We're All Publishers Now CONNECT 2011: IABC‐SC, SCPRSA Doug Fisher, [email protected] Remember the hierarchy 803‐777‐3315 Libel, defamation, taste
• Above all else, do no harm and don’t cost the boss.
Do I understand what is being said?
• Could phrases or headlines be read more than one way?
• Not much else matters if it is mush.
Facts:
• Are they right?
Holes and unanswered questions
• Is the lede backed up by the story or does it overreach?
• Is information “missing in plain sight” – info seems complete but key piece is missing
(such as specific location or relation of one thing to another).
How do we know this?
• Is it clear how we know this information or are there unsubstantiated statements?
Is word usage/spelling correct?
• Or do we change meaning with the wrong form or spelling (diffuse for defuse, restive for
restful, etc.)
Only then do we deal with the "smaller" stuff, and we strive for the simplest thing possible 1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Correct punctuation (but follow the writer’s intent)
Change punctuation (such as splitting a sentence by inserting a period).
Correct style/capitalization.
Delete word as redundant or superfluous or change word order for conciseness.
Delete phrases for brevity. (Remember, brevity tightens without removing information.)
Insert word or words (These are your words, not the writer's – consult writer as
warranted.)
7. Rearrange sentences or paragraphs (consult writer if possible).
8. Delete sentences or paragraphs that actually remove information. (Trimming beyond
conciseness.)
Matters of Style
Whose style must I use?
• Whichever one suits your goals and audience best
• AP is nice, but Yahoo might be better if you are doing a lot online
• You should have your own local style guide as well
Resist styles that dictate your company's, organization's or boss's name must lead the story
• Explain that it actually can hurt you by looking silly if it buries the news
• Audiences are not stupid, and online they sniff our fakers in an instant
Avoid excessive capitalization
• You're just not that important
• It slows comprehension and looks pompous
Don't be a style dictator
• Style has to be flexible to be effective
Doug Fisher, University of SC, 2011
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Missing in Plain Sight
Stories that look like they're all there, but …
Crash ends N.C. escapee’s freedom
BOILING SPRINGS – An escaped North Carolina inmate has been arrested after a car chase and
crash in South Carolina.
Dennis Elliot, 52, was captured Tuesday morning near Boiling Springs.
Deputies were chasing a stolen sport utility vehicle they thought Elliott was driving when the
SUV hit a Chevrolet Suburban with a mother and four children inside. The deputy chasing Elliot
also hit the Suburban.
Authorities said the deputy and people inside the Suburban were taken to a hospital with minor
injuries. Elliott was thrown from the SUV and taken to the hospital.
Elliot was reported missing Monday from the Polk County jail, where Sheriff Donald Hill said
he was serving a 90-day sentence.
Doug Fisher, University of SC, 2011
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Pay Attention to Graphics
Why are these poor graphics?
Doug Fisher, University of SC, 2011
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Language Issues
1.
Between you and _______, I think Marci and John are getting along well.
a. I
b. me
2.
I like him. He is different _______ most people I have known.
a. than
b. from
3.
I wish my roommate _______ not such a slob!
a. was
b. were
4.
I can buy the coat if my mother _______ me the money.
a. lends
b. loans
5.
He's a knave who finally received his just _________.
a. desserts
b. deserts
6.
There were _______ people at this year’s office picnic than last year’s.
a. fewer
b. less
7.
The ________ we walked, the more lost we became.
a. further
b. farther
8.
______ I use your phone for a quick call to my cousin?
a. May
b. Can
9.
According to news reports, he _______ himself in prison.
a. hung
b. hanged
10.
The letter is in response to ___ taking a strong stand on the issue.
a. him
b. his
11.
He's an enemy of the _______ and friend of mine.
a. governor's
b. governor
12.
Ever since I got the flu, all I want to do is ______ down.
a. lie
b. lay
13.
The blouse she’s wearing, _______he gave her, looks fabulous.
a. that
b. which
14.
It was a private matter between John and ____________.
a. me
b. myself
15.
They think _______ so smart.
a. their
b. they’re
c. there
16.
_______ I told you, she’s got a mean streak a mile wide.
a. Like
b. As
17.
She is one of those people who _______ always late.
a. is
b. are
18.
John, as well as his sisters, ______ going to the fair.
a. is
b. are
Punctuation
1.
John who has the day off is going to town but I am staying here.
2.
He ran for the room’s only door which was closing slowly.
3.
Many online ads are not just stupid, they're annoying, irrelevant, and they get in the way.
4.
Sue tried to erase the mistake, and quickly made a mess.
5.
Nixon said “I am not a crook;” others weren’t so sure.
6.
He said he felt fine, however his slow measured speech said otherwise.
Doug Fisher, University of SC, 2011
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