This post is due by Monday, March 3 @ midnight for full credit.
Email late posts to rob.williamsATmadriver.com for partial credit.
Read our COVERING THE ENVIRONMENT book, assigned chapter(s) above.
In a SINGLE blog post below for ALL chapters in the section, provide for EACH chapter:
1. A single sentence, IYOW, that captures the THESIS (main argument) for each chapter.
2. THREE specific pieces of supporting documentation - ideas, concepts, stats, data - to bolster your thesis for each chapter. (Use 2 - 3 sentences for each.)
3. A SINGLE specific question you have after reading and blogging on ALL chapters of assignment.
The heat is on,
Dr. W
The heat is on,
Dr. W
Chapter 11:
ReplyDelete1. Besides the environmental beat, there are several other columns in which environmental issues can be addressed; these other avenues can also be used to create a closer connection between the environment and the readers.
2. The first piece of evidence is Steve Grant’s first hand account of his trip down the Connecticut River. It wasn’t necessarily a stereotypical environmental piece, but his writing in first person of an extraordinary adventure really created a link with his readers. The second piece of evidence is nature writing in general- “readers have always identified with nature and those who write about it,” (180). Their various outlooks and renditions of their experience with nature have allowed readers to be able to glimpse nature through their writings. The third piece of evidence is the section on agricultural journalism. Agriculture often gets overlooked in other beats, as it is assumed to be covered in business or food, but it incorporates a field very prevalent to all. It “extends far beyond the farm” in the sense that it can effect everyone who consumes food, so everyone can relate and show interest.
3. What are other ways to get readers interested, besides using first hand accounts?
Chapter 12:
1. A strong writing voice is necessary for writing opinion pieces, but there is a fine line between becoming too technical, and losing your audience and dumbing down your position.
2. The first piece of evidence is a quote from John McCormick. As deputy editorial page editor of the Chicago Tribune, he said that there was “nothing worse in an editorial than a writing voice that was stuffy, omnipotent, often pompous,” (190). This serves to prove that there is a fine line between proving your point and sounding condescending in your opinion piece. The second piece of evidence is Dave Barry’s continued humor over animal flatulence. It just proves that, despite the seriousness of environmental issues, its always okay to poke fun or not take things too seriously. The third piece of evidence is Tom Philip’s piece on Hetch Hetchy. His first editorial drafts were too technical, and only after he rewrote in a more approachable style was his editorial series successful.
3. What is the easiest way in which to achieve a strong voice, but avoid being too aggressive in your writing?
Chapter 11
ReplyDelete1. Along with the environmental beat, there are many side beats environmental journalists can take part in. Some of these other means are also a place for strong first person writing that makes a stronger connection to the readers.
2. a. Some of these side beats include agricultural journalism and environmental travel writing. When talking about nature author Annie Dillard, Wyss said “First person writing about nature adds perspective beyond what many conventional stories can achieve by adding value judgments,” (pg. 182). But at the same time, nature writing must also be factual.
b. Agriculture journalism is another example of a side beat. Less than 3 percent of the population in 1990 in America is involved in agriculture, and since America is becoming more urban and does not think as much about how their behaviors affect the environment and agriculture.
c. There are also “hot topics” that environmental journalists can contribute to. Two big issues have been biotechnology and ethanol. While they have been considered sub topics of agricultural journalism, there is so much complexity to both issues that there needs to be a lot of attention directed towards them.
3. What is other good side beats for environmental journalists to write about, like for example, renewable energy issues?
Chapter 12
1. When it comes to column writing, and reporting in general, “with great power comes great responsibility” certainly applies. Writers must be able to provide factual information to their audience and while it is an opinion piece, there needs to be a good balance between fact and opinion.
2. a. Writer John McCormick once said “…writers need to carefully organize the debate and to provide enough background for to understand the context,” (pg. 192) Writers have the challenge of taking a large amount of information and organizing it in a way for the readers to understand.
b. As stated before in previous chapters, columnists must know what they are talking about and do research. Yes, their opinion is the focus of the column, but what good is an opinion if it is not backed up by some sort of facts.
c. On top of these other challenges for columnists “good opinion articles need to be tight and concise,” (pg. 196). An informative and effective column can be written in 750 words, like the work of Tom Philp from the Sacramento Bee.
