Bold, striking and fearless headlines -- that's the first thing that catches my attention and more often than not, is the very thing that makes me read an article.
Skimming down to the bottom, I look for intelligent, entertaining and informative content. I believe that no matter how serious an article is, there is always room for it to be more interesting -- even if it's straight news. However, I prefer a mixture of the three aforementioned chracteristics.
What matters to me the most is the structure and style of the article. I like it best when the writer is able to capture the essence of the whole story, in the simplest possible terms without undermining the intelligence of the readers.
Lastly, I'm a big fan of the overly-eloquent writing style. Note that I didn't say "overly-eloquent writers". I don't really keep track of the names of the writers. (I always say my favorite print journalist is Conrado de Quiros for the reason that he is the only one among the writers who write this way, whose name stuck in my mind). Truth is, I have no favorite writer -- only a favorite writing style. In my opinion, those who write using this style are courageous people who are not afraid of critcism. I'm a sucker for articles written in this style. Give me one, and I'm sure to read it.
Overall,what makes me read the article is a combination of what it is about, how it is written and how I think it's supposed to be.
Monday, March 3, 2008
ORIGINAL VERSION: What makes me read an article?
What drives you? says in a TV ad. One might ask what connection it has in reading an article, for me, a lot of things.
The very same force that drives me is the force tha makes me read an article. One, is passion. If an article tackles a certain topic I am passion about, I'd read it regardless of how long or short it is. Another is interest, if a person can make the subject interesting, even if it's foreign to me, I'll read the article.
Let's take in context, the various columns in the lifestyle section of the Inquirer and Young Star(Philippine Star), there are certain topics there that I am very much into, like the beauty and fashion section. On the other hand, there are also topics there that are foreign to me and I don't know much about, like feature on underground bands, that are presented in such an interesting way that makes me read the whole article.
This leads me to another "driving force" that makes me read an article and that is -- education. If an article is informative and I figure right from the start that it is, then I'll read it.
All in all, I believe that a perfect balance of all of these makes me not only read an article but recognize it as good and exemplary.
The very same force that drives me is the force tha makes me read an article. One, is passion. If an article tackles a certain topic I am passion about, I'd read it regardless of how long or short it is. Another is interest, if a person can make the subject interesting, even if it's foreign to me, I'll read the article.
Let's take in context, the various columns in the lifestyle section of the Inquirer and Young Star(Philippine Star), there are certain topics there that I am very much into, like the beauty and fashion section. On the other hand, there are also topics there that are foreign to me and I don't know much about, like feature on underground bands, that are presented in such an interesting way that makes me read the whole article.
This leads me to another "driving force" that makes me read an article and that is -- education. If an article is informative and I figure right from the start that it is, then I'll read it.
All in all, I believe that a perfect balance of all of these makes me not only read an article but recognize it as good and exemplary.
REVISED: The Manila Times School of Journalism article
Setting a New Standard in teaching Journalism
By Katrina C. Guevarra
A school run by a newspaper. Think it’s too far-fetched? Well, think again.
Being relatively new in the education industry, The Manila Times School of Journalism (now The Manila Times College) has been creating a name for itself as a school that not only provides theories essential for learning, but also gives intensive training for its students with its training programs in Print, Broadcast and English Proficiency.
“Our whole philosophy is about marrying theory with experience. That is also why we set up a TV and radio studio. We are big on giving students practical experience.”, said Dante Francis Ang II, president of the Manila Times Publishing Corp. and The Manila Times College.
Ang II, tells us why they decided to come up with their own school for aspiring journalists, “We were frustrated with the quality of applicants to our newspaper, fresh grads from journalism schools who either didn’t possess the right skills or were competent but were already tainted by the system.” His father, Dante A. Ang, thought of establishing a school that will train students to be competent and skilled journalists. Thus, The Manila Times School of Journalism was born.
What sets the college apart from other universities is the students can work directly with the professional journalists in the Manila Times newsroom itself. “The fact that we have a daily newspaper makes the school unique, at least in the country and in Southeast Asia.”, said Ang.
