2010-11 Handy Dandy Staff Manual

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Crimson Newsmagazine

Vision

Paso Robles HS Journalism

The Crimson Mission Crimson is dedicated to our readers above all else. Our staff is committed to reporting worthy local, national, and global news, using our magazine and website to update our community on local and pressing issues. We have made a pledge to “get it right” and to only publish what is both true and fair. It is our mission to represent our school, community, and the individuals at PRHS while maintaining the utmost levels of journalistic integrity, passion, and discipline.

—adopted August 2010

“Put it before them briefly so they will read it, clearly so they will appreciate it, picturesquely so they will remember it, and, above all, accurately so they will be guided by its light.”

— Joseph Pulitzer

Staff Manual 2010-11 Edited & Revised by Monica Patel Ethan Baietti Alicia Canales

Emily Cone Aryn Fields Austin Ehrhardt

Paul Cleland Katie Wingfield Kellie Kennan

CC Staff Manual Version 3.0

Created with Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, & Illustrator for the ’10 -’11 Journalism 2 Class.

Crimson is an independently funded, monthly newsmagazine publication & weekly online portal produced by the Journalism 2 class of Paso Robles HS. Both are designated open forums intended for the exchange of ideas. We hold ourselves to the highest standards of scholastic journalism. member: National Scholastic Press Association

Rm. 601 Paso Robles HS

Original HDN written by Sara Callahan, Rebecca Horne, Kelsey Garman, & Max Vermy (Class of 2008)

Jeff Mount, Adviser Cartoons by Joe Valdivia (Staff 2006-2008)

(805) 237-3315 ext 5601

(805) 434-8967 (c)

jmount@pasoschools.org

Crimson Newsmagazine

Staff Contacts

Paso Robles HS Journalism

Homepage: www.crimsonchronicle.com

Editor-in-Chief

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E-mail: prhsjournalism@pasoschools.org

Monica Patel ’11

Managing Editors Ethan Baietti ’11 Web Master

Alicia Canales ’11 Art Director

Maddison Coons ’11

Nick Van Wiggeren ’11 Reilly Newman ’11

Baietti, Ethan . . . . . . . . 12 . . . . . (c) 423-5839. . . . . (h) 239-9129 . . . . . ethan-7@hotmail.com Bergin, Kim. . . . . . . . . . 12 . . . . . (c) 610-2817. . . . . (h) 237-0730 . . . . . kimberlybergin@hotmail.com Boswell, Kim . . . . . . . . . 11 . . . . . (c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . (h) 239-0691 . . . . . kimberly.fullcanvas@hotmail.com Butz, Madison. . . . . . . . 12 . . . . . (c) 423-2387. . . . . (h) 227-6957 . . . . . chemom@aol.com Callahan, Laura. . . . . . . 10 . . . . . (c) 610-5859. . . . . (h) 237-9806 . . . . . lauracallahan95@hotmail.com Canales, Alicia. . . . . . . . 12 . . . . . (c) 835-2604 . . . . (h) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jesusfreakgrl93@aol.com Chang, Andrew . . . . . . . 11 . . . . . (c) 712-1719. . . . . (h) 239-1481 . . . . . achang082494@yahoo.com Cleland, Dakota. . . . . . . 11 . . . . . (c) 400-7977. . . . . (h) 226-2058 . . . . . hbkfan_94@yahoo.com Cleland, Paul. . . . . . . 12 . . . (c) 610-6852 . . . .(h) 226-2058 . . . pauldude_93@yahoo.com Cone, Emily . . . . . . . . . . 11 . . . . . (c) 712-5309. . . . . (h) 238-6654 . . . . . emmy_grace_42@hotmail.com Cook, Sheridan. . . . . .12 . . . (c)975-7262 . . . .(h) 226-0882. . . . scook2904@att.net Coons, Maddison. . . . . . 12 . . . . . (c) 591-9758. . . . . (h) 238-1974 . . . . . maddilou@hotmail.com Curran, Caitlin. . . . . . . . 12 . . . . . (c) 216-870-8032 (h) 238-5272 . . . . . hicaitlyn@hotmail.com Dart, Clarisse. . . . . . . . . 10 . . . . . (c) 434-8002. . . . . (h) 239-4184 . . . . . cdilovemyipod@aol.com Dowling, Shanna. . . . . 10. . . . (c) 423-0625. . .. . (h) 239-7489 . . . . xbigcitydreams@yahoo.com Ehrhardt, Austin. . . . . . 12 . . . . . (c) 610-3563. . . . . (h) 239-9517 . . . . . hse2@thegrid.net Erwin, Forest. . . . . . . . 12 . . . (c). . ... . . . . . . . . (h) 226-8000. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Evenson, Nicole. . . .. . 12 . . . (c) 610-0920. . . . (h) 227-6841. . . . . e-nicole1@hotmail.com Farrer, Chelsea. . . . . . . 10 . . . . (c) 835-5913 . . . . (h) 239-1874. . . . .whit-6@sbcglobal.net Fields, Aryn . . . . . . . . . . 12 . . . . . (c) 286-2005. . . . . (h) 227-0141 . . . . . aryndior@sbcglobal.net Hipp, Daniel. . . . . . . . . . 10 . . . . . (c) 951-616. . . . . . (h) 227-0654 . . . . . dhipp@gmail.com Hutchinson, Amanda . .11 . . . .(c) 540-1059 . . . . (h) 237-1113. . . . amanduhh-mae@live.com Jolicoeur, Nicolette. . . 10. . . . .(c) 975-7160. . . . .(h) 239-0725. . . . nicojolicoeur@yahoo.com Lewis, Serina. . . . . . . . 12. . . . .(c) 591-9348. . . . .(h). . . . . . . . . . . . . . serinacassidyy@yahoo.com McLean, Michael. . . . . . 12 . . . . . (c) 423-2720. . . . . (h) 239-1099 . . . . . m.mclean1992@gmail.com Musial, Olivia. . . . . . . . 10. . . . (c). . . . . . . . . . .. . (h) 239-4531. . . . . oliviamusial22@yahoo.com Newman, Reilly. . . . . . . 12 . . . . . (c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . (h) 237-8611 . . . . . reillynewman@gmail.com Orcutt, Josh. . . . . . . . . . 10. . . . .(c). . . . . . . . . . . . . (h) 226-8036. . . . . jshortcutt@yahoo.com Patel, Monica. . . . . . . . . 12 . . . . . (c) 286-0223. . . . . (h) 239-3030 . . . . . monpat30@live.com Petiy, Maria. . . . . . . . . . 10 . . . . . (c) 286-2225. . . . . (h) 238-7340 . . . . . mariapetiy@gmail.com Prusi, C.J. . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 . . . . . (c) 674-6613. . . . . (h) 226-8250 . . . . . seejaypee@sbcglobal.net Rodrigues, Megan. . . . . 11 . . . . . (c) 610- 7353 . . . . (h) 226-0820 . . . . . megrod22@gmail.com Ruz, Zoe (Jordan). . . . . .11. . . . (c) 610-2015. . . . (h)239-0618. . . . . .livelovemuzic@yahoo.com Schouten, Sinead. . . . . 11. . . . (c) 712-4576. . . . (h)238-3769. . . . . .summer_schout@yahoo.com Van Wiggeren, Nick . . . 12 . . . . . (c) 674-9594. . . . . (h) 238-3408 . . . . . nick@facepwn.com Vaughn, Jessica. . . . . . . 11 . . . . . (c) 610-4707. . . . . (h) 239-8611 . . . . . thegoodfight156@gmail.com Wilson, Sarah . . . . . . . . 10 . . . . . (c) 400-9650. . . . . (h) 237-7510 . . . . . sarahmw94@gmail.com Wingfield, Kathryn. . . . 11 . . . . . (c) 712-4158. . . . . (h) 239-5674 . . . . . smileyface94@charter.net Wise, Torey. . . . . . . . . . . 12 . . . . . (c) 296-0211. . . . . (h) 238-9070 . . . . . torey_wise29@hotmail.com Wookey, Jenna . . . . . . . 10 . . . . . (c) 975-7571 . . . . . (h)237-0511 . . . . wookforce14@hotmail.com

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Contents

Crimson Newsmagazine Paso Robles HS Journalism

> From the Editors..........................................................................5 > From the Editors..........................................................................6 > Section 1: Staff Tips and Policies.............................................7 > Journalove Concept.....................................................................8 > The First Amendment..................................................................9 > Legal Rules................................................................................10 > Copyright Standards..................................................................11 > Libel...........................................................................................12 > Behavior Contract......................................................................13 > Course Objectives......................................................................14 > Fundraising Expectations..........................................................15 > Selling Subscriptions.................................................................16 > Selling Ads................................................................................17 > Ad Contract................................................................................18 > Invoicing and Business Records................................................19 > Staff Organization......................................................................20 > Print Calendar............................................................................21 > Production Process....................................................................22 > The Editorial Board and Teams.................................................23 > Groupwise.................................................................................24 > NetStorage.................................................................................25 > NetStorage.................................................................................26 > SurveyMonkey..........................................................................27 > No Evil Lateness.......................................................................28 > Posting Stories on CC.COM.....................................................29 > Web Production Process............................................................30 > The Editor-Writer Relationship.................................................31 > How to Survive and Love Editorship........................................32 > Notes..........................................................................................33 > Awards.......................................................................................34 > Section 2: Writing ..................................................................35 > Crimson Story Rubric................................................................36 > Writing Process..........................................................................37 > Writing Standards......................................................................38 > Story Front Ends........................................................................39 > Newsworthiness....................................................................... 40 > Interviewing...............................................................................41 > Interviewing...............................................................................42 > Interviewing...............................................................................43

