Critics have accused newspapers as abandoning the inverted pyramid for of news casting. It is unfair to compare a newspaper with the television or radio. Anyone could argue that the television and radio relays news faster. Both are sent through airwaves and can be listened or watched at any time. The newspaper is more limited to options. It can only be published once a day (unless it is an online newspaper source). People speak much faster than the can read, so it is clear why it would seem like a television or a radio would be able to form stories into an inverted pyramid better, it takes less time and usually less words. People speak differently than they read, and you need more descriptive words and clearer sentences when you are reading, so naturally a newspaper story will have to approach a story slightly different than a television show or a radio station would.
I do agree with the argument that television does get the news faster, that is because there is news on the TV 24 hours a day. But with technology now, you can use a newspaper source just as often and it is usually up to the minute on its information as well. I think the argument that newspapers are not fast enough to deliver inverted pyramid stories (and that they should stick to detailed features) is an obsolete argument thanks to today’s online technologies and the ability to produce news at any time and it is readily accessible to anyone with an internet connection. Newspapers should stick with the inverted pyramid stories, for most readers attention spans will not keep them interested for a paper full of "features".
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
*Why are we so intrigued by Celebrity News!?*
The question was presented in a heated class discussion, why are we so interested in celebrity news? I think there are countless answers. The American society places higher general interest in Celebrities than on most political figures. Most Americans couldn’t name four senators, or give a clear definition of political parties and their viewpoints, but I am willing to bet that any American could name at least twenty celebrities and knows quite a bit about each of them.
I am not 100% sure why we put so much importance on the events of these peoples lives. It could be because we live relatively boring, and live seemingly insignificant lives in comparison. We can’t break the law and get away with it. Most of us cannot afford to own 4 or 5 luxury cars, or mansions across the world. It is intriguing to see when someone can do and afford those things, so people will undeniably stay tuned to see what new car the rich and famous are driving, or where the hot vacation spot is. We love to pretend that we could someday drive that car or afford that vacation.
Celebrities have a “surreal” life. People, although it is said to say, love to see others fail. It gives us a feeling of accomplishment to see that even a celebrity isn’t perfect. If you see Britney Spears have a public melt-down, although it is disturbing, it is almost comforting to some to see that even 150 million dollars, and the world at your fingertips, will not buy you happiness. Through their failures, it allows people to connect. Everyone has experienced failure, and to see such a successful person fail, allows an ordinary person refreshment to know even the best fall down, and it can encourage him or her to get back up and try again. There is no definite answer as to why people love to hear about Celebrity news, but I know that I am guilty just as much as the next person of reading into it each week. I love to know who is dating whom, and what everyone is wearing. It is relaxing and allows a little break in the hectic workday.
I am not 100% sure why we put so much importance on the events of these peoples lives. It could be because we live relatively boring, and live seemingly insignificant lives in comparison. We can’t break the law and get away with it. Most of us cannot afford to own 4 or 5 luxury cars, or mansions across the world. It is intriguing to see when someone can do and afford those things, so people will undeniably stay tuned to see what new car the rich and famous are driving, or where the hot vacation spot is. We love to pretend that we could someday drive that car or afford that vacation.
Celebrities have a “surreal” life. People, although it is said to say, love to see others fail. It gives us a feeling of accomplishment to see that even a celebrity isn’t perfect. If you see Britney Spears have a public melt-down, although it is disturbing, it is almost comforting to some to see that even 150 million dollars, and the world at your fingertips, will not buy you happiness. Through their failures, it allows people to connect. Everyone has experienced failure, and to see such a successful person fail, allows an ordinary person refreshment to know even the best fall down, and it can encourage him or her to get back up and try again. There is no definite answer as to why people love to hear about Celebrity news, but I know that I am guilty just as much as the next person of reading into it each week. I love to know who is dating whom, and what everyone is wearing. It is relaxing and allows a little break in the hectic workday.
Sunday, February 4, 2007
*The Importance of Grammar*
The author of our textbook makes it clear that grammar is an essential part, and probably one of the most important aspects in writing. Although I was never a big fan of learning grammar, and I have always found it somewhat of a challenge to conform to rules, I do see that grammar extremely important in writing, as well as speech.
People often are under the misconception that grammar is a useless and an unimportant part of writing that teachers just want to drill into your head to fill up class time. Thankfully most of those people do not get hired at any prominent news sources and do not get promoted to positions of power in society (with the exception of the president, who seemed to slip under the radar of all voters).
I have come to realize that grammar is a very key point in all forms of verbal and written communication. It sets a standard for judgment. When people cannot manage to use proper grammar and speech, they can easily come off as ignorant or uneducated. Audiences do not have a large attention span and are very critical of speakers and writers. If a writer cannot get something as simple as grammar correct, it will likely set off a warning signal to reader. If the writer can’t even use proper grammar, they may not be intelligent enough to write a factual, accurate piece.
I know that grammar is certainly not my strongest skill, but in realizing its importance in the career field I want to pursue, I know I will need to keep trying to improve my use of grammar within my writing.
People often are under the misconception that grammar is a useless and an unimportant part of writing that teachers just want to drill into your head to fill up class time. Thankfully most of those people do not get hired at any prominent news sources and do not get promoted to positions of power in society (with the exception of the president, who seemed to slip under the radar of all voters).
I have come to realize that grammar is a very key point in all forms of verbal and written communication. It sets a standard for judgment. When people cannot manage to use proper grammar and speech, they can easily come off as ignorant or uneducated. Audiences do not have a large attention span and are very critical of speakers and writers. If a writer cannot get something as simple as grammar correct, it will likely set off a warning signal to reader. If the writer can’t even use proper grammar, they may not be intelligent enough to write a factual, accurate piece.
I know that grammar is certainly not my strongest skill, but in realizing its importance in the career field I want to pursue, I know I will need to keep trying to improve my use of grammar within my writing.
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