Comments on Things Are Awry When Headline Writers Put Sales Ahead Of Truth

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MayB

but, what if you find yourself employed by the World Weekly News or the National Enquirer??

posted by Joe_Love on August 25, 2005 at 5:54 PM | link to this | reply

BLOGIT WRITERS KNOWN FOR SENSATIONALISM!!!

posted by cmoe on August 24, 2005 at 9:57 AM | link to this | reply

I have to agree with you there....

I look at it as professionalism when facts are given to back up what may be a sensational headline. Sensation and no hard fact doesn't cut it in my book. I hope for their sake that this is impressed upon the minds of your students.

posted by word.smith on August 24, 2005 at 6:11 AM | link to this | reply

Dave Cryer, slow burners, fast learners say I

posted by Azur on August 24, 2005 at 4:45 AM | link to this | reply

MiaElla, thanks. Good to see you again - I have dropped in on you

posted by Azur on August 24, 2005 at 4:44 AM | link to this | reply

Katray, old flames have their place

posted by Azur on August 24, 2005 at 4:42 AM | link to this | reply

benzinha, my students have written descriptive features which some have understood to mean using every possible adjective. They rarely earn their place

posted by Azur on August 24, 2005 at 4:41 AM | link to this | reply

Hemlocker, I think there are some gonzo-style exceptions but yes it is a shame when people block the truth

posted by Azur on August 24, 2005 at 4:40 AM | link to this | reply

Journalism is not so formal Ben. There is almost never only one way to do things

posted by Azur on August 24, 2005 at 4:39 AM | link to this | reply

Some formal learning relates to conformity and that puts "learned sales methods" ahead of truth too.

Ben.

posted by A-and-B on August 24, 2005 at 3:56 AM | link to this | reply

MayB

Being able to say much in a small space is a gift. As for journalists who believe they have to "make news", well, too bad for them--and we who read them. Hemlocker

posted by Hemlocker on August 23, 2005 at 11:09 PM | link to this | reply

MayB, can't write aboutold loves, too much to feel...but can write about

journalism. Tell students to Absolutely remove adjectives from their writing, and most adverbs, too. My dad said that they held little that was newsworthy in their existence and contained everything of emotional reporter involvement or prejudice.

When listening to CNN or FOX news on t.v., I repeat all of the unneccesary words and totally unprofessional, and biased words as I hear them and then I fake spit in the direction of the t.v., feeling afraid for my grandchildren, who will have known no other form of reporting (or should I say, news reading, as it is in many cases?).

Today I am furious at the use of the term 'flood' of immigrants across the US border from Mexico. It is no flood, but a steadily flowing river, which has flowed steadily for the last 500 years. I find that I'm especially touchy on the vocabulary used when speaking about the border. They chose to be anti-Mexican and to inflame listeners. Terrible power.

posted by benzinha on August 23, 2005 at 9:29 PM | link to this | reply

"Things are awry when attracting readers becomes more important than being straight with them." - How true that is.