Exercise 5.2

Guest killed at wedding reception – Unusualness and localness both play a part in this story. However, I think unusualness is the strongest reason this was printed in the paper. There are deaths and shootings everyday in Columbus, but this was unusual because it took place at a wedding.http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2008/10/13/west_side_homicide.ART_ART_10-13-08_B4_73BJ9L9.html?sid=101

Columbus day closings – This article was printed because of timeliness and localness. It affects the “local community” – Columbus, and the article is only needed today. It would not be useful to post this same information tomorrow. Timeliness is the major reason this was printed.
http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2008/10/13/columbus_day.ART_ART_10-13-08_B4_73BJ9LB.html?sid=101

Palin's folksy charm a hit in Democratic region – Localness, significance, timeliness, unusualness, and fame were all part of this article’s “ingredients.” Localness comes into play because Palin was in St. Cairsville, Ohio. This is significant to people because it makes an impression when famous people – even Presidential and Vice Presidential candidate – come to the area. It is unusual because the article talks about Palin not speaking badly about Obama, which it said last week the speeches were very negative. Palin’s visit was located in a farmer’s field in front of a barn. This also has fame and timeliness come into play since the elections are getting close. I would say localness and significance are the main factors here.
http://www.dispatchpolitics.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2008/10/13/copy/palin13.ART_ART_10-13-08_A3_5LBJ8UC.html?adsec=politics&sid=101

Ohio's vets get so little so late – Localness is the main factor in this article. The article says, “Ohio is one of the worst places in the country to be a disabled veteran.” With Veterans’ Day coming up, this is somewhat a timely article, but they could have printed it anytime in the next couple weeks. This article is significant and meaningful to many people and families in Ohio.
http://www.dispatchpolitics.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2008/10/13/copy/vet_comp.ART_ART_10-13-08_A1_H0BIPS7.html?adsec=politics&sid=101

Exercise 5.1

When I think of “news” I think of all different things. I think about the local small-town newspaper that has anything from the kid who won the county demonstration contest to the winning shot at the Friday night basketball game. Then I think about the mass media that is “big time,” like CBS evening news. They “inform” the world about what is going on and just relay the “truth” to everyone. Supposedly, the media just gives the facts and the news, but lets the audience form their own opinion. I think sometimes, the news is more persuasive about ideas than they should be. For instance, with the upcoming election, the media has been talking showcasing political information frequently. It is hard for me to tell how much of what is advertised and what is on the News is truth and how much is slightly fabricated. I’m sure most of the time, there is truth, facts, and knowledge in the media news, but I wonder how much of the story we are seeing.

Exercise 3.2

A public relations writer often uses the art of persuasion. A few works such as a backgrounder or informative press release do not have much room for persuasion, but most other writings include various amounts of the author’s influence. People almost always have an opinion on certain subjects. Whether one intends to or not, some feelings may become obvious in writing. Public Relations writers could write to entice people to go to a program, or advocate for a certain politician. Persuasion is influencing others through words. I don’t think of persuasion as lying or fudging the truth, but attempting to convince others to do something, buy something, read something, or whatever.

Exercise 1.2

Creative writing seems to be writing to express an idea. It can be imaginative and artistic. This type of writing is less formal. Writers take a thought and write about it, then share it with others. Creative writing can take on various forms. It is artistic in a way that writers “paint a picture” to share with the audience. Functional writing, on the other hand, is very purposeful. There is a specific reason one writes in the functional style. The author has a specific objective and intention for the work. I think functional and creative writing could go hand-in-hand. An author could write creatively with a specific purpose and function in mind.

Exercise 1.1

Writing is essential in all aspects of life. From writing a thank you note, to jotting a message, writing a report, or writing a press release, everyone uses writing in some form. I don’t mind writing. It is not my least favorite subject, but sometimes it takes me a while to get started and get the ideas rolling. I also type somewhat slowly. I wouldn’t say writing is extremely easy because it does take me a while to finish writing projects, but it is not too difficult for me. Recently I haven’t done any writings just for the “fun of it.” For class and work, I do enough writing; therefore, I do not want to write during my free time. I want to improve as a writer so I can be an excellent asset to my job. I would like to be able to write more interesting articles and use better grammar.