3. With all this information that needs to be conveyed, what is the absolute longest an environmental opinion piece can be?
Chapter 11
ReplyDelete1. The green beat covers a broad assortment of topics including travel writing, agriculture journalism, and nature writing. These topics may be presented in the first person or the third person-the decision of which point of view to select is based on many different attributes and details of the story.
2.
-When a writer has an extremely unique perspective on the story, it is best to write in first person. For example, an extremely subjective story such as the one discussed about the reporter running from the officials and escaping to a monastery.
-First person articles are more personal and may be preferable when the reporter wants to connect individually with the reader. These stories will connect on a more emotional level because it draws the reader in more so than a third person article.
-The third person point of view comes across as more scientific and fact driven. This view should be taken when it is a very broad and less personal topic.
3. What's the best way to write in third person without losing the reader?
Chapter 12
1. When writing an editorial, it is important to have a strong voice but not to appear condescending and "stuffy". It is important to tell a story, not write a report.
2.
-It is important to be clear when writing an editorial. Ask: Who is the target audience? What is being addressed? What is the controversy? etc.
-Do not be overly technical when writing an editorial. It is important to write in a way that the reader can easily understand and connect to.
- Write in a way that is "tight" and "concise". It is not necessary to force the author's opinion down the throats of the reader. It is important to state the facts and stay on target.
3. A SINGLE specific question you have after reading and blogging on ALL chapters of assignment.
What' s the best way to stick to the story and to avoid excessive representation of opinion?
Chapter 11
ReplyDelete1. The environmental beat is not solely constricted to the "traditional" beats, there are many other side beats that are reported including nature, travel, agriculture, food, etc. Some of these other topics allow for the inclusion of different aspects of the story in the first-person that create a deeper connection with the reader to nature and reader to author.
2. Steve Grant has the idea that smaller stories are more effective for the reader to connect to the environment. He said, "we are never going to save the environment unless people get engaged" (181).
While writing in the first person it is important to have a good reason for including yourself in the story. The presence must not be uncalled for.
Environmental travel writing comes in 2 forms. The first is basic guides like hotels, restaurants, and places to see. Then there is armchair travel that focuses on transporting the reader through words and relies heavily on anecdotes.
3. When writing in the first person, when do we know our presence is unwarranted?
Chapter 12
1. When writing an editorial it is important to make the writing lively and the subject interesting and not sound pompous. The key is to write an essay.
2. It is important to be clear while selling your ideas and organize them in a careful way. Writers must be aware of the audience, their own attitude and tone of writing, the point of the article, etc.
It is also important to relax a little. Writers should be loose and be able to be a little less serious at times when writing opinions about the environment.
Writers must also be aware of the critical comments that come after a piece is published. They must attack there own premise to make sure their argument will withstand an opponents critic.
3. When writing an opinion piece, how do we know how much background information to put in?
Chapter 11:
ReplyDelete1. Not only can environmental journalists write about the environment but they will usually write side beat types such as nature writing, travel, agriculture, or hot topics.
2. A nature writer and teacher, McKay Jenkins said about nature writing, “is one of a nonfiction writer’s best chances to explore the ephemeral, the unseen, the mysterious.” ( Wyss pg.180)
Author of several travel books, Pico Iyer stated that “travel writing anywhere involves an extension of the passing into something more durable, and the elaboration of an incident that would be humdrum at home into something that is revealing both of setting and of self.” (Wyss pg.184)
One survey found that only 16 agriculture journalism academic programs where in the U.S. and Canada. News organizations have cut the number of reporters covering agriculture.
3. What does a journalist do when writing on a topic that they do not find interesting?
Chapter 12:
1. When writing an editorial, it is extremely important to make a lively story that readers will not become bored in the middle of the article.
