages of history. The Tea Party was the perfect choice... Why not an organization called the Tea Party? It was too obvious. Our American heritage held the key to unleashing the American Spirit.

The Tea Party dream includes all who possess a strong belief in the foundational Judaic/Christian values embedded in our great founding documents. He believes the responsibility of our beloved nation is entrenched within the hearts of true American Patriots from all walks of life, every race, religion and national origin, all sharing a common belief in the values which made and keep our beloved nation great. This belief led to the creation of the Modern Day Tea party. Many Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, Green and Independent Citizens identify with the premises set forth by the newly founded Tea Party movement, striking a chord and ringing true with the American Spirit.

"It was the Constitution that is inherently conservative, not a party. I believe there must be a beacon to the masses who have lost their way, a light illuminating the path to the original intentions of our Founding Fathers. We must raise a choir of voices declaring; America must stand on the values that made us great. Only then the politically blind shall see and the deaf shall hear!" Dale Robertson.

The Power of One can change a nation, save a people and illuminate a generation. Much like Tiananmen Square, Dale stood alone representing the American people. He was more than a lone protestor; he was what the Founding Fathers envisioned over 200 years before as a true Patriot of courage and valor.

Dale Robertson recalls that momentous time...

"I left home in Texas on February 4th, 2009 and drove all night to Washington D.C., non-stop against my families, friends and wife's wishes.

I slept only an hour that night and called my wife as I crossed into each state. The next evening on February 5th, 2009, I was in Washington D.C. on Pennsylvania Avenue protesting, alone and cold.

The urgency of my protest was due to the befuddled politicians gathering votes on the floor of the Senate and then on the floor of the House of Representatives. Their sightless determination to force an Unconstitutional Stimulus package through the Senate and then the House of Representatives, to me, was a death pill to all I hold dear, and I knew millions of Americans felt the same way.

In spite of the frigid weather, I stood my post. I was unprepared and improperly dressed to protest in below freezing conditions. I had brought my picnic table and chairs knowing this would not be easy, parking would be difficult, staying alive even harder. Still recovering from extensive knee surgery just 3 months before, I purposed in my heart to make my voice heard. I set-up my table and displays in one location after another across frozen Washington, D.C. holding high the flag for all disenfranchised American Citizens. It was very painful, but I am a Marine and could endure what was required of me by my Oath to Defend the Constitution.

Each night I would listen to the News and soon the news of my lone stand began to quietly spread through media circles. Glenn Beck heard of this new voice called the Tea Party and added his voice to the growing choir of voices, soon he created the 9/12 idea. My hat is off to him, Glenn Beck is a friend to the cause and a loyal Patriot bearing the weight for millions of those who are yet to speak.

Soon other fearless Patriots began to join me in our solitary stance; I felt the Tea was cooking. I made it a point to speak to the gathering crowds, and eventually spoke to thousands of warm hearted Citizens in that frigid weather. I could feel it! The young, the old, all colors and backgrounds began to rally with a new energy, an energy which I have only seen in historical pictures in American history books. A new energy began to sweep across hundreds of Patriots, swelling to the thousands. I witnessed Citizens on cell phones calling their loved ones telling them; "We must take back our nation." Some had laptops, running on their battery back-ups blogging messages to family and Patriots back home. I was deeply moved right down to my soul. The new voice began to speak, and new hope was spawned.

I knew the Tea Party concept was far superior, because it removed all the obstacles of party lines, without the baggage of confused issues and only focused on a few talking points.

Needless to say, this Tea Party movement has grown far beyond me, from 1 person to over 6 million. Many following in my foot steps, some declaring they are the founder, they thought of the Tea Party idea first, to that I can say: "The true founders of the Tea Party were the brave Patriots who dared challenge the status quo in 1773, we are merely their beneficiaries."

I took my stand, thousands joined me, and then millions assembled across our beloved nation. Soon tens of millions of Patriot voices will resonate in unison "We The People Rule."