Crimson Newsmagazine

Paso Robles HS Journalism

Contents

> Interview via Facebook ............................................................44 > 60 Questions..............................................................................45 > Researching Tips.......................................................................46 > Fact Finding and Digging.........................................................47 > Factology...................................................................................48 > Appositives ...............................................................................49 > How to Tell a Story....................................................................50 > Find the Extraordinary...............................................................51 > What You’re Doing Matters......................................................52 > Lede Writing................................................. ............................53 > Tristan’s Ledes.................................................................... ......54 > Lede Sampler.............................................................................55 > Lede Sampler.............................................................................56 > Nutgraf.......................................................................................57 > Shaping Your Story....................................................................58 > The Dirty Dozen........................................................................59 > The Dirty Dozen.................................................................... ...60 > Attribution and Quotation.................................................... .....61 > Conciseness...............................................................................62 > Sports Journalism .....................................................................63 > Sports Journalism......................................................................64 > Feature Writing..........................................................................65 > Opinion Structure......................................................................66 > Review Writing.........................................................................67 > Blog Writing ............................................................................68 > Objectivity, Not Subjectivity.....................................................69 > AP Style: Nuts and Bolts ..........................................................70 > Notes..........................................................................................71 > Notes..........................................................................................72 > Notes..........................................................................................73 > Section 3: Design .....................................................................74 > All Good Design Starts Here.....................................................75 > Crimson Design Style................................................................76 > PhotoShop Basics......................................................................77 > InDesign Basics.........................................................................78 > Photography...............................................................................79 > What to Cover............................................................................80 > Notes . .......................................................................................81 > Notes..........................................................................................82

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From the Editors

Crimson Newsmagazine Paso Robles HS Journalism

Dear Crimson Staff, Last year was an amazing year. But what’s ahead this year will surely shine brighter. We have a talented staff that will steer Crimson in all the right directions. And you’re a part of it. But trust me, what we will accomplish won’t come easy. Reading this nifty little booklet front and back will just take us another step closer.

Room 601 is full of laughter, tears, everything. So how does it go? Pretty simple if you ask me… we work hard, we play hard. The closer we are to deadlines and the publication of the newsmagazine you’ll find yourself wishing there was some kind of “pause” button you could hit to make life a little easier. But the show does go on, and you will find it incredibly rewarding to know that all the hard work you’ve put into the paper pays off when you’re holding a fresh Crimson in your precious hands… or better yet, in another’s hands. It’s not always so intense though! From birthdays, late nights, reward parties to convention… you’ll create great memories with your journalism family.

Journalove! One of the most vital words (yes it’s a word in our dictionary) you will familiarize yourself with in this class, with many meanings. To me, it’s doing what you love along with your fellow journalists. You weren’t just chosen to be in this class strictly because of work, we’re here to get to know one another on deeper levels and enjoy each other’s company. That’s what makes 601: us, not the paper.

If you ever need anyone to talk to about anything, I’m always here. Don’t be shy!

So I hope you’re as ready and excited as I am to start this adventure together—it’ll be an unforgettable one.

With Love, Monica Patel Editor-In-Chief

Hello friends!

Congratulations on joining the coolest class on campus. I can’t wait to meet all of you and see all the cool stuff your capable of. We old fogies are relying on your inspiration and new ideas to push our paper to a new level. Don’t be afraid by the large amount of work, you will enjoy every minute of it. You joined a winning team. It’s your turn to take over and make this paper the best it’s ever been. Lets have a good time!! Peace! Sorry in advance for my loud profane mouth.

Love, Ethan Baietti Managing Editor

Crimson Newsmagazine

Paso Robles HS Journalism

From the Editors

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Hey Crimson Staff, Congratulations! You are now a part of the amazing news production that is Crimson—which means you’re in the most entertaining/interesting/ awesome class at PRHS! I’m so looking forward to working with you this year to make Crimson even more incredible. Be prepared for a lot of work and tons of fun. You’ll laugh, cry, stress, and go insane all at once in this class, especially when Late Night is coming up, but you’ll love every moment of it! (Maybe not at the time, but in retrospect for sure.) Room 601 will definitely become your second home, and we are one crazy family. We all love each other—Journalove that is. We care about one another, and we’re always there for each other. Literally.

A Crimson member will always be in 601 at some point of the time. I know we’re going to have a fantastic year so let’s get started!

Hey, Hey Staff 2010-2011!

It is kind of unnecessary to call you “staff” when really I already see you as a family I haven't gotten to know yet.

We will share experiences from hard work to the excitement of holding a finished product you helped create. I will always be here to help or merely to talk to.

I experienced my first year as part of the Crimson family where I was grateful to be part of a successful year for Crimson. If anything, take what the Crimson environment provides for you and learn and grow from it. Yes, it might sound cliché, but the more you contribute to the staff and paper inside and out of room 601 the more knowledge, experience, and passion you will walk out with.

Don’t be afraid of messing up because it will only keep you from reaching your greatest ability and therefore Crimson’s potential. I hope that you come to 601 this year with a willingness to learn and determination to create something extraordinary.

Though at times the process can become stressful I look forward to it all with you: the great food, laughs, and an award winning newsmagazine we will share with each other.

Love, Alicia Canales Managing Editor

Love, Maddi Coons Managing Editor

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Crimson Newsmagazine Paso Robles HS Journalism

Crimson Newsmagazine

Paso Robles HS Journalism

Journalove Concept

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The Crimson crew is a team. No, it’s a family. A great journalism program must have a terrific team that cares about our work and cares about each member.

We must be friends—or at least friendly.

We must be encouraging. We must fight cliques that ostracize and hurt feelings. Many don’t want to put effort into a project when they don’t feel important or perceive that they only get noticed for their mistakes.

Editor-in-Chief ’07-’08 Gina Alessi (2008 Journalist of the Year) came up with a concept to achieve this goal: Journalove.

Journalove is as simple as this: Love your family! Love your editors, writers, adviser— even your perceived enemies. Love the paper!

Love your stories! Love the people you’re publicizing! All of it is an amazing opportunity to work closely with smart, talented, worthwhile people. This class is more than students, desks, & work.

Editors, make sure that you not only edit stories & leave critiques, but tell your writers what you like! It never hurts to tell them how much you enjoy the article, which lines were funny, or phrases were fact deep. Don’t forget this! It will help you create a closer bond with your writer.

Everyone, when you read an article or see a project that you enjoy, don’t hold it in!

Compliments go to waste lying in your head: tell them! Journalove. The simplest act of kindness can brighten someone’s day.

Once we, as a team, apply this concept to our work, atmosphere, & jobs, we will create great friendships, an unforgettable class, & one amazing journalism program!

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The First Amendment

Crimson Newsmagazine

As established by Tinker vs. Des Moine (1968): Students do not shed their constitutional rights “at the school house gate.�

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, & to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Paso Robles HS Journalism

Crimson Newsmagazine

Paso Robles HS Journalism

CA Ed Code

48907 Students of the public schools shall have the right to exercise freedom of speech & of the press including the distribution of printed materials or petitions, whether or not such publications are supported financially by the school or by use of school facilities.

But...

Crimson expression shall be prohibited which is: 1. obscene 2. libelous or slanderous 3. inciting students to commit: a. unlawful acts b. violation of lawful school regulations c. disruption of the operation of school operation

There shall be no prior restraint of material prepared for official school publications except insofar as it violates this section.

This page is GOOD NEWS

If we play by the above rules, there will be NO PRIOR RESTRAINT. 40+ other states provide no such protection of free speech.

Legal Rules

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CA Ed Code

48950 School districts shall not make or enforce any rule subjecting any high school pupil to disciplinary sanctions solely on the basis of conduct that is speech.

Good news

You cannot be punished for your free speech-if it’s ruled to be free speech Any pupil enrolled in a school that has made or enforced any rule in violation of this section may commence a civil action.

Nothing in this section prohibits the imposition of discipline for harassment, threats, or intimidation unless constitutionally protected.

Nothing in this section shall be construed to supersede or otherwise limit or modify the provisions of Section 48907.

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Copyright Standards

Crimson Newsmagazine Paso Robles HS Journalism

Crimson must prepare you for the real, copyrighted world. We enter contests that scrutinize our use of photos and graphical material—and downgrade for violations.

Therefore, publishing a photo or graphic copy-pasted from the internet without permission is a no-no, even when you credit the source.

Crimson Copyright RULES don’t use the photo/ graphic unless:

We shot it ourselves.

We designed it ourselves.

We received permission.

We also faithfully credit our Crimson photographers.

If we want credit for producing Crimson— and we do since it rocks: 1. We create our graphics using our own photographers & own designers. OR...

2. We use internet sources (below) that give us copyright permission

Some of the safest graphics sources: A. Government sites (public property) Example: usa.gov, blm.gov, etc.