2. Deputy editorial page editor of the Chicago Tribune, John McCormick, said “Never let your editorial page become the dull place some readers, and some journalists, feel that it is.” (Wyss, pg.190)
Some journalists look to poke fun at the environment in writing opinions like Dave Barry, a nationally-syndicated columnist at the Miami Herald, who repeatedly turned to less serious topics like animal flatulence. (Wyss pg.192-193)
When Tom Philip of the Sacramento Bee wrote about the dam at Hetch Hetchy in Yosemite, “I forced myself to understand all of the technical issues. My early drafts were excessive in making a technical case.” (Wyss pg.193)
3. What do you do if you take a less serious root on the environment and the response is extremely negative?
Chapter 11:
ReplyDelete(1) It is important to recognize that environmental journalism is not confined to it's stereotypical beats but can also range in coverage from areas like food to travel.
(2) Nature writing is one example of an unconventional environmental beat. Many reporters in this field are passionate about the activism they bring to the table; Steve Grant of the Hartford Courant said, "'We're never going to save the environment unless people get engaged...if we make it accessible in stories such as these, then maybe we have a chance'" (Wyss, 181).
From Mark Twain to Jack Kerouac, travel writing has been around for decades. It has consistently been split into two: "basic guides and armchair travel. The former provides valuable practical information including lists of hotels, restaurants and places to see...armchair travel...is less focused on whether the reader will journey to the destination and that is far more intent on transporting the reader to the place through the words" (Wyss, 183). Environmental travel writing is an even lesser-known beat than nature writing, but it's popularity is emerging as many writers take their readers on the journey with them.
The two "biggest issues in the beat for environmental reporters in the first decade of the twenty-first century have been biotechnology and ethanol" (Wyss, 186). This is important because most biotechnology has led to the research of genetically modified food crops and products; this major issue could put agricultural journalism back on the map.
(3) How is it possible that agricultural coverage has decreased so dramatically while many people are beginning to realize the affects of genetically modified food?
Chapter 12:
(1) The public's interest in editorials has grown over the years, and various approaches to each topic has created a growth in column and editorial opinions. The key, however, is to lot let your own opinion become too important and get in the way of the issue at hand.
(2) Oftentimes journalists will carry their passion into the environmental topic. "A strong writing voice is essential, no matter how portions of the column are drafted" (Wyss, 191). This is true of both conservative and liberal columnists writing about the environment; each has a voice "just as authoritative as their colleagues" (Wyss, 191).
One of the most important things to consider while writing with your own opinion and voice is to inform the readers of context and give them reason to understand. "John McCormick of the Chicago Tribune said that while it is good to express opinions in columns, selling those ideas is not easy" (Wyss, 192). Ask yourself a series of questions, including who might be targeted and what kind of goals are you trying to accomplish in writing this article.
Tom Philip's coverage on the Hetch Hetchy reservoir and dam issue provides an excellent example of an editorial that is "'bifocal'" (Wyss, 195.) Philip said that this is what makes a great editorial. In his writing on the issue, Philip managed to discuss the history of Hetch Hetchy and tailor his writing to all sides of the story--from those who had already formed opinions on the topic, to those who were just average readers. 11 editorials and a Pulitzer Prize later, Philip said that, "'the key...was that the dialog had at least begun'" (Wyss, 197).
(3) Are their captive regulatory agents in the environmental world? --i.e. politicians funding National Geographic, etc.?
CHAPTER 11
ReplyDelete1. It is important to understand that environmental journalism is not confined to the traditional beat of TV stations and newspapers, but that it can take on an array of other forms (ie. nature writing, agriculture, and travel writing.
2. a. A writer for the Hartford Courant, Steve Grant, traveled 410-miles down the CT River to right a first person nature
Story. The story was well received and it was the most popular piece he ever wrote. Grant’s ability to connect with readers was something that made this story particular well written.
b. Good travel writing requires the ability to connect with readers as well. It is important to use tools such as anecdotes as well as descriptions to grab the reader’s attention.
c. Agriculture writing is a particularly interesting side beat because the disconnect between people and the natural environment is especially evident in terms of food production.
3. Are the various side beats effective in attracting audiences to environmental stories or are they too distracting?
CHAPTER 12
1. The importance of keeping a clear and strong voice when writing opinion pieces in the green beat.
2. a. Tom Philip points out that editorials bridge two distinct audiences: the opinion leaders and the average reader.
b. It’s important to be clear in opinion writing, namely when it comes down to what the article is trying to accomplish and if it will target the correct audience.
c. Opinion pieces can successfully grab the attention of political leaders. In the midst of Philips editorial series many key state assembly leaders announced support for a study to reopen Hetch Hentchy.