From this humble beginning a movement was born. The Tea Party movement, born from obscurity, without funding, without planning, a spontaneous force is shaking the very glass foundation of the oligarchy who rules in our name, but without our blessing."

"As for me, I am old fashioned, I believe it is not foolish to pledge my life, liberty and sacred honor to the greatest nation that ever was or ever will be. The nation of the people, by the people and for the people, to that I shall strive to carry forward the mantle of the Tea Party keeping alive the voice of freedom."

Dale Robertson, President and Founder — Tea Party

I had entered the Marines as stated and was offered an opportunity to join the Navy's Nuclear Program.

I had achieved one of the highest entrance grades for a Nuclear Test. I was trained on numerous nuclear platforms both surface and submarines.

The Navy is very selective and I served in that program for the next 11 1/2 years. My career was marked by superb performance and I was selected to participate and very competitive programs EEAP and ECP.

I received my Commission as a Naval Supply Officer. My last assignment was Executive Officer at Priority Material Office, Bremerton, WA.

I retired in December 2003 with 22 years of faithful and honorable service.

Sincerely,

Dale Robertson

Mr. Robertson is represented by Tim Bueler of U.S. Media Direct, Inc. Tim Bueler can be reached for media bookings and appearances at: Media@timbueler.com

Source : http://www.teaparty.org/about.php

TIPS ON WRITING FOR NEWSPAPERS

Five Easy Rules For Successful Newspaper Writing

By John Grones

Writing for newspapers is different than writing for magazines, blogs, and websites. Rules governing journalism writing keep the interest of the reader as they navigate through a story. The rules, however, are simple to follow.

Here are five basic rules that can lay the foundation for your journalism success:

1) Create an attention-grabbing lead. The lead helps the reader determine if he is going to stick with the article. Making it boring will have the reader searching for more somewhere else. A good way is to start with a question. The reader might want to keep reading to get to the answer.

2) Get to the point. Now that you have the reader's attention, keep it. Travelers usually take the shortest and fastest way to their destination. Newspaper readers want the same thing. Try to write sentences in the smallest amount of words possible. The longer the sentences, the more likely you will extinguish the reader's interest. Keep pounding them with hard-hitting sentences, and they will take the reader all the way to the end of the article. Leave the "colorful" writing to magazines.

3) Avoid unnecessary words. Example: If you write "the ambulance took him to a nearby hospital," cut out the word nearby. Is the ambulance going to take him to the furthest hospital? Probably not. Let's just assume the reader knows this. Remember, the less amount of words used, the better.

4) Let the newsmakers tell the story. Use quotes whenever someone says something memorable or contains technical expertise that the reader knows didn't come from your mind. It adds credibility to the story, and also saves your reputation if controversial statements are made. You didn't say it, they did!

5) End with a bang. Just like you started the story with an attention grabbing lead, you should bring the story around full circle. Doing so will make the reader feeling like they got their fill with the article. If you started the story with a question, maybe you can reveal the answer.

Even though writing for newspapers requires learning certain rules, it is easy to write interesting stories that will launch your successful newspaper writing career.

John Grones is an award winning journalist and photographer. His works were honored by organizations such as the Wisconsin Newspaper Association.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Grones

TIPS ON WRITING FOR NEWSPAPERS

Newspaper Writing Tips

How to Simplify the Process

By Sean R Mize

Here is the truth; writing news articles does not need to be a complicated process. You can simplify this by simply following these tips:

1. Read and learn. If you're just starting out, I suggest that you read books and articles about journalism. It's important that you know the general structure that is being followed when writing news articles. You can also read articles from your local newspapers. Notice how they were written and familiarize yourself with the formats that are usually being used by the journalists.

2. Learn how to write compelling headlines. Knowing how to write attention-grabbing headlines will definitely help you succeed in this field. It is important that you know how to target your audience's emotions and how you can get them to take action by simply using few powerful words.