B. District subscription to AP Images 1. www.pasoschools.org > MyPrps > SLOCOE 2. CampusLogin > Reference/Data tab > AP Images

Crimson Newsmagazine

Libel

Paso Robles HS Journalism

It’s

LIBEL if:

1) Untrue 2) Malicious intent 3) Reflects reckless reporting Courts have ruled in favor of libel claims when two or more of the above conditions have been met.

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You must understand libel principles since libel is probably the most dangerous mess your writing can create.

Your freedom of speech as a writer becomes unprotected when you cross the libel line.

An example: Student newspaper prints headline:

“Police Nab Drug Dealer” Story:

“In a sweep across campus yesterday, police arrested several students, charging them with dealing drugs. Arrested were Bill Jones, sophomore and a student from community college: John Renshaw.”

Is this LIBEL?

Yes, Crimson can be sued in a court of law for libel printed on our pages.

The best defense when a reporter is accused of libel and/or untrue printed material?

—A printed retraction.

Yes.

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Behavior Contract

Crimson Newsmagazine Paso Robles HS Journalism

We require an agreement between you, your parents, & Mount so that we can trust you to: • Travel on & off campus during school hours for journalism business • Use cell phones & devices under special arrangement with the Principal • Use the PRHS network, software, & www access • Use Crimson/PRHS laptops & cameras around school & at home • Sell advertisements around town & service local accounts

Crimson Behavior Standards Your signed agreement to these is kept on file: The Bottom Line:

1. I understand the importance of meeting deadlines. I understand missed deadlines may cause changes in my staff job or class grade.

Then you protect:

2. I will preserve my privilege to leave campus for Crimson business (without supervision) by adhering to the California Vehicle Code, conducting myself professionally, fulfilling strictly Crimson business, and not departing from city limits. I will not run personal errands.

• our reputation w/ readers, adults, & advertisers

3. I will limit use of my cell phone & other electronic devices to Room 601. I recognize & respect that PRHS students face a ban on these devices.

• your reputation • our campus privileges

4. I agree to pay for the repair or replacement of any PRHS equipment damaged at school or off-campus from my actions. This item includes, but is not limited to, computer & camera equipment.

• your campus privileges

5. I agree to abide by the PRHS Acceptable Use Policy as I use the PRHS network, software, and internet in class and at home.

Act professionally at all times as a Crimson staff member.

• your job on staff • your parents’ pocketbook and • your happiness

6. I will refrain from malicious, damaging words or behavior towards anyone, especially Crimson staff, but including PRHS students, and adult staff.

7. I agree to learn and adhere to ethical journalism standards in my reporting in areas of libel, fairness, honesty, and intent.

8. I will fulfill the responsibilities assigned to me, working after school & weekends to complete them.

9. I will maintain a C or better in all my core classes and will not let journalism supplant my academic responsibilities.

I understand that the above standards must be fulfilled to stay enrolled in the class & use its privileges. I accept the loss of travel privileges, job reassignment, removal from the class, and/or administrative discipline if I violate any of these standards.

X______________________________________________

Crimson Newsmagazine

Paso Robles HS Journalism

Course Objectives

C a m t o p! o B 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Skill Summer Reading Blog AP usage test Partner Feature Beat report Live interview Photoshop skills test In-Design skills test Photography skills test

Basic Training required to advance to your job position

Required Level Posted, Score of 3 Written, Score of 85% On time /Netstorage / Score of 3 On time /Netstorage / Score of 3 Observed / Score of 3 Computer task / Pass Computer task / Pass Computer task / Pass

General Objectives > Writing: News/Sports/Feature/Opinion/Review

1. I will write structured, probing, insightful stories 2. I will write newsworthy stories serving campus needs + interests 3. I will learn to satisfy the higher levels of the Crimson Writing Rubric 4. I will learn the art of telling a fact-dense story well 5. I will compose engaging leads, headlines, & kickers 6. I will improve my writing to be concise, fact-based, & purposeful

> Desktop publishing & graphics

1. I will learn Adobe software InDesign CS3 & Photoshop CS3 2. I will learn photography principles 3. I will design creatively & according to Crimson style 4. I will practice do’s + don’ts of page design

> Reporting & Research

1. I will practice accurate interviewing techniques & avoid pitfalls 2. I will interview & report responsibly & fairly 3. I will develop investigative skills for newsworthy stories 4. I will exercise my free speech rights as a student journalist 5. I will void the pitfalls of libel/obscenity/invasion

> People & Leadership Skills

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1. I will develop my skills as a team player & project manager 2. I will meet deadlines set by other staff members 3. I will earn & give trust, respect, encouragement, & leadership 4. I will practice marketing, fundraising, & business principles 5. I will form deep bonds with classmates

HDN page 70 66 68 41-43 77 78

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Fundraising Expectations

Crimson staff contributes to business team efforts by bringing in the following by October 8, which balances the months ahead when ad income from the business team does not match print costs:

1. Three subscriptions, or $60, whichever is easier 2. One sold advertisement in the paper (due December) 3. Participation in fundraisers (carwashes, etc.)

4. $30 “Club Fee”

Most of the above are paid through income we receive from sold advertisements & subscriptions.

The business team spends all year pursuing advertisements, often paying for the month’s paper from the ads sold.

We need 200 addresses minimum to qualify for BulkMail rates at the post office. We cannot afford to mail the paper at standard rates.

Crimson Newsmagazine Paso Robles HS Journalism

The Crimson budget exceeds $15,000 per year & can be categorized as: (1) printing costs + supplies (2) Nat’l Convention (3) NSPA membership & contests (4) feeding + rewarding the staff (5) equipment repair/ replacement

Crimson opportunity

Several staffers paid for their trip to the Nat’l Convention by mining the richness of SERIOUS subscription & advertising effort

Crimson Newsmagazine

Paso Robles HS Journalism

Selling Subscriptions

Selling subscriptions is pretty much one of the easiest things to do.

Just like ads, the income from subscriptions helps cover the $900/issue print costs of our issues.

However, unlike ads, we generally sell all our subscriptions at the very beginning of the year & then forget about them—except for the Circulation Manager.

You are required to sell at least three subscriptions, but they can be to whoever you want. The usual targets are extended family & family friends.

Try your best to sell the higher level (more expensive) subscriptions, they’ll bring in more money when we need it most. All of the addresses of the subscribers & their level of donation are saved in a database which we use to insure they receive their free ad next June if they are entitled to one.

Crimson Policy

Every staff member brings in 3 ads or $60 worth of them by the end of September.

Readers!

Think how thrilled grandma will be to see your stories each month... & Auntie & Uncley & on & on.

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Selling Ads

Crimson Newsmagazine

Why, how, & what not to do We can’t have a program if we don’t sell ads. Therefore, you must help us sell the ads. And you must do it right.

GOOD PRACTICES 1. Take with you (1) advertising contract (2) copy of our paper and (3) strategic thinking for how this is a WIN for the business.

2. Introduce yourself & pitch so that it’s a WIN for them.

Ex: Hello, I’m C.J. Prusi & I’m with Crimson newsmagazine for Paso Robles High School. Our newsmagazine circulates to 2000 students each month & hundreds on the internet at crimsonchronicle.com. I’d like to give your business the opportunity to advertise to these thousands for the lowest price in town. (Show them the ad contract).

3. Recontact the business within 4 days as follow up.

Businesses like to feel cared for and managed.

4. Contact repeating advertisers before every issue to verify their participation and details. Good chance to catch mistakes and appear profesh.

5. Write clear, dated, specific invoices on time.

6. Give advertiser addresses to the Circulation Manager.

BAD PRACTICES 1.

2.

3.

4.

Assuming the business is happy w/ its ad. CHECK. Failing to follow up after a visit. CALL. Being lazy or thick about selling ads. THINK. Selling only 1-2 days per cycle. ACT.

Paso Robles HS Journalism

If you don’t do it right 1. We may charge a business twice.

2. We may not charge a business at all.

3. We may bugger their ad, info, & reputation.

4. Crimson loses $$$ that it needs to operate.

5. You may burn the bridge with the business/individual indefinitely.

Crimson Newsmagazine

Ad Contract

Paso Robles HS Journalism

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Crimson Advertising Contract The student newspaper of Paso Robles High School 801 Niblick Road. Paso Robles, CA 93446.

First Circle the ad size and price you would like.

The more often you advertise, the more you save! *Free month of web advertising!

Second Next, circle the best dates in our publication schedule.

www.crimsonchronicle.com

(805) 237-3315 ext. 5601

prhsjournalism@pasoschools.org

............ $35

Inserts* ............. $150

Biz Card

size = 3.5” W x 2”

1/8 Page

........... $65

size = 5” W x 2.75” H

1/4 Page* .......... $95 size = 5” W x 5.5” H

Half Page*

.......... $150

size = 10” W x 5.5” H

Full Page* .............. $250 size = 10” W x 11” H

25% discount off the third purchased ad

Inserts must be photocopied (count = 2000) and delivered to PRHS.

Oct. 6 Back to School Issue!

Mar. 9

Nov. 10

April 13

Dec. 15

June 8

Feb. 2

Finished!

Agreement This contract constitutes an agreement between the client named below and the

Read the contract, give us your personal information, and sign on the dotted line!

Crimson Chronicle, a non-profit organization, to provide advertising according to the above specifications. Proof of publication will be sent with billing. Advertisement copy must be received a week (7 days) before publication. Advertisements created by the Crimson staff as a service will be subject to customer pre-approval only if this contract precedes publication by 5 business days.