3. How can opinion pieces stay current on environmental news while still attracting both the opinion leaders and the average reader?
Chapter 11
ReplyDelete1.Environmental journalism is not confined to the traditional beats but can be found in a range of beats, from nature writing to travel to agriculture and even food and can be written in either first or third person.
2.Nature stories can be written in either first or third person. A writer should have a good reason for including himself in the story. The first person allows the reporter to more easily make observations and judgments.
Good travel writing depends on anecdotes, vivid descriptions of places and people and a mechanism to place those observations in perspective. For some, self-discovery works best in exotic settings, and good dialogue can help a story be successful.
Travel writing can be split into two divides: basic guides and armchair travel. The former provides valuable practical information; the latter is more intent on transporting the reader to the place through wordsß.
3.Is there such thing as providing too much detail and personal point of view?
Chapter 12
1.Writers must express their opinion in a lively and interesting way in an editorial piece.
2.Paul H. MacClennan wrote columns in favor of the environment, often pushing both government and business to do more. His writing voice was similar in tone and political leaning.
A strong writing voice is essential, no matter how portions of the column are drafted. Betsey Marston wrote a column for High Country News in Paonia, CO. It is composed of news briefs and reports of environmental and other issues from states around the Rocky Mountain region, with Marston’s editorial zip added.
Tom Philip believes that editorials have to bridge two distinct audience groups, the opinion leaders and the average reader. He states that a great editorial has to be written for the inside crowd as well as the outside crowd or you will quickly lose readers.
3.Should opinion pieces include other opinions as well, or should they just focus on the opinion of the writer?
Chapter 11
ReplyDelete1. Green beat reporting extends to multiple columns, including nature writing, travel writing and agricultural writing; with various columns of environmental writing, readers can focus on their favorite aspects of environmental news, which doesn’t always focus on environmental “issues”, but often the beauty of nature.
2. . Steve Grant’s story on his 410-mile canoe trek of the Connecticut River is an example of nature writing and a form of writing that isn’t concerned with pointing out an issue as much as it is emphasizing the writer’s experience.
. Jack Kerouac, Mark Twain and Thoreau are all examples of travel writers. Armchair travel is the more popular form of travel writing, which focuses less on the writer’s journey and more on placing the reader in the natural setting themselves.
. Agricultural journalism is covered less and less by publications, but still has its purpose. In a poll conducted in 2006, it was found that 34% of people thought crops they ate were safe to eat, while 29% thought they were not. Agricultural journalism may be ignored often, though that doesn’t imply that Americans don’t care where their food comes from.
3. . How long can a writer expect to be out when writing a travel piece for a publication?
Chapter 12
1. When writing an editorial piece, a compelling writers voice is needed to engage the readers, however, the writer must refrain from writing in an arrogant style with a vast, open subject.
2. . John McCormick states “there is nothing worse in an editorial than a writing voice that is ‘stuffy, omnipotent, often pompous.’” The key is to write essays, not editorials.
. Tom Philip of the Sacramento Bee wrote an editorial on the Hetch Hetchy at Yosemite National Park. After writing a draft of the editorial, his editor said his editorial voice was too technical, and suggested that he write more like John Muir. Philip later stated that making that change in voice “really helped in the persuasion of the article.”
. Editorial writing should be “tight and concise”. Long editorials can lose the reader, therefore an editorial of 750 words is an ideal length.
3. For editorial pieces that cover technical topics, is it okay to write in a technical style?
Chapter 11
ReplyDelete1. Side beats such as nature and travel writing are “side beats” from more traditional environmental journalism which can allow for more artistry while still delivering a factual story.
