Pictures Help Tell The News

When people hold their newspapers, they notice the big headlines and the pictures. These are the things that draw their attention. If the pictures look interesting, they will read the captions which are the short pieces of text or descriptions beside or below the picture.

If I don't have enough time to read the newspapers, I normlly glance through the pages and if I find the pictures very interesting or intriguing, I would stop briefly and just read the accompanying text.  If I find time to read the papers later on the day, I would go back to those pictures again and read the stories beside it.

It's interesting to think how photos or even graphics on newspapers and magazines help 'sell' the news stories to the readers. Photos and graphics have become marketing 'tools' to help promote a news story, and sell the publication- at least in my own opinion. I would know an attention-grabbing photo with a very good caption when I see one. Photos in general should be able to tell you the news. Although photos cannot do it alone, it cannot give readers all the answers to the story like Who? What? Where? When? Why? and How?  In this case, captions should be able to make it clear to the readers what's happening in the picture or who is in it.

If you're able to see today's paper, is there any picture that caught your attention? And, did you ever bother to read the caption? I thought then that looking at pictures (including graphics) and the corresponding captions serve as a good exercise to anyone interested in copy editing. We undoubtedly use our common sense when we look at pictures and see if the caption helps explain what's being told in the picture. If you were in-charge of putting photos and captions in a print or online publication, you will surely need to have an eye on this stuff but for everyday readers of the Winnipeg Free Press for instance, readers don't necessarily have to build up on that skill; their quick response to look at the picture and read its corresponding caption is enough to tell you that you have succeeded in getting their attention.

Profanity Posted On Facebook

These days, almost everyone goes to Facebook. Even people working from their offices use this site to send messages. But where do you draw the line once somebody sends you an email through Facebook or any other social networking site that contains profanity?

An incident that happened early this year broke out and created public outrage at least in the area of St. Croix Falls when the vice-president of Evergreen Entertainment (Steven Payne) replied to a customer’s unfortunate movie experience with profanity.

The complainant Sarah Kohl-Leaf of Taylors Falls, Minn. Complained in her letter that Payne’s theatre offered no option to purchase tickets with a credit or debit card which left Kohl-Leaf paying for herself and her husband’s ticket in cash.

Sarah Kohl-Leaf complained in her letter that the theater offered no option to purchase tickets with a credit or debit card, meaning she and her husband had to use their cash to see the movie “Shutter Island.” At the time of the incident, the ATM machine located at the theatre lobby was also out of cash. Kohl-Leaf wrote in her letter to the company, "I did not pay 18.00 to have a distracted experience," which was later posted on Facebook. “I would rather drive to White Bear Lake, when they know obviously how to run a theater than have this experience again."

In response, Payne wrote back and said, “Drive to White Bear Lake and also go f*** yourself. If you don’t have money for entertainment, get a better job, and don't pay for everything on your credit or check card. You can also shove your time and gas up your f****** ass. Also, find better things to do with your time. This email is an absolute joke. We don't care to have you as a customer. Let me know if you need directions to White Bear Lake.”

This response to a patron’s complaint is surely not the way to go. In as much as the email was intended to be between Kohl-Leaf and Payne, it’s an email that is virtually available online. This may not be an email for the public to see but after the untoward reply, Kohl-Leaf surely made the issue public by putting up a Facebook group page called “Boycott St. Croix Falls Cinema 8."

This incident is surely a good topic not only in my online print & media class but also in public relations. The damaging comment made by Payne created a stir and more than 4,000 people boycotted his theatre. The comment posted online was beyond repair.

The Breath Of Autumn

It's a Friday today, and I can't help but feel sentimental. I know that I will have a great weekend, spending time with my family and yes, a bit of 'alone' time for myself. The week went by so quickly, maybe because of school and all these coursework but I feel like time just slipped by so fast without me knowing it.

This morning when I walked out of the main door to pick-up my papers, I can't help but notice the leaves of our basswood tree turning yellow. I marvelled at the sight of it although its leaves started to cover the entire front yard which we have to rake at a later time.  The morning air was cold and a bit uninviting, but I made sure I was dressed warmly for the day.

Earlier on today, I was planning to write about a news article I've read the other day but something came over me at this instant and just decided to write something about the coming of this season. I have so much to share and communicate with you but I believe that there are times like this one when we need to pause, step back, and let nature speak to us.