Contracts and ad copy may be delivered in person to the Paso Robles High School, room 601, or mailed to the address printed below.

We prefer payment up front, but are happy to bill you after your ad has been published.

Name of Business: ______________________________________ Contact Person: ________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________

You are now finished!

Thank you for purchasing advertising with Crimson.

Phone: __________________ Email: _______________________ Signature: ______________________________________ Date: ______________

19

Invoicing and Business Records

Business Tools CONTRACT

Records the deal & contact information for our records.

CASHBOOK

Quick reference of the publication income & ad sizes & PAID’s.

ACCORDION

Crimson Newsmagazine Paso Robles HS Journalism

I. When you have sold an ad and it will run in the upcoming publication: 1. Record it and its size on the ad white board for the editors and Mount to remember. Create a deadline if necessary for when the ad proof must reach the business owner.

2. Create it in the ad thumbnails document so we can make it a part of the layout plan.

3. Record the ad information in the cashbook for later invoicing.

4. Verify that a contract exists for the ad in our accordion showing contact and mailing information.

Field folder to contain contracts & business cards. Take it with you when you sell.

II. Invoice the business to collect $$$ after publication

AD BOARD

2. Enter mailing and billing information.

Visual reminder of the publication’s ads & sizes & YES-WE-HAVE-IT’s.

INVOICE FOLDER Shows all billings for the given publication.

AD THUMBNAILS on InDesign

Shows editors & Mount visual footprint of the ads across the publication.

1. Open an existing invoice found in Ads&Business/Invoices.

3. Save as a new name: business_amount due into that month’s folder. The amount due in the filename helps us locate old invoices after the fact.

4. Print it, sign it, envelope it, stamp it. Mount has these supplies.

5. The Invoice Folder containing these docs should only show THAT MONTH’s INVOICES. Already-Paid’s do not need to be recorded here.

III. Use Crimson billing history to get ideas for ads 1. Look at all the success of your predecessors! These records are valuable ways to inform our current effort. While the contact info may be old, the concept is actionable.

Crimson Newsmagazine

Staff Organization

Paso Robles HS Journalism

20

Print: Monica

Adviser

Maddi, Managing Ed

Front Page Editor

Circulat’n Manager

Mount

Editor-In-Chief

Web:

Alicia, Managing Ed

News Editor

Ethan, Managing Ed

Opinion Editors

Photo SA Editors

Center Editor

Sports Editor

People Editor

Food Editors

Culture Editor

In-depth Editor

A+E Editor

Editorial Editors

F&G Editor

Sport Web Austin, Editor

Editor/Designer

News Web

Sport Web

Editor/Designer

World Editor

News Web

Sci-Tech Editors

News Web Editor/Designer

Reporter/ Photographer

Reporter/ Photographer

Editor/Designer

Nick, Web Czar

Editor/Designer

Health Editor

Sport Web

Reporter/ Photographer

News Web Editor/Designer

Editor/Designer

Sport Web Editor/Designer

Sport Web Editor/Designer

Sport Web Editor/Designer

Business: Ethan, Managing Ed

Business

Business

Team Member

Business

Team Member

Team Member

Team B

Team C

Team Leaders

Monica

Ethan

Alicia/Maddi

Editors Writers Web Board Photographer Business Graphics

XX

XX

XX

XXX

X

XX

XX

XX

XX

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

--

X

Sections represented

3-4

3-4

3-4

Team Size

8

8

8

Team Organization

Team A

Business

Team Member

21

Crimson Newsmagazine

Print Calendar

Paso Robles HS Journalism

Crimson Paso Robles High School Publication Calendar Publication Date

The monthly campus newsmagazine

Production Deadline

Newsmgazine distributed to campus

@ Atascadero News

Print Ad Deadline

1. October 6 Wed

Oct. 1 Fri.

Sept. 24 Fri.

2. November 10 Wed

Nov. 5 Fri.

Oct. 29 Fri.

3. December 15 Wed

Dec. 10 Fri.

Dec. 3 Fri.

4. February 2 Wed

Jan. 28 Fri.

Jan. 21 Fri.

5. March 9 Wed

Mar. 4 Fri.

Feb. 25 Fri.

6. April 13 Wed

Apr. 8 Fri.

Apr. 1 Fri.

7. May 10 Tue (Zeal)

May 7 Fri.

Apr. 30 Fri.

8. June 8 Wed (Sr. Issue) June 3 Fri.

May 27 Fri.

Ad copy received+approved

Our web portal, www. crimsonchronicle. com, is updated weekly with content actively gathered for the print dates shown at left. Advertising is available in 30-day increments on these webpages. Ad analytics (visitors, click-throughs) are reported with monthly statement.

Print advertisements reach an estimated 1500 campus readers during the school day on these posted dates. A copy of the

newsmagazine (and its advertising) is mailed with monthly statement.

PRHS Christmas Break 12/20/10 –12/31/10 PRHS Spring Break 4/18/11 – 4/29/11 PRHS Prom May 28, 2011

Other Important Dates

National Journalism Convention = 11/11/10 - 11/14/10

Advertisers must fill out the Crimson ad contract to confirm date(s) and mailing info.

Student art + poetry deadline for Zeal 2011= 3/18/11 Deadline for Senior Issue 2011 baby photos = 5/13/11

Crimson // www.crimsonchronicle .com Student journalism at Paso Robles High School

Rm. 601, 801 Niblick Rd., Paso Robles, CA 93446 Jeff Mount, Adviser

237-3315 ext. 5601

prhsjournalism@pasoschools.org

jmount@pasoschools.org

Don’t be absent during the critical weeks.

Show advertisers the print dates.

Plan your time according to these dates.

Balance your personal life with your journalism life.

Crimson Newsmagazine

Paso Robles HS Journalism

Production Process

Pitch to your team

Your team (having multiple perspectives) helps you with your reporting ideas.

2

Editors determine Story BUDGETS for section

Using Budget sheet.

3

Editors submit budgets to Editorial Board

EB checks for overlapping, misjudgments, and weaknesses.

4

Editorial Board approves/adjusts issue content

At home and at lunch meeting next day; decision must be ready for 2nd period.

5

Editors design DUMMY layout to determine Using Dummy form that portrays the length of each story & the photo/graphic needs, so assignments can content and design

PLAN >

1

22

be specific.

Section Editors summarizes budgets for the class; pitcher usually gets the story; volunteers also accepted; slug form is the written assignment from the editor to the writer which includes specifics.

7

Reporters interview, dig, & research for stories

Use your HDN! Work & communicate with your editor(s) and with leadership!

8

Editors guide & manage their reporters

You are not alone on your story. Get help.

9

R1 drafts uploaded [Netstorage] by deadline

And bring back-up on USB or Groupwise attachment.

10

Editors/Mount edit digitally

Download over Netstorage > edit in color > reupload

11

Reporters download, revise, re-interview, dig to address R1 comments

Rewrite stories above existing draft & color comments. Include bar between R1 & R2.

12

R2 drafts uploaded [Netstorage] by deadline

Don’t be late! Chief checks whether you are on time!

13

R2 drafts uploaded to cc.com

Logging in and uploading story is crucial.

14

Story Shares emailed to interviewees

To invite them to read and to help us check accuracy.

15

Editors/Mount edit digitally in color

Which is your last chance for written input before final drafts (FD’s) are due.

16

All photos & advertisements are due

Photo Manager must be on top of this deadline: Who has taken what? Business team: Who is advertising & how big?

17

Web team edits CC.com R2’s

Stories go live once Webbies hit “approve”

18

FD’s uploaded [Netstorage] by final deadline

Now it’s done!

19

FD’s uploaded to CC.com

Now it’s digital done!

20

Web team edits CC.com FD’s

Thank your web editors for fixing your mistakes!

21

Layout begins in InDesign: 3-5 day phase

Significant time required to complete your layout.

Late Night

Editors that are not done w/ layout ONLY. Don’t waste time. Painfully fun. Food is involved.

22

Copy Editing Weekend

Copy editing team perfects content and design.

23

Post produce: Process InDesign files to PDF To lock layout/fonts/levels for print processing.

24

FTP upload files to Atascadero News

Over the internet.

25

Pick up 2000 copies by car in A-Town

Nice lunch activity for drivers w/ parent permission.

26

Distribute Crimson to campus Per. 2 on Wednesdays

The whole point. Circulation Manager is now more important than EIC.

27

Mail, invoice, eat, celebrate, tear-up

Maybe play some Mafia.

DESIGN + FINISH >

Editors ASSIGN stories to staffers & complete SLUG forms to each of their writers

R E P O R T. . . I N T E RV I E W. . . P H OTO G R A P H . . . A S K >

6

23

The Editorial Board and Teams

Crimson Newsmagazine Paso Robles HS Journalism

Choosing the Content Teams, The Pitch, & Brainstorming

Process: 1.

2.

Brainstorming ideas for the paper & website must be swift. Weak staffs let it drag on for days. So we break down into three teams to develop newsworthy ideas & eliminate stale, predictable projects.

Purpose for Editorial Board To deepen coverage To protect against mediocrity

Use our Cloudseeding form to plan clever, original project ideas. Read, ask, think, & be creative. Fill out the form passionately.

To suggest adjustments/ modifications to section projects

Add design & photo details to your best ideas. Plan a package.