2. This chapter is rich with interesting examples of the varying side beats that have been taken on in the recent past. The opening anecdote is about Steve Grant and his multi-part nature writing on his canoe adventure down the Connecticut River. His story was wildly popular and told in a very artistic and personal manner. Not all nature writing has to follow this form, but can be related from a third-person perspective as well. The section on environmental travel writing mentions some famous authors with whom I am acquainted such as Thoreau, Melville, and Krakauer. In particular I thought about Krakauer’s book “Into the Wild”, a modern classic. While reading it the first time I would never have thought to look at it as a piece of travel writing, but that is, in a way, what it is. The information is factual, and documents an epic journey across the country. Finally, I was struck by the ending section of the chapter “Boss Hog”. The section is about a piece of agricultural writing on the pork industry in North Carolina and the out of control waste issue was affecting people and the environment. I immediately thought back to Jonathan Safran Foer’s “Eating Animals” which I read before Freshman Year. It is amazing how I see these things I read in such a different light after taking a media course.
3. What is really the difference between a side beat and a specialization within environmental journalism if an agricultural topic counts as the former?
Chapter 12
1. The writing of editorial, specifically of the environmental nature, should include firm opinions, a lively style, and be based solidly on facts.
2. This short chapter includes several examples that support these ideas. The first is the short biographic type introduction of John Oakes and the changes he made to the way editorials are written today. This paved the way to the interesting articles we read in the New York Times today. Secondly, there is the section called “be clear” which is in a separate box. Like some earlier chapters, this section gives some solid guidelines to editorial writing that will make one’s work more poignant. Finally, there is the last couple pages of the chapter which provides a detailed case study on environmental editorial writing. Tom Philip worked hard to put personal opinions into a very serious story about water scarcity, which made it more appealing to many than a simple statement of the facts.
3. Are editorials a necessary part of reporting, or is their function just to attract attention to the newspaper, or whatever it may be? Essentially, how important is opinion?
Ch 11
ReplyDelete1. The Beat of Environmental Journalism is a broad scope of work that serves as an umbrella to other subgenres of environmental storytelling.
2. The first side beat discussed in the chapter nature writing stood out to me in the case of the journalism students in Delaware having difficulty producing stories, because there was "no nature in Delaware." That could be a story of environmental journalism on its own, but this chapter made me reminisce back to reading Richard Louv's "Last Child in the Woods" in which Louv reminds us readers in an intense and personal way that nature is a complex living ecosystem, and younger generations are facing more distractions through technology that are blinding them from those nature experiences.
Environmental travel writing is always an interesting subject because of the travel aspect. It is much harder to tell a story about an environmental issue as an outsider to a place, and travelers are not always open to interacting with local residents in foreign places, but for the sake of environmental journalism and compelling storytelling, local residents are the voices who will need to be heard. The chapter seems to conflate travel writing to mean marketing to promote tourism in certain areas.
Agriculture journalism is an interesting topic that Vermont has an incredible potential to utilize. I think that one of the biggest stories under this topic umbrella at this time is GMO labeling and educating consumers where the food they eat comes from.
3. At which point can first person stories become unrelatable to audiences?
Ch 12
1. As objective as journalism can try to be, opinion is still part of the human condition that plays an essential role in storytelling.
2. In Columns and Editorials, opinion is expected. The idea is to make the writing lively and the subject interesting, some hold the opinion that trees are worse polluters than factories and swamps should be replaced with shopping malls. John McCormick said that while it is good to express opinions in columns, selling those ideas is not easy. When human thought processes become lumped into the left/right liberal/conservative spectrum, selling ideas becomes extremely easy yet infuriatingly difficult at the same time. To avoid this, writing has become more sensationalized and opinion-less as a way to maintain sales. The example of Dave Barry who learned to poke fun at the environment to talk about methane as a greenhouse gas via animal flatulance. A writer’s editorial voice is a crucial skill that any writer must hone so that a general public readership finds it understandable. The book gives the case study of Tom Philp, whose editorial voice “was too technical.” A person’s writing can sometimes be a replication of the scattered thought processes occurring simultaneously in the 3 parts of their brain, and therefore will make sense only to said person.
3. How can opinion pieces maintain a viewership without compromising content or message when people are receiving information and stories that are tailored to their viewpoints, and opposing viewpoints are quickly demonized?
Fantastic insights here, colleagues.
ReplyDeleteNow - apply them to your OWN writing.
Bravo,
Dr. W