3. Use the inverted pyramid technique. Do not make your readers wait for the "main event." Believe me, these people will not have enough patience to do so. So, give them the gist of your content and the most important information on your first paragraph. Your supporting details can be presented on your succeeding paragraphs.

4. Keep it simple. You don't need to use highly technical terms or high fallutin words when writing your news articles. Your readers will appreciate your copies more if they are easy to understand. Aside from using simple terms, it will also help if you keep your sentences and your paragraphs short but to the point. Your audience, who are pressed for time, will surely appreciate you for doing so.

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TIPS ON WRITING FOR NEWSPAPERS

Article Writing

How to Write Articles for Newspapers and Magazines

By Darren K Chow

Are you used to writing in a personal style? Perhaps you have been publishing on your own blog the whole time. And you have no idea what writing style to adopt when promoting a website.

Off-line print publications operate differently from online properties. Here are some tips that will help you get your articles published in off-line publications.

Tip 1: Write a catchy headline.

Sit down and spend some time to think about what you want to write about in your article. Narrow your scope down to just two to three ideas. Sometimes, less is more. Then try to think of a catchy headline. When brainstorming, just write down everything that comes to mind. The editor will not publish anything that's boring. So your headline has to be able to grab attention.

Tip 2: Generate news.

A skilled writer can always convert a boring story into an interesting story. How? By creating news! For instance, you are writing about a blue gadget. But what is so interesting about the gadget being blue? Perhaps there are already hundreds of blue gadgets in the market. You may then try writing about how cool the blue looks on a well known celebrity. Or you can write about how the blue gadget helps a sports person win International competitions.

Tip 3: Focus is key.

When writing, just focus on expanding on one to two key ideas. Choose the most interesting idea that you have in your book. Then expand on it. Good articles don't have to be elaborate. But they must be presented in a clear and concise manner. That will increase your chances of acceptance.

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TIPS ON WRITING FOR NEWSPAPERS

Format for Writing a Newspaper Article

How to Easily Write a Compelling News Copy

By Sean R Mize

1. Kick-start your news articles with a compelling headline that will make your audience want to read your articles. Your headlines must communicate the gist of your content. They must contain few but powerful words. They must convince your audience that your articles are must-read. There are several articles online that you can take advantage of if you want to learn the ropes of writing highly effective headlines for newspapers. Take advantage of them.

2. Lead paragraph. As they say, this is the most important part of every news article. Usually, this is the only paragraph that is read by audience. As such, it's crucial that you load it up with every bits of information that your readers are looking for. Tell them the what, who, where, when, and how of your story. Also, anticipate the questions that your readers might raise and provide them with answers upfront. Ensure that these people will get a clear picture of the story that you're writing even if they choose not to read your succeeding paragraphs due to time constraints.

3. Article body. Your article body is consists of the succeeding paragraphs after your lead paragraph. In here, you can put supporting details so you can further explain your stories to your readers. You can also put here the quotes or opinions of people who are involved in the situation that you're covering.

4. Additional information. This is applicable if you're doing follow-up story on something that was already written before. This is to give your readers background information to help them better understand the news.

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Tracing The Story of Journalism in The United States