3. Pitch your ideas to your team on Brainstorm/Team day­ —and even on other days. Believe in your ideas.

4.

If the team likes your pitch, the team leader sends your idea to the section editor, who you hope will add it to his/her section budget sheet.

5.

Section editors compile all winning pitches from teams and finalize their section budget.

6.

Section budgets go to the Editorial Board, who approves or adjusts the projects that night and during lunch the next day.

7.

Section budgets return to the section editors, who assign their stories to the pitcher or a fellow staffer. All staff members are welcome at EB meetings.

You

Observing, thinking, asking, pitching

To evaluate newsworthiness of a budget To solve redundancies

Cloudseeding The strategy of seeding clouds (with silver iodide or dry ice) so that they are more likely to rain and storm. That is, BRAINSTORM.

Your Team

Listening, Thinking, Asking, Participating

Section Editor

Planning coverage + assigning writers

Editorial Board

Trying to see all issues at hand

GREEN!

Crimson Newsmagazine

Groupwise

Paso Robles HS Journalism

Groupwise is the school

district’s web-based e-mail network, permitting you to have e-mail at school even when your GMail, Hotmail, etc. is blocked.

Please utilize Groupwise to increase your productivity, communication, & storage!

Groupwise LOG IN: 1. www.pasoschools.org 2. Quickfind: MyEmail 3. User: prhsjournalism 4. Ask Mount or a fellow staffer for password

Beneficial because Groupwise enables you to: 1. Send BACKUPS of your stories on deadline nights (NetStorage is not enough) as attachments. These can be accessed at school the next morning.

2. Contact teachers/administrators to set up appointments, ask followup questions, etc. Most PRHS adults LIKE EMAIL so use it during the school day.

3. SEND THE STORY SHARE (our feedback memo) to interviewees once the story is in its final drafting stages and is nearly ready for print & web. Story Share is CRUCIAL.

Groupwise and Interviewing 1. Generally, AVOID using Groupwise to interview.

You look lazy as a reporter when you send an email that in effect says, “Here’s an assignment for you that’s convenient for me and creates WORK for you.”

2. Simultaneously, some adults prefer email interaction...

Therefore a good reporter would set up the interview saying, “I would like to talk to you before Wednesday—or I can email you some questions if you prefer.”

24

25

Crimson Newsmagazine

Netstorage

Paso Robles HS Journalism

NetStorage permits you to save your work to our

server over the internet FROM HOME. It permits editors to download, comment in, and resave your story for your next draft FROM THEIR HOME.

1. Go to “www.pasoschools.org” 2. Go to “Quickfind” in the lower left corner, & click on “My Files.”

3. You can also select My PRHS on the left, above the Quickfind, then select NetStorage.

4. Next, the window below will appear.

5. User name = Lastnamelongnumber.students. prhs.highschools.prps

Ex: Patel710394.students.

prhs.highschools.prps Password = Shortnumberfirstname

Ex: 6452monica

Hint: Hard to remember the order for your User name?

Think of it like Google Earth! You have to narrow the field down to you, starting from the right. It first finds the school district (prps), then which type of schools in Paso Robles Public Schools (highschools) then which highschool (prhs), then which body in that school (students), & finally you! Just put it in reverse.

6. >DriveQ@JOURNALISM MOTHER >Journalism Mother >[Month] Issue >Section >Stories BACK-UP PLAN

Whether you can—or can’t—upload your story to NetStorage, you must still bring in a USB copy and/or email your story to prhsjournalism@ pasoschools.org for the next day’s class.

We do not accept the excuse “NetStorage didn’t work so I don’t have my story.”

>> continue

Crimson Newsmagazine

Paso Robles HS Journalism

Netstorage

26

7. Navigate to the folder of the section you are writing for.

8. Select FILE > UPLOAD or FILE > DOWNLOAD depending on what you need to do. (You have to allow popups for this particular page.)

9. Be sure your file you are uploading is compatible with school computers.

YES: files created with extensions: .doc .rtf .txt *If you have Microsoft Windows 2007 you must “Save Type As:” “97-2003.”

NO: files created with extensions: .docx .wpd

10. Use clear filenaming: Lastname.section.story

Ex: patel.center.plasticsurgery

Use the same filename throughout the production process. Do not change the name to reflect a newer version of the story.

NO: patel.center.plastic_r2.doc NO: patel.center.plastic_finalFINALdoneYEA.doc YES: patel.center.plasticsurgery

11. If you have trouble logging in, make sure: > Periods between each word, EXCEPT your last name & long number > No spaces > No period after prps > highschools (not highschool) > Spell your name right > Call your editor if you cannot log in

12. Log in to Groupwise and send your story as an attachment to prhsjournalism@pasoschools.org 13. Put your story on a USB and bring it to school tomorrow.

14. Yes. Still find a way. (Print it out!)

27

SurveyMonkey

Crimson Newsmagazine Paso Robles HS Journalism

Crimson Newsmagazine

Paso Robles HS Journalism

No Evil Lateness

28

Don’t procrastinate during any phase of your reporting. Be productive during class; do not squander precious minutes socializing when you know you have a deadline.

This also applies to editors who must edit stories after deadlines.

Late stories are cancer. Evil. Unacceptable. This isn’t your math class doing textbook problems; you are making a real thing, costing real dollars ($900/issue), with real people who need written things from you by a real date.

We cannot edit your story, check facts, design with enough time—we cannot be professional when you do not meet your deadline.

Therefore, all late jobs—rough drafts, finals, photos, etc.—receive a deduction from the Issue Grade you should have received.

Lame rationalizations about deadlines 1. “The event I’m covering doesn’t happen until after my deadline.”

You must still submit R1 and R2 Minimums (see next page) that show you have investigated, learned from sources, and fact-gathered. No story is only contained in one incident.

2. “I haven’t interviewed anyone yet, so I can’t turn it in.”

Although your draft may not be stellar without quotes, you can still submit the narrative/fact portions of the story & insert brackets where your quotes will be (with explanations of who they’ll be coming from & why you haven’t interviewed them yet).

3. “Netstorage is down.”

You are always to USB or Groupwise e-mail a backup to us. You can always print your story (oh wow) and bring us a hard copy to prove you met the deadline. We have pens to edit your work, you know.

3. “I know I will be late on this deadline, but I don’t want to admit it to anyone...”

Have courage—and a backbone! Healthy communication lets Mount & editors know. Journalove and courtesy towards us would want us to know what to expect. WE RESPECT COURAGE. WE DISAPPROVE OF COWARDICE & HIDING. Extensions on R2’s may be granted by Mount and EIC (NOT EDITORS) when a key event must still transpire (a performance/game/ interview) OR IF YOU MAY HAVE A DIFFERENT VALID REASON.

All deadlines are @ midnight of a given night (usually Tuesdays). You will have a calendar for each production cycle so you will know the exact date. If NetStorage is down when you are trying to upload your story from home, you must come into 601 BEFORE school starts to upload it w/ a USB or open it on Groupwise. Transfer your story into Journalism Mother.

It is not our responsibility to check Groupwise for your story, it’s yours. If your story is not on Journalism Mother by the time school starts you will be marked LATE. The EIC and Managing Eds will be CHECKING OFF who has their stories in on time & who doesn’t the morning after deadline.

Reward if you have ALL of your stories in on time... Consequences if you don’t.

29

Posting Stories on CC.COM

Crimson Newsmagazine Paso Robles HS Journalism

|1. Go to http://crimsonchronicle.com/wp-admin username is the first letter of your first name and |2. Your then your last name, with no spaces.

Ex. Ian Dingler = idingler Ask your team leader or Mount for your password.

|3.

Now that you’re logged in, you should see a tab called the “Dashboard” at the top left of the screen. Click on “Posts” underneath it and then “Add New.” you’ll be on the new post screen. Copy and paste |4. Now the article’s headline into the box at the top labeled “Title.” Copy and paste the entire story into the story box. Where it says “Excerpt” put the first part of your lede (no more than one sentence). This is the portion of the story that will be displayed on the front page–a teaser, so to speak.

|5.

On the left, find and select the section that the story was published in (or would have been published).

Ex. Opinion

“Gazette Custom Settings” click “Browse,” find |6. Under an image to go with the article and click “Save.” *An image is required to go with the story.

|7.

Click “Publish.” The story and image should be visible on http://crimsonchronicle.com/.

Crimson Newsmagazine

Paso Robles HS Journalism

Web Production Process

30

Web Team Meeting on Monday

Pitch your news bullet for the week to the team. Sports writers report what games they are going to that week.

Topic Blog Tuesday: Write

Follow up on your story and write your bullet.

Wednesday: R1 to Netstorage

Your story is to be uploaded to Netstorage, not the web, by midnight on Wednesday.

Event Blog R1

Twenty-four hours after the event/game a rough draft is due.

Post

Post revised version with graphic and/or photo. Send the

story via email or Facebook to sources for fact accuarcy.

Thursday: Comments Back/Revise

After being edited Thursday morning by an editor, the writer is expected to do edits by end of Period 2.

Friday: Post Revised Version/Story Share.

Send the story via email or Facebook to sources for fact accuarcy.

31

The Editor-Writer Relationship

Crimson Newsmagazine

Here is the fundamental, time-hallowed relationship crucial to meaningful journalism.

This relationship is NOT to remain a writtenonly or silent understanding.