I have always been a chatterbox (at least to my closest friends & family) but I welcomed the idea of 'slowing down' even for a brief moment. Every time I entertain the idea of 'listening' to nature speak, the poetic side of me emerges. I think music composers, poets, and artists alike find the time to be alone and be inspired of what nature has to give. For a communicator like me, I think getting inspiration this way would also be good to help me refresh myself and help renew my mind especially from spending a very hectic week.

This particular post is defintiely not the intellectual type where we can discuss about a certain issue or share our opinions with, but this post is simply a way for me to be inspired and renew my love for writing.

I am sure that I will have a wonderful weekend and that my autumn will be a time for wonderful recollections, past and present.

Go Ahead, Edit My Copy

Editing is one task that not many people are cut-out to do unless you are passionate about it; have the knack for it; or are extremely 'entertained' checking on someone else's work.

For several years, I've worked as a copywrtier. As I write, edit and proofread my own work, I've grown accustomed to looking at my work in a very critical way with the help of feedback from my own creative team and that from the client side. To 'lovingly' look at my copy let's say for a brochure, would involve admiration for the overall design of the material minus the text. Maybe it's just me but I've trained myself to look at my text more objectively. Working in a creative environment but with a good sense for business and exceptional account management, editing is a skill that I've learned over the years and something which I don't take personally-- certainly, not at all.

As a copywriter, I was my own worst critic. Even after I've completed a copy for a car ad or credit card brochure, I would grab and put on a different hat. My invisible magnifying glass would skim through the words line by line and spot for errors. Should I find one, an alarm bell would ring and sound off an annoyingly screeching sound, loud enough to deafen my ears. But there were several times as well when editing was unsolicitedly done by my own clients (peeps from the marketing department) who would automatically don a ten gallon hat, more fancy than the one I wore and would scrutinize the copy I've just written. Often times, the process of editing wasn't followed at all. Just by the quick snap of a finger, their wish to have an 'overhaul' on my copy, was the simplest route they can take even without bothering to understand the concept or tone behind my copy and provide constructive feedback.

Having someone else edit my copy is no big deal to me -I would really appreciate it so long as feedback is given especially if reasons for such changes are also brought to my attention. But going back to those days of copywriting work, editing in its true essence wasn't normally followed. Clients vary just like the projects I handled. Changes to my copy after it's being presented reflected somehow the 'personality type' of my client. So long as people have different tastes for food, there would always be differences and unique tastes for editing styles; at least this was the case for me when I worked as a copywriter. If  my copy was a huge success without being subjected to any kind of editing (or even with slight edits supported by the client's explanation), a mark of approval would then be given. As with my own worst critic, I would receive a pat on the shoulder for a job well done.

A Candidate's Brochure Speaks A Lot

 Voters for the upcoming 2010 Civic Election have their opportunity to decide now who they want to vote for mayor, city councillors, and school board trustees. One way of doing this is looking at their self-promotional materials.

I have received at least a couple of materials from local candidates in the last couple of weeks. Somehow, finding time to read these materials was as simple as resting on the couch after a heavy meal-- at least that's how it worked for me. As I was reading through one candidate's tri-fold brochure, I noticed several errors that were avoidable. Unfortunately, I assumed that no one cared to proofread the material or maybe yet, the individual responsible in proofreading it was too busy multi-tasking at the candidate's campaign office.

The errors I found were on subject-verb agreement; structure and organization of thoughts; and spelling of words. I wonder- maybe it's just me who's thinking critically here that at the sight of a minute error, I would readily grab my writer's pen and do an unsolicited editing work. The brochure looks fairly decent with the candidate's smiling face on the cover. He looks more like my friendly neighbour who would not think twice to help me just in case I trip on the sidewalk on a rainy day. But these promotional materials serve as an extension of the candidates' overall image. If these errors were done on a provincial or federal level, there is simply no excuse; people will easily notice and probably the media will write about it.

The civic election has its own limelight shining upon all the candidates and their throngs of supporters. Errors on their self-promotional materials are somehow forgivable (at least for now) and the public wouldn't stage a rally to contest a candidate from running on the basis of wrong grammar. These candidates may not even know that such errors appeared but if they did, there's nothing much they can do; all of the materials were already printed with donation dollars spent.