Now on its fifth year, the school changed its name from The Manila Times school of Journalism to The Manila Times College --adapting the term “college’ as it offers new degree programs, AB English and AB History, starting school year 2008 -2009.
Being a student of the School of Journalism, I could truly say that the school is faithful to their mission of providing excellent training through practical experience. This is where the cliché of “experience is the best teacher” proves true. For I believe that in my stay in the school I learned more from what I saw, heard and felt outside the classroom walls (especially during coverage and interviews) than when I was inside it.
By Katrina C. Guevarra
A school run by a newspaper. Think it’s too far-fetched? Well, think again.
Being relatively new in the education industry, The Manila Times School of Journalism (now The Manila Times College) has been creating a name for itself as a school that not only provides theories essential for learning, but also gives intensive training for its students with its training programs in Print, Broadcast and English Proficiency.
“Our whole philosophy is about marrying theory with experience. That is also why we set up a TV and radio studio. We are big on giving students practical experience.”, said Dante Francis Ang II, president of the Manila Times Publishing Corp. and The Manila Times College.
Ang II, tells us why they decided to come up with their own school for aspiring journalists, “We were frustrated with the quality of applicants to our newspaper, fresh grads from journalism schools who either didn’t possess the right skills or were competent but were already tainted by the system.” His father, Dante A. Ang, thought of establishing a school that will train students to be competent and skilled journalists. Thus, The Manila Times School of Journalism was born.
What sets the college apart from other universities is the students can work directly with the professional journalists in the Manila Times newsroom itself. “The fact that we have a daily newspaper makes the school unique, at least in the country and in Southeast Asia.”, said Ang.
Now on its fifth year, the school changed its name from The Manila Times school of Journalism to The Manila Times College --adapting the term “college’ as it offers new degree programs, AB English and AB History, starting school year 2008 -2009.
Being a student of the School of Journalism, I could truly say that the school is faithful to their mission of providing excellent training through practical experience. This is where the cliché of “experience is the best teacher” proves true. For I believe that in my stay in the school I learned more from what I saw, heard and felt outside the classroom walls (especially during coverage and interviews) than when I was inside it.
Battle Company is Out There; Q& A
Does the writer hold your attention through a long article? If she does, how did she do it? If not, why?
In my case, the writer wasn't able to hold my attention through the long article. It was just too long for me. I was bored by the way he described the details of the story. I think the descriptions were too lengthy and there were information that I think were unnecessary.
Quote the most vivid and vigorous sentences in this feature.
A sudden wail pierced the night sky. It was Slasher, an AC-130 gunship, firing bullets the size of Coke bottles. Flaming shapes ricocheted all around the village. Kearney was in overdrive. The soldiers back at the KOP were radioing in that the drone was tracking 10 men near the tree line.
Flaming rockets flashed through the sky. Thunder rumbled and echoed through the valley. Then there was a pause. Slasher asked Caroon whether the insurgents were still talking. Kearney shouted over to Yarnell in his ditch, “You picking anything up?” Nothing. More spitting rockets.
I was fixating on Rougle’s black hat, lying by the bloodied rock patch where Dunn was sitting, when Sergeant Stichter, Dunn’s senior, appeared, out of breath and shaking, back from tending to Vandenberge. He needed water. The F-15 known as Dude was en route, the Apaches were chasing men and Kearney — who had bolted down the mountain, throwing grenades in caves — was barking orders. Kearney was badly shaken. He adored Rougle, and he’d broken down when he saw his big old buddy Rice bleeding at the landing zone. Rice comforted him and then lumbered to the helicopter, just asking to talk to his wife before they put him under.
Write this feature as straight news, 100 words maximum.
War affects soldiers’ mental health
Korengal Valley, Afghanistan – There were reported incidents of post-war soldiers suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Dean Kerney, colonel of the troop set out to with one goal in mind—to subdue the valley. “It’s like being in charge of a soap opera,” he said “I feel like Dr. Phil with guns.”