Journalism Time Line

1608	First English reporter in the colonies, Captain John Smith, leader of the Jamestown settlement, publishes his newsletter Newes from Virginia
1690	First American newspaper, Publick Occurrences, Both Foreign and Domestick, is published in Boston
1721	The New England Courant,published by Ben Franklin’s older brother James, is first to offer readers literature in addition to news
1727	First local correspondents report news from nearby communities, in theNew England Weekly Journal
1729	Ben Franklin makes thePennsylvania Gazette the best newspaper in the colonies, with the largest circulation, most pages, highest income from advertising, and the most literary columns
1750	Fourteen weekly newspapers are read in the six most populated colonies
1768-1769	Patriot Samuel Adams and the Sons of Liberty spread news items about the British to newspapers through the “Journal of Occurrences”
1769	Printing presses are made in America by Isaac Doolittle of Connecticut
1776	The Boston paper theMassachusetts Spy supports the movement for independence and publishes an eyewitness account of the first battle of the American Revolution Colonial newspapers reprint Thomas Paine’s pamphlet Common Sense,encouraging colonists to revolt against the British Less than a month after its approval, more than 20 newspapers carry the full text of the Declaration of Independence, spreading word of the cause of freedom across the new United States
1783	First daily newspaper, thePennsylvania Evening Post,appears
1791	First Amendment to the Constitution, protecting freedom of the press and other freedoms, is approved
1795	Reporters allowed in both the House of Representatives and the Senate
1800	Twenty-one newspapers are published in the new West, beyond the Appalachian Mountains
1800-1830	Quarterly, monthly, and weekly magazines begin to appear
1808	First Spanish-language paper, El Misisipí, published in New Orleans
1811	Niles’ Weekly Register, first news magazine, appears
1814	Congress says that at least two newspapers in each state and territory must print laws passed for the nation
1827	Reporters from three newspapers become the first Washington correspondents, beginning continuous coverage of the Congress to this day
1828	First Native American paper, theCherokee Phoenix, appears, printed partly in English and partly in Cherokee
1830s	Pigeons and the pony express carry news from distant points
1833	The New York Sun becomes the first “people’s” or “penny” paper, selling on the street for just one cent
1835	The New York Herald introduces new newspaper sections devoted to money, sports, society news, letters, and reviews and publishes “extras” or special editions to cover significant news
1841	Horace Greeley’s New York Tribune offers readers views on many issues
1851	The New York Times is founded
1840s	Railroads and steamships carry news items quickly and are used to distribute newspapers
mid-1840s	Telegraph used to convey news at a distance
1849	Groups of newspapers band together to support a news-gathering service that will supply foreign news by ship and telegraph; the group later becomes the Associated Press (AP)
1856	First African-American daily, theNew Orleans Daily Creole, is published
1861-1865	Hundreds of photographers, including the well-known war photographer Mathew Brady, are issued passes to cover the Civil War Reporters in the field develop the summary lead to make sure that the main point of their story gets through by telegraph Papers begin to bulletin highlights of the war action as headlines
1870-1900	Population of the United States doubles; city population triples; number of daily newspapers quadruples Editorial staff at big-city daily newspapers grows and becomes more specialized, with an emphasis on reporting More women work at newspapers, as correspondents, editors, and writers Telephones and typewriters change the way work is done in the newsroom Cables linking the United States to England and parts of Asia make news gathering faster Newspaper publishing becomes a major business in the United States
1870s-1880s	New magazines treat readers to high-quality literature, humor, and discussion and debate of political issues
1880-1900	Bigger and faster presses are developed to print more copies of papers in less time in order to meet tighter deadlines and serve the growing number of readers Photographs begin to appear in newspapers Number of African-American papers increases
1890s	Sensationalism, known as yellow journalism, is used to win papers more readers
1893	Color is used for comics and other parts of Sunday editions
1900-1925	Political cartoons offer commentary on the news in many newspapers
1907-1909	United Press Association and the International News Service compete with the Associated Press in gathering news from around the world
1917	Ethnic papers reach a peak with 1,323 foreign-language publications
1910-1914	Number of newspapers in the United States reaches a high, with 2,600 dailies and about 14,000 weeklies published
1920s	Radio and movies begin to compete with newspapers and magazines for people’s time and attention Many newspapers begin to include political columns
1930s	Personalized or “gossip” columns appear for the first time in papers Picture magazines such as Lifebecome extremely popular and provide greater opportunities for photojournalists
1930s-1940s	Newsreels shown at movie houses before or after the feature film offer a new view of the news
1950s	People begin to turn to television for the news
1960s	“Underground” and alternative papers and magazines rebel against and criticize established papers and the country’s political and social structure Variety of newspapers serving the Latino community are founded
1960-1990	Investigative reporters uncover information about the activities of the government and other groups and offer interpretations of events and issues, such as organized crime, the Pentagon Papers, Watergate, and Iran-contra
1970s-1980s	Computers begin to change the process of producing a newspaper
1980s	Number of daily papers decreases because of increase in the price of newsprint and in supply costs, rising pay, loss of advertising to television, and general decline in advertising Four press associations or news agencies—the Associated Press, United Press International, Reuters, and Agence France-Presse—provide more than 90 percent of all international news
1990	Newspaper groups own most of the daily papers in the United States, with Gannett, Knight-Ridder, Newhouse, New York Times, Dow Jones, and Thomson the five largest groups, in terms of number of dailies owned
1990s	Reporters are able to file stories from around the world immediately using lap-top computers and modems or via satellite

