Oct. 24 - Classwork

Here is the top story on the NY TImes this morning.
Click here to see.
Follow the links in the story and write up what you think about the site.

How is is different than television news?

Ms. Greer Silver Spring, Md.

October 10

Don't know if you are following the Occupy Wall Street events. Several things are happening journalistically that are very interesting, however.
The first is the traction of a broadsheet that is written about here in NY TIMES today.
The second is the radio station (live stream) they have started that you can find here
What are you thoughts on the demands of the protesters? Have you thought about one fashions a message which so many competing agendas? How do you get your message out? Is the media following this story? Will this be a big story or will it just run out in time?

Ms. Greer Silver Spring, Md

October 5, 2011 -- Class work

PHOTO CAPTION RULES
READ THE FOLLOWING AND WRITE CAPTIONS FOR THE EMBEDDED PHOTOS.
SHare with a partner, check facts, cheerleading, cliches . . .
if all good, then turn in to Ms. Greer.

1.

• Check the facts. Be accurate!
• Avoid stating the obvious. “Dennis Rodman smiles as he kicks a broadcast photographer in the groin.”
• Always identify the main people in the photograph.

2.

• Don’t let cutlines recapitulate information in the head or deck or summary.
• Avoid making judgments. “An unhappy citizen watches the protest…” Can you be sure that he is unhappy? Or is he hurting. Or just not photogenic. If you must be judgmental, be sure you seek the truth.
• Don’t assume. Ask questions in your effort to inform and be specific. Be willing to contact and include the visual reporter.

3.

• Avoid using terms like “is shown, is pictured, and looks on.”
• If the photograph is a historic or file photo, include the date that it was taken. Mayor David Dinkins, 1993.
• A photograph captures a moment in time. Whenever possible, use present tense. This will creates a sense of immediacy and impact.
• Don’t try to be humorous when the picture is not.
• Descriptions are very helpful for viewer. The person dressed “in black,” “holding the water hose,” “sulky from chagrin,” or “standing to the left of the sofa, center” are helpful identifying factors. (Photographers must ferret out this kind of material.)
• Be willing to allow for longer captions when more information will help the reader/viewer understand the story and situation.
• Use commas to set off directions from the captions to the picture. “Kachira Irby, above,…”or “Kennetra Irby, upper left…”
• Quotes can be an effective device, be willing to use them when they work.
• Conversational language works best. Don’t use clichés. Write the caption as if you’re telling a family member a story.
Courtesy of The Poynter Institute

October 3

OMG. What do you think of this video? Crass commercialization or opportunity? Has your generation been bought off or are they capitalizing on a commerical opp?

Ms. Greer Silver Spring, Md.

October 3, 2011

If you think that you have stress, check out these kids.