Soldiers in the valley reported that they were terrified by the weird behavior of their predecessors last May. To prevent this from happening to new soldiers, certain measures has been implemented – like a change in Kearney’s management of the troop, sending in a psychologist and prescription of medication.
In my case, the writer wasn't able to hold my attention through the long article. It was just too long for me. I was bored by the way he described the details of the story. I think the descriptions were too lengthy and there were information that I think were unnecessary.
Quote the most vivid and vigorous sentences in this feature.
A sudden wail pierced the night sky. It was Slasher, an AC-130 gunship, firing bullets the size of Coke bottles. Flaming shapes ricocheted all around the village. Kearney was in overdrive. The soldiers back at the KOP were radioing in that the drone was tracking 10 men near the tree line.
Flaming rockets flashed through the sky. Thunder rumbled and echoed through the valley. Then there was a pause. Slasher asked Caroon whether the insurgents were still talking. Kearney shouted over to Yarnell in his ditch, “You picking anything up?” Nothing. More spitting rockets.
I was fixating on Rougle’s black hat, lying by the bloodied rock patch where Dunn was sitting, when Sergeant Stichter, Dunn’s senior, appeared, out of breath and shaking, back from tending to Vandenberge. He needed water. The F-15 known as Dude was en route, the Apaches were chasing men and Kearney — who had bolted down the mountain, throwing grenades in caves — was barking orders. Kearney was badly shaken. He adored Rougle, and he’d broken down when he saw his big old buddy Rice bleeding at the landing zone. Rice comforted him and then lumbered to the helicopter, just asking to talk to his wife before they put him under.
Write this feature as straight news, 100 words maximum.
War affects soldiers’ mental health
Korengal Valley, Afghanistan – There were reported incidents of post-war soldiers suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Dean Kerney, colonel of the troop set out to with one goal in mind—to subdue the valley. “It’s like being in charge of a soap opera,” he said “I feel like Dr. Phil with guns.”
Soldiers in the valley reported that they were terrified by the weird behavior of their predecessors last May. To prevent this from happening to new soldiers, certain measures has been implemented – like a change in Kearney’s management of the troop, sending in a psychologist and prescription of medication.
The tragedy of Britney Spears - Q&A
How does this article differ from the usual celebrity and gossip features? Does this article elevate itself from the typical celebrity and gossip feature?
This article differ from the usual celebrity and gossip feature because unlike usual celebrity and gossip features, it tries to glamorize everything. Another is that it gives all sides of the story, and also talks about the unglamorous side of showbusiness. The writer wrote it in such a way, that you'll be able to feel the pain of Britney and what really goes on behind the cameras and spotlights. Yes, this article elevates itself from the typical celebrity and gossip feature.
How does the writer hold the reader's interest about a subject matter that is over exposed?
The writer held the reader's interest by revealing what really happened during the more popular events that the tabloids and other forms of media revealed to us. It also didn't just focus on Britney, it also talked about Britney's past boyfriends and her family. The writer also managed to get insights from the paparazzi's and different people connected to Britney's life and career aside from writing from his own point of view.
How does the writer appeal to readers who are not admirers or sympathizers of this celebrity?
The writer appealed to the readers who are not admirers or sympathizers of Britney by not being too focused on "Britney Spears" alone and referring to her as "popstar". For me, it gives the audience room for their own mind to think that this could happen to any popstar or celebrity and not just Britney Spears. Another thing is the writer compared Britney to George Foreman, the heaviest weightlifter ever. Last but not the least, the writer mentioned references to different bands/music idols when writing the scenes or episodes of Britney's life. (Blackout, Nelly Furtado [referring to her stylist], Justin Timberlake, Howie Day, System of a down, Jessica Simpson, Dixie Chicks and Janet Jackson)
What voice does the writer use and does it work for the magazine's target audience?
He uses the active voice from a first-person point-of-view. Taking into perspective the different kinds of music/music artists involved or related to what he writes. It works for the magazine's target audience as I think music buffs will really appreciate him taking the time to do that. After all. it is a music-oriented magazine--not tabloid or gossip.