[Source: M. Emery, E. Emery, with N. L. Roberts,The Press and America: An Interpretive History of the Mass Media, 8th ed. (Boston: Allyn and Bacon, 1996)]

FAQs about Journalism in the United States

What were colonial newspapers like?

Most colonial papers had four pages, measuring about 10 by 15 inches. They did not have headlines and contained no illustrations, except for the printer’s trademark (known as a colophon) and a few woodcuts that went along with advertisements. The paper used for colonial newspapers was made in England from rags.

How were colonial newspapers printed?

Until 1769 colonial papers were printed on printing presses imported from England. Each page was printed as follows. First, the type was set by hand and locked in a form. The bed of the press was rolled out, and the type was placed on it. Ink was applied to the type. The paper was moistened in a trough and placed over the type. Then the bed was rolled back under the press, and the platen or pressure plate was pressed against the type from above. When the platen was released, the bed was rolled out again, and the paper was removed and hung on a wire to dry. When it was dry, it was run through the press again, this time with the type for the reverse side of the page.

How quickly could people get news during the Revolutionary War?

Communications were not very advanced during this period. Much news traveled by word of mouth; that is, from one person to the next. News of the battles at Lexington and Concord that began the war, for example, did not reach the southern colony of Georgia until six weeks after the event.

Where did Americans get paper for printing newspapers during the Revolutionary War?

There were paper mills in the new United States, but they could not meet the demand for paper. Paper was made from linen and other cloth. George Washington, the American commander in chief, made a special plea to women to save cloth to be made into paper.

What is freedom of the press?

The First Amendment of the Constitution protects the freedom to share and spread ideas not only in newspapers, books, magazines but also on the radio and television. It protects information from being censored or restricted by the government before it is published or broadcast. There are some limits, though. Written or published statements that damage a person’s reputation or endanger the nation’s safety are not protected by freedom of the press.

How did printing change in the 1800s?

Improvements were made to the printing press so that parts moved automatically and both sides of the paper could be printed at the same time. Steam began to be used to power presses and made printing much faster.

How much did newspapers cost before there were penny papers?

Before penny papers, a few big city papers sold for about six cents a copy, but most papers were sold by subscription. Subscribers would pay $6-$10 for a year in advance. Only the wealthy could afford to get the paper. The average worker made less than $6-$10 a week, and most people could not afford to pay a lump sum in advance.

How were photographs finally printed in newspapers?

A process known as photoengraving was developed in the 1860s and 1870s. The dark and light parts of a photograph were separated, and points for each were laid out on a plate. Points for dark areas were placed closed together, and points for light areas were spaced out. The ink used in printing transferred each point to paper. The engraved reproduction of the photograph was called a halftone.

What is sensationalism?

Sensationalism is a way of attracting interest in something by appealing to the emotions or senses instead of to reason or the mind. News of violence and detailed accounts of people’s personal lives or private affairs are two examples of sensationalism in journalism.

What are underground papers?

The “underground” papers, published mostly in the 1960s, were unofficial papers produced by small, sometimes new groups with special interests. Most were critical of recognized papers and the accepted ideas and ways of the times.

[Source: M. Emery, E. Emery, with N. L. Roberts,The Press and America: An Interpretive History of the Mass Media, 8th ed. (Boston: Allyn and Bacon, 1996)]

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