Editor behaviors 1. I can hand out thorough slugs: that is, I clarify the key points & questions I want in the story.

2. I edit R1s & R2s for my section on time.

3. I am not disconnected or unaware of my writers’ progress. I help find interviewees, answers, websites, or new angles.

4. I know whether my writers have completed their Story Share procedures and manage the missing ones.

5. I am an encouraging editor grateful for my writers’ efforts. I thank them for their work. I praise them. I don’t just point out what needs to change; I also tell them what I loved.

6. I understand that the stories are what make the page! I make sure they’re better than great.

Writer behaviors 1. If I know I am going to be late, I tell the editor and/or Mount. I understand they need to know.

2. I explain conflicts & changes I am experiencing with the assignment—worries, dead ends, changes, disappointments.

3. I respect & address edits to my work. I change most things suggested by editors & Mount. I do not have to change all things.

4. I send Story Shares over email to my interviewees and related parties. I communicate this step to my editor.

Paso Robles HS Journalism

The Bottom Line

A great writer & editor relationship? communication

Editors, ask How’s your story?

What is giving you trouble? Joy? Let ‘s read your current version together.

Your leadership

as an editor who sees yourself as a MANAGER can be the best contribution you can offer this program.

Crimson Newsmagazine

Paso Robles HS Journalism

How to Survive and Love Editorship

1. Speak to your writers THE NEXT DAY about your section’s deadlines. Show you care about the deadline. If you don’t show you care, why should your writers?

2. SLUGS: Be specific so you know what your writers are doing—and they know what they are doing.

3. Communication is CRUCIAL – writers will know what you want and also see that their work matters to you—so say Hi, Goodbye, Howzit, and have full conversations with them.

4. Make story comments in red in their stories that are meaningful and LONG. Do not generalize briefly with “good job!” etc.

5. Empower your writers: Be confident in them.

Show them you trust and anticipate and care about their success.

6. Understand writers’ lives outside of journalism.

Know what other deadlines and issues they are facing.

7. Always notify a writer if you have to make a change AFTER the FD has come in. Courtesy!

8. Choose something you can contribute to a writer’s assignment (a list, a phone#, the sidebar, etc.).

9. Lead by example by making all of your deadlines (your editor deadlines and your own story deadlines).

10. Be available and approachable to work with your writers during class.

11. If you don’t like something, tell the writer WHY. Unexplained NO is a put-off.

12. Help Mount & leaders recognize the outstanding work of your writers with a quick heads-up.

32

JOURNALOVE

is tested daily between editors and writers. How can you contribute to a healthy vibe?

Remember

You get a lot further with sugar than vinegar.

5 Most Overused Phrases by an Editor to their writer: Yes No Why? Thank you I’ll do it myself

Not about you, Not about me, it’s about what’s

BEST FOR THE PUBLICATION.

33

Notes

Crimson Newsmagazine Paso Robles HS Journalism

Crimson Newsmagazine

Paso Robles HS Journalism

Awards

34

35

Crimson Newsmagazine Paso Robles HS Journalism

Crimson Newsmagazine

Paso Robles HS Journalism

Goal Areas

1

Crimson Story Rubric 2

3

36

4

Unacceptable

Printable

Strong

Outstanding

C- / C / C+ 70-79

B- / B / B+ 80-89

A90-92

A / A+ 93-100

Misleading / Noun labels / Try again

Reflects story generally / Less catchy

Reflects story well

Reflects story well & catchy

2. Lead

Flat. See manual pages for cleverness, zip, & idea / Lede #2 missing

Somewhat inspiring / Adequately 5W / Lede #2 missing

3. Descriptive Skills

No description included of persons, incidents, etc.

Some adjectives & sentences help paint a picture at one point

Descriptive writing enhances story & shows the topic / person meaningfully

Exceptionally so… reflects a talented writer

4. Fact Density / Newsworth

Vague, factless sentences exist / Few #-facts / Reader will have ?’s /

Basic 5W’s included; Needs research / Fewer # facts or Appositives

Generally informative & researched.

Good # facts, appositives, & fact density

Exceptionally fact dense…exceeds research expectations

Missing: Check your choices in manual / No evidence of N-9

Attempted & needs work / Some hints about N-9

Effective nutgraf / Clear N-9 explanations

Only 1 source used (or none) / More digging required.

Still fewer sources & perspectives than the story deserves. Sources seem nonauthoritative.

Sources in story seem authoritative, complete, & diverse

Exceptionally complete reporting effort with proper, diverse, & effective sources

7. Quote Quality

Quotes seem missing.

Key voices need to be found.

Quotes are present but predictable or shallow

Quotes are relevant & interesting; they add flavor & voice to the story

Exceptionally so… reflects a perceptive interviewer

8. Organization + Transitioning

Need recommended story structure still…

Need transitions between quotes/ideas

Structure & order of paragraphs makes proper sense

Structure is noticeable, proper, & helps reader’s search for meaning

Exceptionally so… exceeds expectations

9. Style + Diction

Unacceptable editorializing / Ordinary (dull) diction / Wordy

Occasional bias / More work with Concision / WordCH / Sophisticat’n

Mostly concise / Shows flair + wit / Shows objectivity

Exceptional skill with objectivity, consision, style, & diction

More than 9 errors

Fewer than 6

Fewer than 3

None

1. Headline / Deck

5. Nutgraf & Newsworth (N-9) 6. Sources + Pursuit

10. Grammar, Punctuation, + Spelling

Good! Reader likely to read on: Cleverness / 5W’s creativity are strong

Especially captivating; original or fact dense; flows effectively into story

Masterful, intelligent nutgraffing + sense of what makes the story newsworthy

37

Writing Process

Crimson Newsmagazine Paso Robles HS Journalism

These are the writing steps you will do every month. Read and learn them. You will soon have them memorized without realizing it.

Editing Colors

Writer - BLACK Editor - RED Managing Editors - GREEN Chief - PINK Mount - BLUE 1. Investigate, interview, and write a rough draft (R1) of your story. Save it as “Lastname_ Section_Topic.”

2. By the R1 deadline, upload your story (with the same filename) to Q: Journalism Mother over the network, NetStorage, Groupwise, or USB. Save it in the correct issue and section folder.

3. Section editors, higher ups, and/or Mount will edit and make suggestions in their colors (shown above) in your story.

4. Read the comments you receive. Return to the toil of reporting (new interviews, more research, better lead, etc.). HONOR THE COMMENTS from your editors and address them by the next deadline.

5. Write the R2 into the same file: 1.

Open the R1.

2.

Highlight and copy your R1, including comments from editors/leaders.

3.

Create a line above your R1 by hitting “- - -” & then hit “enter.” (A line appears across the

4.

Paste your R1 above the line. You now have two copies separated by one line.

5.

Revise and improve the UPPER story, now the R2. Save your revisions with the same filename. No edits should be in your R2.

6.

Upload this R2 by deadline to Journalism Mother into the same folder.

page.)

7. Editors, Leaders, Chief and/or Mount will edit again in color, expecting to see R1 comments addressed.

8. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for your final draft (FD). At the end, post it to Journalism Mother and to www.crimsonchronicle.com

The editor may need to make last minute changes in your story once it’s pasted into InDesign for design purposes. S/he should always tell you if changes have been made. If they do not communicate on this, talk to them or talk to the Chief or Mount.

Crimson Newsmagazine

Writing Standards

Paso Robles HS Journalism

38

WRITERS: If you don’t meet these requirements, you will be LATE even if your story is on Journalism Mother! There will be consequences.

EDITORS: Hold your writers accountable!

R1Minimum Standards:

1. One interview & quotes 2. ONE lede 3. Nutgraf 4. 5W basic facts about the topic: Who-What-When-Where-Why

5. Surveys/sidebars (described at bottom with sample questions)

R2 Minimum Standards:

1. Three interviews (Quotes from two. Third interview can be for confirmation.)

2. Two ledes (one alternate lead at the bottom)

3. Nutgraf 4. Fact density to the hilt!

5. Surveys/sidebars (near completion) 6. Revisions reflecting comments from editor/ leadership

FD Standard:

DONE

!

INT R P O T Y & READ

39

Story Front Ends

Crimson Newsmagazine Paso Robles HS Journalism

>> Always include these seven items in the front text

of your story (in every draft) when you upload your stories onto Journalism Mother.

>> Remember your document filename DOES NOT

CHANGE from R1 to FD.

1. Headline Yes: Juniors protest parking fees No: Griping about dough.

No: Parking Protest

Run your catchy or cute one as headline (not deck) to grab the reader. Readers should know angle of story from your headline wording: work it until it’s clear. The only word that should capitalized is the first word or a proper noun. No periods at the end of the headline.

2. Deck

Write a subheadline for the above that announces further facts. The deck should further explain the headline. This one also is a sentence with verb, this time more summarizing, more 5W, less cutesy. NEVER NOUN LABELS IN DECKS.

3. Byline

Include “by MYNAME” under the headlines above.

We’ll use this item in the layout process. The “b” in “by” is not captalized. Following your name, you must write your staff title (i.e. by Paul Cleland, Reporter).

4. Word count assigned

Write out the number of words assigned by your editor.

5. Word count actual

Write out how many words your story contains, not counting these front end items.

6. Alternate lede

At the end of your story, write another lede that you could use for your story. Please refer to LEDE pages in this manual for inspiration on both ledes.