This article differ from the usual celebrity and gossip feature because unlike usual celebrity and gossip features, it tries to glamorize everything. Another is that it gives all sides of the story, and also talks about the unglamorous side of showbusiness. The writer wrote it in such a way, that you'll be able to feel the pain of Britney and what really goes on behind the cameras and spotlights. Yes, this article elevates itself from the typical celebrity and gossip feature.
How does the writer hold the reader's interest about a subject matter that is over exposed?
The writer held the reader's interest by revealing what really happened during the more popular events that the tabloids and other forms of media revealed to us. It also didn't just focus on Britney, it also talked about Britney's past boyfriends and her family. The writer also managed to get insights from the paparazzi's and different people connected to Britney's life and career aside from writing from his own point of view.
How does the writer appeal to readers who are not admirers or sympathizers of this celebrity?
The writer appealed to the readers who are not admirers or sympathizers of Britney by not being too focused on "Britney Spears" alone and referring to her as "popstar". For me, it gives the audience room for their own mind to think that this could happen to any popstar or celebrity and not just Britney Spears. Another thing is the writer compared Britney to George Foreman, the heaviest weightlifter ever. Last but not the least, the writer mentioned references to different bands/music idols when writing the scenes or episodes of Britney's life. (Blackout, Nelly Furtado [referring to her stylist], Justin Timberlake, Howie Day, System of a down, Jessica Simpson, Dixie Chicks and Janet Jackson)
What voice does the writer use and does it work for the magazine's target audience?
He uses the active voice from a first-person point-of-view. Taking into perspective the different kinds of music/music artists involved or related to what he writes. It works for the magazine's target audience as I think music buffs will really appreciate him taking the time to do that. After all. it is a music-oriented magazine--not tabloid or gossip.
Raising the dead Q&A
What captivates you about the story? How does he paint a picture for the reader? Cite the passages that are most compelling for you.
What captivates me about the story is that though it is very long, it kept me interested through his vivid description of each scene. Also, the fact that he is talking about applying technology to real-life -- in a NOT SO conventional way captivates me. Aside from making it as vivid as possible, the author painted a picture on how it really smell, sound and feel in the crime scene. The article itself is a feast for the senses.
These are the passages that are most compelling for me.
" Brittle, artsy kids - like Matthews was in the '80s - don't usually win popularity contests. But Matthews had a gentle, infectious charisma, and he oozed empathy. "I always felt sorry for people who were made fun of. There were the kids that stunk, there were the kids that wore ragged clothes," he says. "It just wasn't right for anybody to be treated like that, just because of where they were born, who their parents were. Circumstance."
"She resented the time Matthews spent in front of his monitor instead of with her. They fought - Lori attacked him with words and fists, threw things. They wrestled to hours-long stalemates. He once cut her near the eye with his ring. After another fight, she moved out for nearly four months. Matthews couldn't put the case away. "I felt as guilty as if I were the one responsible," he says. "I was tortured by it."
"A few feet into the reeds, a golden retriever's bloated corpse lies on its side, flies picking at its liquefying eyes and genitals. To the right, among trash bags and soda cups, sits a pile of brown and white deer fur, loosely attached to leathery skin. And everywhere there are mandibles and animal hips, femurs and skulls, hair clumps and bone chips. A roadkill graveyard."
"Making the matches is mind-numbingly tedious: Families post all over the Web, searching for missing loved ones. Local coroners and cops, nudged by the Doe Network, upload pictures and vital statistics of their Does. Groups like the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children do the same. Networkers comb through it all like they were playing the kids' card game Concentration, digitized by Patricia Cornwell. Comparing death dates on coroner sites with last-seen-on dates on missing persons sites. Checking for scars, tattoos, anything that distinguishes the person from a crowd. Googling until the coffee runs out."
"There's nothing I can do about these people in my cemetery," Matthews says. But the Tent Girl, "this is one I can do something about." He doesn't seem to notice that he's still talking about her in the present tense.
Who is the target audience for this publication? How does the story relate to them? Does the story appeal to other demographic groups as well, and if so, why?
