1. Columns & Reviews

2. Columns vs. Editorials Can use first person Can use quotes and dialogue Written in an informal, personal style Express personal viewpoints of individual writers May be longer than an editorial No first person singular No quotes or dialogue Written with a specific formula/outline Express viewpoints of the newspaper staff

3. Columnists... Are intrigued by people See ordinary events in new ways Are willing to take chances, sometimes reveal something about themselves that is personal Independent Feel strongly about issues and want to share their opinions with others Read a lot - The Radical Write, Chapter 14

4. Opinion Columns Sharing personal opinions (as opposed to editorials) on topics related to politics, news and current events (editorial topics) Typically follow the same format as editorials Lead, stance, body that explains, rebuttal and conclusion that recaps stance and includes a call to action

5. Personal Reflection Columns  Sharing experiences or a personal story  Can be humorous, sentimental, melancholic  Goal is to appeal to the reader’s emotions (whether rage, sadness, joy or excitement)

6. Additional Types of Columns Profile Columns –focus on outstanding individuals (can give personal opinions about the person, unlike features) Sports Columns – topics related to sports Question and Answer columns – such as “Dear Abby”

7. Column Trends An unique opening or closing line or a word or phrase that is always included Consistent title (Overtime with David Barr) Target an audience

8. Writing a Column Step 1: Interview and observe – Look for an interesting angle – Look for irony or symbolism Step 2: Write – Make it personal – Take a stand – Don’t cheerlead – Don’t chat with the reader – Don’t ramble – Find your voice – it should reflect your personality

9. Column Writing Techniques Tell a dramatic story Focus on the individual Use anecdotes Use exaggeration, puns, narrative, scene development and fictional dialogue Be creative, clever, witty Tone should match the mood - The Radical Write, Chapter 14

10. Fictional Dialogue Example Column written about a Texas law that allows newborn babies to be legally abandoned within 30 days of birth – “Honey, can we take this baby back?” Vicki Bob said. “All he does is eat; cry and poop, and he’s keeping the dogs awake at night and creating such a fuss that I can’t even hardly hear Jerry Springer on TV. We got to do something!” – “Okay by me,” Bubba replied. “Heck, we got nine others anyway. “ – The Radical Write, Chapter 14

11. Keep it simple Keep each sentence straightforward and clear Remember columns are not AP English papers What not to do... – The scene is that of a Guatemalan prison, a cold, dank, cement-block edifice as foreboding as the Bastille or the Black Hole of Calcutta. Screams reverberate up and down the corridors...

12. Be Concise and Be Precise The vehicle we were looking for was a van that we planned to use on our vacation. For our vacation, we wanted a van.

13. What not to do in columns Gossip Use slang, jargon or clichés Use profanity or anything that borders on profanity Religious comments (especially those that belittle religion) Any comments intended to be offensive Chat with reader

14. Read Sample Columns 1.Leonard Pitts 2.Rick Reilly 3.Dave Barry 4.Bobby Hawthorne 5.John Grogan

15. Column Examples Discussion Questions: How are the columns different from editorials? How are the columns similar to editorials? How are they different from news & features? What types of columns are represented? What is the main point of each column? What successful writing techniques are used? How did the writers come up with their topics?

16. Today you will: write for a variety of audiences and purposes researches self-selected topics to write journalistic texts write for a variety of audiences and purposes and researches self-selected topics to write journalistic texts such as reviews, columns, and editorials to inform, entertain, and/or persuade (110.62b (3k)) by comparing & contrasting columns and reviews AND writing your own review

17. Goals of Reviews – Movies, restaurants, books, plays, video games, albums, etc. – Designed to guide and inform readers – Make comparisons – Evaluate product or performance – Give strengths and weaknesses

18. To prepare Read the whole book, watch the full movie, etc. Consider other works by that author/actor/etc. Do your research! Become an expert on your topic. Pay attention to the audience reaction

19. Elements of a Review Lead – lets the reader know immediately whether you liked it/ grabs their attention Background Information – Major stars, brief plot description, etc. Brings reader up-to-date Strengths of the piece- don’t gushWeaknesses of the piece- don’t attack Ending – Should leave no doubt to your opinion. May include a recommendation.

20. Organization Don’t use chronological order Organize by artistic concerns – effect, style, tone, acting, staging, etc.

21. Give an opinion! Reviews must give an opinion Don’t rehash the program or the plot What did you like or dislike? Example: Reciting what order the songs were played in a concert instead of evaluating the performance

22. Review Writing Tips Write about what you know about Write about what you care about Put the performance or work in context (compare to other works) Analyze and explain Be fair in giving your opinion Keep it short and to the point Be serious

23. More Review Writing Tips Avoid I, me, my Avoid clichés (“I laughed. I cried. I experienced the full range of human emotion.”) Should be timely, informal, local and opinionated Give it a grade, rank or score

24. Conclusions Bring to satisfying conclusion Refer back to beginning Example: – The Bourne Identity is essentially one long chase sequence, and it’s constructed almost entirely from suspense tropes we’ve seen before, but director Doug Liman infuses it with such chilly European flair that it’s impossible not to enjoy the ride.

25. Example

26. Column vs. Review w/Examples 1. Go online and find a book, movie, music, TV or food review to read. Copy the URL. 2. Find an example of a column. Copy the URL. 3. In your own words, tell me how reviews and columns are alike and different? Paste the URLs to each article in your assignment. Email me.