7. Writer’s note

At the end of the draft, tell us editors what you think of your story, what changes lie ahead, what strengths/weaknesses. If you say it down here, we know we don’t have to nail you in our comments.

Remember to check your story against the CC Rubric.

Crimson Newsmagazine

Paso Robles HS Journalism

Newsworthiness

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Crimson has to ask itself what is worthy of being printed from the many choices we nominate each month. Are we writing what people want to read? Are we covering the most newsworthy stories? A story is always “intensified” by how local and current it is! Here are nine topics that never fail:

Hard News Values 1. Conflict

Is the story a struggle between two opposing sides? Student vs. student?

Administration vs. students? A cop vs. a criminal? Political struggles?

2. Progress

Will the story cover something that has been improved? Campus construction?

3. Disaster

Will the story cover something that happened out of our control? Car accident? Fire?

Earthquake? Death? Exploding chemistry labs? City clock towers collapsing?

4. Consequence

Does the story cover an issue that affects many people or a few people very deeply? Food prices raised? Immigration issues? Student Services being cut?

Soft News Values 5. Human interest/emotional factors

Does it pull on our heartstrings? Is it “Titanic” status? Will it make us angry, happy, sad?

6. Prominence

Is the story about a popular/prominent student, teacher or celebrity? Did a student/teacher win an award?

7. Novelty

Is the story about something unusual? A wrestler with no legs? A girl with a walking disability in a marching band?

8. Romance and relationships

Humans find interest in these topics. Did a teacher get married? Blind date is a perfect example.

9. Animals

It’s simple. Humans love animals! Shark fin soup? Endangered tigers? Bald eagles off the endangered list?

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Interviewing

Crimson Newsmagazine Paso Robles HS Journalism

Choosing the person 1. NO NEPOTISM! (Favoritism shown to relatives or friends) It undermines our credibility as a professional, detached, fair source of information. Crimson is not our private affair!

2. Don’t write the story if you’re involved as a

participant. Someone else can write it.

3. Don’t print inside staff jokes. What happens in 601, stays in 601.

4. DO reach underrepresented groups and topics.

Let their voices be heard too!

These steps reflect a professional, trained interviewer.

Payoffs for the story, the interviewee, & Crimson reputation.

Before the Interview

1. Be PREPARED. Find out all you can about the person/event.

>>Have at least 10 questions already planned. >>DON’T ASK QUESTIONS THAT COULD’VE BEEN LEARNED BEFOREHAND. >>Gather statements ahead of time the person can comment on. (“Some have said ‘____.’ Do you have a comment about that?”)

During the Interview

2. Be ON TIME. Most people have other things to do, so the worst thing you can do is arrive late.

3. EXPLAIN your story and purpose. Don’t start questioning without giving the person the big picture.

4. ASK PERMISSION TO RECORD the interview.

>>Also record a statement that protects us legally: “Please state your name. Do you know you are being recorded for this interview?”

5. Start EASY. Be ready with your prepared questions. Save the hardest/probing questions after a warm-up period.

6. Be PATIENT and QUIET. Pause after an answer to make sure the person has nothing more to add. Sometimes silence leads to better answers.

>>Frame your questions in a way that will let him/her tell the story in his/her own words.

Crimson Newsmagazine

Paso Robles HS Journalism

Interviewing

42

7. Be FLEXIBLE. Be ready to change your line of questioning if you can get more interesting information.

8. FIND THE VEIN!

>Listen for the point where the conversation reveals the LIFEBLOOD to the person, to the issue at hand. This is the point where you hear the story within the story.

9. ASK FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS to dig deeper into the vein.

10. Be POLITE. No matter how rude somone may be to you, keep your cool. You are representing Crimson: our reputation is based on your actions. Always say “thank you” when you finish interviewing.

11. GET CONTACT INFO, so you can Story Share.

12. SAY THANK YOU! Thank the person for their time and let them know when the issue comes out.

After the Interview

13. WRITE A DRAFT of your story ASAP. Details fade away as time passes & inaccuracies creep in (DANGER!).

14. Once it’s done, STORY SHARE over email and/or deliver it to their box.

15. RELAX! (Only for a little bit).

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Interviewing

Crimson Newsmagazine Paso Robles HS Journalism

What to bring to an interview: >Recording devices are HIGHLY recommended! >Notepad & Pencil! Your recorder may give out in the middle of an

interview so jot down important information. >A Smile! People tend to feel more comfortable if they see you are not going to rip off their heads.

1. Talk PAST the “no comment” or the banal remark. Try “Can you confirm _______?” even after the person has dug his heels in.

2. Stoke their ego with additional questions that refer to their position, achievement, power. You’re greasing the wheel.

3. Start a new vein because the old one isn’t going anywhere.

4. Seek out the CONFLICT the person understands/faces. Try to understand their understanding of the conflict at hand.

5. Ask “What would you love to see printed in this story? What would you hate to see printed?”

Feature & Sports Interviews 1. ATTEND: Go to the game/practice/performance before the interview—or it will be a dull conversation.

2. THE NOD AND WAIT: When the cliche, dull answer occurs, just nod and wait. You are making clear you want more. The person will gradually form the words. Fill the silence yourself and you’re stuck with the lame answer.

3. DRAMA IS THE VEIN: Peck around until you have discovered it.

The fear, the challenge, the irony, the revenge, etc. Drama makes good features and good sports.

4. BE AN ORIGINAL REPORTER: Don’t interview so you can write the obvious story. Interview so you can tell the story that hasn’t been told.

Crimson Newsmagazine

Paso Robles HS Journalism

Interview via Facebook

These tips will help you with a time efficient, effective interview through cyber space!

According to crunchgear.com, the average teenager spends approximately 31 hours a day online. Even in everyone’s busy lives, people make time for their Facebook fix. Interviewing via Facebook can be a simple and convenient way to add sources to an article.

However, don’t be lazy! Facebook interviews are for when an interviewee is otherwise unavailable, not because you don’t feel like interviewing face-to-face!

Some important things to remember: 1. Use Facebook to schedule a face-to-face interview. Face-to-face interviews are not only the most professional, they make finding the vein easier.

2. Make your questions require specific answers. You will not be there to ask a follow up question, so be sure your questions “find the vein.”

3. Be complete, but not overbearing, your questions might not get answered at all if they see a mountain of text.

4. Always thank the interviewee, even over Facebook.

5. Again, don’t be lazy! Facebook interviews are for when an interviewee is otherwise unavailable, not because you don’t feel like interviewing face-to-face!

Other uses for Facebook 1. Storyshare on Facebook! It’s effective and convenient for most students.

2. Send mass surveys over Facebook using SurveyMonkey to your friends.

Either send the link to the survey to your friends and students in a message or just simply set it is as your status!

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45

60 Questions

Crimson Newsmagazine Paso Robles HS Journalism

...when an interview stalls 1. Should schools give seniors birth control information?

2. What are three things you are good at?

3. Do you practice a religion?

4. When was the last time you lost your temper? Why? 5. Should marijuana be legalized? Abortion?

6. What stresses you out?

7. How do you feel about kissing on the first date?

8. If you could have a super power, what would it be?

9. Do you think it is possible for teens to fall in love?

10. Complete this sentence: It bugs me when….

11. Are you superstitious?

12. Do you have a job?

13. Complete this statement: Most high school boys...

14. Complete this statement: Most high school girls are…

15. Describe one of your more embarrassing moments.

16. Opinion on the 1 year driving prohibation?

17. What was your favorite toy as a child?

32. What is an accomplishment that you are proud of the most?

33. If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be?

34. Name 3 people that you love.

35. Who was the last person you said “I love you” too?

36. What do you fear the most?

37. What do you think happens to us when we die?

38. Can you tell your parents your personal problems?

39. What do you look forward to upon graduation?

40. Would you describe yourself as a hero, victim, or fool?

41. Do you have to like a teacher in order to learn from them ?

42. Why do you think people began to smoke?

43. What would you change in history, if you could?

44. If we opened your freezer, what would we find?

45. What did you miss the most about elementary school?

46. What Olympic Sport would you partake, if you could?

18. Which is better: Taco Bell or In & Out?

47. On a scale of 1 to 10, where would you rank yourself with regard to your appearance? Personality? Brains?

19. Where is the most unusual place that you’ve slept?

48. What 3 things are you good at?

20. Have you ever traveled out of the state or the country?

49. What do you see yourself doing in 5 years? 10 years?

21. Who is your favorite Disney character?

22. Would you ever be a minister, pastor, or priest?

50. What advice would you give to parents if you had the opportunity to speak to a gathering of adults?

23. Would you ever consider being a politician?

51. If you had $10,000 what would you do with it?

24. What was the worst physical injury you have incured?

52. What is the scariest movie you have ever seen? Funniest?

25. What was the worst punishment you have ever received? What did you do?

53. When was the last time you told a lie?

26. Have you ever cheated on a test? What test? Did you get caught?

55. Is there someone in school that you have a crush on? Do they know?

27. If you could change one thing about your self what would it be & why?

56. What are your views toward abortion?

28. Have you ever been in a fight?

29. How are you most like your parents?

30. What are your views towards pre-marital sex?

31. What is the most difficult aspect of being a teen today?

54. What is your most prized possession?

57. What are your views toward human clothing?

58. What are your views toward the death penalty?

59. What are your views toward the rising divorce rate?

60. What is the most unusual food that you have eaten?

Crimson Newsmagazine

Paso Robles HS Journalism

Researching Tips

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Journalism is all about digging, researching or “finding the vein.” It’s all about getting the facts and getting them straight.