My decision on who I would vote for the different offices is stil hanging by the thread. I think I still have to give myself more time and study these candidates even closer.Their agendas will be a good place to start; that will give me an inside look on what they will be doing in case they get elected. As with their brochures, flyers, and other self-promotional materials, how I wish that these materials will also best reflect the candidates' image even if it's printed on a piece of paper.

Learning from Botched Headlines

 Our second week into the first semester went by so quickly, and so were the assignments handed-out to us in an almost regular fashion. I am one of those studens who 'like' doing assignments-- not because I have to but because these assignments are meant to hasten my skills and further improve my knowledge.

This weekend, I was surfing the internet to do some online research on my radio assignment when I accidentally stumbled upon a website that contains all these funny and ambiguous headlines used in newspapers. Unfortunately, the sources were not given but simply enumerated some of the most ambiguous, weird, and funny headlines you would ever read. I think these headlines will make you laugh or probably make you cringe in dismay. When I was reading these headlines, I was beginning to appreciate more the value of copy editing. So, here are some examples of the headlines I found. The italicized texts are my comments on how the headlines should be re-written.

1. Two sisters reunite after eighteen years at checkout counter
-Eighteen years is a very long time to be at the chekout counter! I think this headline should be re-written as 'Two sisters reunite at checkout counter after eighteen years'

2. Eye drops off shelf
-It's not even Halloween but this is scary! Maybe it's supposed to mean, 'Eye-drops off shelf'

3. Squad helps dog bite victim
-Very ambiguous headline. Probably the headline should be re-written something like this-- 'Squad helps dog-bite victim'

4. Two Soviet ships collide - one dies
-I never thought that ships were living things! Probably this headline should be re-written as 'Two Soviet ships collide - one man dies'

BONUS: For the last three examples, I will let you have a look at it and see what could be the best way to re-write it.

5. Enraged cow injures farmer with ax
Revise headline as:__________________________________________

6. Miners refuse to work after death
Revise headline as: ___________________________________________

7. Lawmen in Mexico barbecue guests
Revise headline as: ___________________________________________

Did you have fun? I hope you did! So often we take newspaper headlines for granted. One thing I've realized about headlines is this-- if we're trying our best to deliver factual news to the public, it should be done responsibly. Tabloid newspapers on the other hand often have sensationalized headline copy but I think since we are learning to write proper headlines and captions, we have to make it a habit to write things in a correct and proper way so that the readers will be better informed.

Just in case you find any weird or funny headlines out there, do share it with me. Aside from the 'entertainment value', we'll be learning more about copy editing in the process.

One more thing for food lovers to be hAPPy about!

If you own a wireless mobile device and if you're a food lover at the same time (who isn't?), then there is one more thing to be hAPPy about! An app from Canada Food Netwoork can now be downloaded onto your iPhone or iPod.

This app allows you to search for thousands of recipes from delectable desserts to sumptuous dishes. You can also view how-to videos, tips and techniques, and receive Recipe of the Day updates. What's more, you can also use its grocery list feature which will come in very handy when planning for your next meal.

What I like about the Canada Food Network app is its unique feature to help you search for very specific recipes. I am not just talking about typing a recipe name but it gives you different options to look for recipes by main ingredient; meal type/course; global cuisine; occasion; popular picks; and quick & easy. For example, let's say I'm planning for a special meal this coming weekend and I'd like to use beef as my main ingredient. All I have to do is touch 'Main Ingredient' on my search filters screen and touch 'View Results'. In a split second, I can now see that there are 83 results or 83 dishes making use of beef as a main ingredient. Each recipe is a file of its own complete with a list of ingredients, directions, and picture. It's also equipped with options to let you read any posted comments, rating, and available photos.

Should there be a particular recipe that you would like to share with family and friends, you can simply 'Add/Share' the recipe through your Twitter, Facebook, and email. You're also given other options to add your favourite recipe onto your 'Add to My Recipes' list or even onto your 'Add to Grocery List' if you happen to plan and buy the ingredients right away.

This app certainly follows the principles of persuasion which are:

• Identification- It's very convenient and helpful to me. I get free recipes, watch helpful videos, and more! As a food lover and meal planner in the family, this app is certainly very helpful.
• Clarity- I am very familiar with the logo. When I see the app, I know right away what it's for. The navigation buttons are very recognizable and the pictures of chefs from Canada Food Network let me recall the shows I've been following for a long time.
• Action- I can easily view and check thousands of recipes at my fingertips. There's no need to look for a computer with internet access or even visit the website address of Canada Food Network to check for updates. Also, everytime I fancy a new recipe and would like to try it, I can easily manage my grocery list at the same time. Sharing recipes with friends and family members is very easy too, since there are option buttons for Facebook, Twitter, and email.
• Familiarity and Trust- I have been a regular viewer of Canada Food Network for several years already. I also recognize the photos of chefs which allow me to recall their shows on television.