The techies are the target audience for this publication. The story relate to them because it featured technology ( e.g. google and the internet) and its application to real life situations. It appeals to other demographic groups as well, for it also featured solving a crime mystery, which most demographic groups will be interested in as well.
What "rules" did the writer break?
He didn't follow the 'Less is more" rule in describing the scenes and situations vividly. He also didn't end the same way he began. In the beginning of the article, the author gave us a picture that is like those crime scenes found in "mystery" or "police reports". In the end, the author gave us an insightful and more personal view of what happened as he provided us with details of him walking and talking with the brother of "tent girl" .
How does the writer end the story? Why is it effective?
The writer ended the story through a personal perspective, divulging his conversation with tent girl's brother and how it is visiting the grave of the tent girl (e.g. what it looks like, etc.). Though it broke the rule of ending the same way you began the story, it was very effective because somehow it sends goosebumps through your spine and make the whole picture that the writer painted, linger on your mind.
What captivates me about the story is that though it is very long, it kept me interested through his vivid description of each scene. Also, the fact that he is talking about applying technology to real-life -- in a NOT SO conventional way captivates me. Aside from making it as vivid as possible, the author painted a picture on how it really smell, sound and feel in the crime scene. The article itself is a feast for the senses.
These are the passages that are most compelling for me.
" Brittle, artsy kids - like Matthews was in the '80s - don't usually win popularity contests. But Matthews had a gentle, infectious charisma, and he oozed empathy. "I always felt sorry for people who were made fun of. There were the kids that stunk, there were the kids that wore ragged clothes," he says. "It just wasn't right for anybody to be treated like that, just because of where they were born, who their parents were. Circumstance."
"She resented the time Matthews spent in front of his monitor instead of with her. They fought - Lori attacked him with words and fists, threw things. They wrestled to hours-long stalemates. He once cut her near the eye with his ring. After another fight, she moved out for nearly four months. Matthews couldn't put the case away. "I felt as guilty as if I were the one responsible," he says. "I was tortured by it."
"A few feet into the reeds, a golden retriever's bloated corpse lies on its side, flies picking at its liquefying eyes and genitals. To the right, among trash bags and soda cups, sits a pile of brown and white deer fur, loosely attached to leathery skin. And everywhere there are mandibles and animal hips, femurs and skulls, hair clumps and bone chips. A roadkill graveyard."
"Making the matches is mind-numbingly tedious: Families post all over the Web, searching for missing loved ones. Local coroners and cops, nudged by the Doe Network, upload pictures and vital statistics of their Does. Groups like the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children do the same. Networkers comb through it all like they were playing the kids' card game Concentration, digitized by Patricia Cornwell. Comparing death dates on coroner sites with last-seen-on dates on missing persons sites. Checking for scars, tattoos, anything that distinguishes the person from a crowd. Googling until the coffee runs out."
"There's nothing I can do about these people in my cemetery," Matthews says. But the Tent Girl, "this is one I can do something about." He doesn't seem to notice that he's still talking about her in the present tense.
Who is the target audience for this publication? How does the story relate to them? Does the story appeal to other demographic groups as well, and if so, why?
The techies are the target audience for this publication. The story relate to them because it featured technology ( e.g. google and the internet) and its application to real life situations. It appeals to other demographic groups as well, for it also featured solving a crime mystery, which most demographic groups will be interested in as well.
What "rules" did the writer break?
He didn't follow the 'Less is more" rule in describing the scenes and situations vividly. He also didn't end the same way he began. In the beginning of the article, the author gave us a picture that is like those crime scenes found in "mystery" or "police reports". In the end, the author gave us an insightful and more personal view of what happened as he provided us with details of him walking and talking with the brother of "tent girl" .
How does the writer end the story? Why is it effective?
The writer ended the story through a personal perspective, divulging his conversation with tent girl's brother and how it is visiting the grave of the tent girl (e.g. what it looks like, etc.). Though it broke the rule of ending the same way you began the story, it was very effective because somehow it sends goosebumps through your spine and make the whole picture that the writer painted, linger on your mind.
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