So if you don't have this wonderful app yet, now is the time for you to download it. Best of all, it's FREE!

We're All Copy Editors Whether We Like It, Or Not

Years ago, I had worked as a copywriter in a graphic design company. As what my position implied, I did copywriting jobs for different projects in the automobile, banking, retail, and other industries. As a copywriter, I developed slogans, taglines, script and body texts of varying lengths to promote a business or person. The work is often associated with brochures, annual reports, flyers, advertisements, websites and other vehicles of marketing and advertising. Currently, I am taking a course in Editing Print and Online Media where students will be trained in the theory and practice of copy editing various types of content for print and online media. The course will also train students to write compelling headlines, photo captions and other display material.

Copy editing is the work that an editor does to improve the formatting, style and accuracy of the text. You may think that copy editing is just for editors working in newspapers and publishing companies but it is a task that I think everyone who is involved in communications should employ. Since copy editing will look into formatting, style and accuracy of the text most of the time, it normally comes before proofreading, which is the last stage in an editorial process.

Any writing that has a journalistic value or promotional value will involve some form of copy editing. I think that if everyone has copy editing skills, we will be able to avoid or at least minimize mistakes. I see occasional bloopers on billboards, printed materials (newspapers, brochures, ads, etc.), online news or press releases, and even on websites. For a lot of companies, a slight mistake on a text whether it's printed or online, costs money or even potential profit loss. On certain times, a mistake that cannot be reversed just because it's already published and made available publicly, could even cause legal issues.

So if you think that you're exempted from doing any kind of copy editing work, think again. Managers, supervisors, people holding high positions and ordinary staff, have a share of responsibility when it comes to copy editing. For me, this is my opinion. I think that if we all share a sense of accountability in looking through all our printed and online materials, we will be able to spot those areas that need to be corrected. And for those of us studying to be the next generation of communicators in this city, we have a great responsibility in our hands to spot any errors and correct it. For now, we will take the time to learn as much as we can, and put these into practice.

Gordon Bell Students Deserve Their Own Soccer Field

The redevelopment of the former site used by a car dealership into a soccer field to benefit the high school students of Gordon Bell is likely to start at the beginning of spring or summer of 2011. This property located on Portage Avenue was acquired by the Winnipeg School Division from Canada Post. This acquisition was the result of an extensive lobbying campaign by community activists and the students & graduates of Gordon Bell High School.


Even before the construction of this new site will come into view, there will be a good deal of planning and design involved. Not to forget, budget constraints which will predict the final outcome of the project will be a vital issue. Just like in any major project, constant deliberations and consultations are expected. I believe that what makes any major project good and successful are transparency and a good exchange of communication. There’s no foolproof way to avoid conflicts in any undertaking but as long as this proposed project is handled well by the respective parties, the project will come into fruition.

There have been different opinions and views regarding this proposed project but frankly, I am happy that such an endeavour is underway. As a parent, I am excited for the students of Gordon Bell High School as well as their families, who will eventually have the opportunity to be involved in sports and make useful of their time on its grounds. Such a facility will encourage a lot of these young people to be involved in sports and it could even be a precursor to better education and personal development. Contrary to what others say that Gordon Bell High School doesn’t deserve to have its own facility, well I believe that this school truly deserves to have such a sports facility that they can call their own. The children in this school deserve to have such a facility, while their counterparts in other areas of Winnipeg have an equally or better facilities and programs than this school has ever had.  Personally, I don’t mind so much whether the design of this proposed soccer field doesn’t come close to an Olympic-sized soccer field  -what’s important is the fact that the school division is giving something back to their students, their families and the community in general. In this case, a vision to improve the education and well-being of students at Gordon Bell High School is taken into consideration; definitely a thing to be gleeful about.

To read the article on Gordon Bell High School's proposed soccer field, please click here.

Photo credits: WAYNE.GLOWACKI@FREEPRESS.MB.CA from http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/