Journalism is about making stories interesting to read, but factual as well.

1. Interview, interview, INTERVIEW! The easiest way to get a fact is to get it from someone involved. A quote from a person is preferable to a quote from a website, which are not always reliable. You can get facts from anyone related to your story. IE: Need to know what the score of the last volleyball game was? Ask the coach.

2. Search the web. Yes, websites are a quick and easy way to get information, but be wary. Not all websites are 100 percent accurate all the time, so if you’re looking for a fast fact cross reference some sites. Also e-mail is a beautiful thing, whether it’s simply e-mailing a teacher for a quick reference, or interviewing the CEO of a company, you never know who will respond to your e-mails.

3. Other publications. Other written publications are great for story ideas or facts on a similar topic. Check out local newspapers and New York Times.

4. Just do it! Getting facts is hard work but the more you have the deeper and better your story will be. If you work hard on the base of your story, the facts, the rest will fall into place.

Research enough to be “buried” in it!

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Fact Finding and Digging

Crimson Newsmagazine Paso Robles HS Journalism

Don’t just sit there and chat during 2nd period! Your stories need to explode with facts and quotes! Here are some ways to get those interviews done.

1. Make an appointment with a teacher/

Check their schedule on the teacher board.

2. Make an appointment with a student.

Make it for lunch, periods 1 & 3-5, whenever they’re available.

3. Interview during 2nd period. Use call

Don’t rely on just 2nd period! We’re busy with other agenda too.

4. Interview during periods 1 & 3-5 in

You’ll probably need to meet them at the door of their class to remind them.

5. Interview whenever you can! Before/

Remember we want 2-3 sources per story.

6. Get phone numbers from the Magical

Be sure to say you’re from Crimson.

Otherwise you’ll just sound like a stalker.

7. Research on the Internet. Make sure to

Actual quotes from a person is always better than an “according to www” fact.

8. Conduct a survey. See what the trends

Survery during lunch, nutrition, before/after school, in class (with teacher permission).

administrator. Drop by their prep period, send an email, do the Teacher Memo, etc. Get an interview scheduled!

Ask ahead of time when they’re available so they can think about what to say. Plus it’s annoying to walk into their room to find out they’re absent. slips with Mount’s signature and write “when convenient.”

601. Neither of you goes to your assigned classes. Mount writes a re-admit once you’re done. after school, nutrition, lunch, etc.

Students are just eating or hanging out.

They aren’t busy. Interview them!

Green Binder/ “The Green Bible.” Call students or teachers when you’re at home—at a reasonable time.

use authoritative sources, no wikipedia.

Also CALL a live person from the site if you can. We aren’t a “quote-the-homepage” organization. are in the topic you’re covering. What do PRHS students think?

Crimson Newsmagazine

Factology

Paso Robles HS Journalism

What is a fact?

1. It’s a fact if it’s one of the 5 Ws.

WHO - WHAT - WHEN - WHERE - WHY

ie. Margie Lambie passed away on March 13, 2010 due to bacterial brain infection.

2. It’s a fact if it’s a quote a person actually said. ie. “Wes is by far the best player on our team. He is the most consistent and truely tries harder then everyone else,” teammate senior Kenny Romero said.

3. It’s a fact if it’s a number. ie. Wookey’s pitched to 128 opponents as of May 5, and her ERA (Earned Run Average) is .205.

If you filled your story with #1, #2, & #3, you’ll be set!

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ABC’s to a good fact A

Fact Density

The saturation of facts that you provide as the writer. We should be able to find 75% of each sentence to be factual.

B Specifics, please Exactly WHO? Exactly WHEN? Exactly WHERE? etc.

C Opposite of fact?

Opinion Interpretation Rumor Assumption

D Get the quote RIGHT! Print the quote wrong & obviously it stops being a fact.

You now live & die on your facts.

If you have them, you may have a good story.

If you don’t, you can’t fake it.

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Appositives

Crimson Newsmagazine Paso Robles HS Journalism

Find the parts of your sentence where you can infuse FACTS and 5Ws! The APPOSITIVE is your friend here.

Appositives are the inserted information that follow your nouns (usually), mini add-ins of information and reporting.

We want an appositive almost always with the attribution.

WEAK FACT DENSITY Although they were victorious in this *fact opportunity game, the *fact opportunity Varsity team has had some struggles during the *fact opportunity record season.

BETTER Although they were victorious in Wednesday’s 55-degree game, the 12-member Varsity team has had some struggles during the record season of 14 wins and one loss.

BEST APPOSITIVES in italics offer more facts about the circled nouns on the sentence

Although they were victorious, pulling out the win in the final two minutes in Wednesday’s 55-degree weather, the 12-member varsity team has had some struggles during the record season, which boasts eight more wins than last year.

Crimson Newsmagazine

Paso Robles HS Journalism

How to tell a story

Ira Glass’s story telling tips CRIMSON is looking for memorable, remarkable features. Here’s insight from one of America’s best feature writers. They gave him the radio show This American Life because he’s so good.

1. Show a Back Door to a Deep Place “The best stories are a back door into a really deep place within us. We feel we are less alone. We live in a world where things make sense & we are like each other. They make us less crazy.

They make the world less crazy.”

2. Explore its meaning “The writer must share with the reader: ‘Here’s what the story means.

Here’s what it says to all of us.’”

This is the NUTGRAF.

Ira Glass is the host & producer of the radio & television show This American Life. He attended Northwestern University & Brown University.

He began as an intern at National Public Radio. He was a reporter & host on several NPR programs, including Morning Edition, All Things Considered, & Talk of the Nation.

3. Surprise & humor, please “If the story is surprising or funny, it sticks in your head.”

4. Use humor to create meaning “The funny part of the story is the most telling part of any story.”

Visit NPR for free iPod downloads where you can listen to award winning features.

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51

Find the Extraordinary

“

Crimson Newsmagazine Paso Robles HS Journalism

The best stories are about how the ordinary becomes the extraordinary.

—Gay Talese, NYT, USC

The school play is this weekend.

Girls basketball is second in league.

Class elections are next month.

There’s the kid in your 3rd period.

Oh, an assembly next week.

Students don’t like a certain school rule.

—Another month, another newspaper.

Is there anything extrordinary in such mundane events?

Gay Talese (born February 7, 1932) is an American author who wrote for The New York Times in the early 1960s. He helped to define literary journalism or “new nonfiction reportage,” also known as “New Journalism.”

His most famous articles are about Joe DiMaggio, Dean Martin, and Frank Sinatra.

Talese is a visiting writer at the Master of Professional Writing Program at the University of Southern California each spring.

The true journalist can find it.

“Well, I tried to interview him, but he is so boring and there is no story there.”

Sorry, that’s not the full truth.

There are no boring answers. Only boring questions—often asked by journalists.

Yes, you can throw a dart at a map and find a great story. The high impact writer will elevate the story into an artistic masterpiece about the human condition.

Crimson Newsmagazine What You're Doing Matters 52

Paso Robles HS Journalism

“A job on a newspaper is a special thing.

Every day you can take something you just found out about, & you put it down & soon it becomes a product. Not just a product like a can or something. It is a personal product that people—a lot of people—take the time to sit down & read.”

—Jimmy Breslin

Breslin’s accomplished pen: “Speaks cheerful English & in the past has written this language with a paintbrush that talks. “ “Media, the plural of mediocrity. “ “Rage is the only quality which has kept me, or anybody I have ever studied, writing columns for newspapers. “ “The first funeral for Andrew Goodman was at night & it was a lot of work. To begin with they had to kill him. “ “The number one rule of thieves is that nothing is too small to steal. “

Jimmy Breslin, “New York’s Columnist,” won the 1986 Pulitzer Prize for Commentary.

Perhaps the best known story was published the day after John F. Kennedy’s funeral, focusing on the man who had dug the President’s grave.

Breslin often highlighted how major events affect the common man.

Pulitzers matter These 15 or so prizes every year, awarded by Columbia U are the highest honor for professional journalism in the nation.

“Every issue of the paper presents an opportunity and a duty to say something courageous and true; to rise above the mediocre and conventional; to say something that will command the respect of the intelligent, the educated, the independent part of the community; to rise above fear of partisanship and fear of popular prejudice.”

Read this year’s winners and their works at www.pulitzer.org.

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Lede Writing

Crimson Newsmagazine Paso Robles HS Journalism

The LEDE is your SHOWCASE. It is one of the most hallowed, scrutinized elements in journalism. Even the most seasoned Crimson veteran must continue to sharpen this skill. They say that if you don’t show any style here, it can correctly be assumed that you haven’t got any.

Crimson lede writing targets 1. Write 2 ledes for every story you submit.

Put the 2nd lede at the bottom of your story where we can decide if we like it better than your first.

2. Go for wit, pun, smiles, color. Readers are the bees; your lede is the flower.

3. Thirty (30) words or less in the lede sentence.

4. Ask your editor/team mates about your ledes for feedback.

5. Keep tuning your lede throughout the R1 > R2 > FD process. Don’t work on it 1x-2x and expect readers and us to be impressed.

Crimson Newsmagazine

Tristan's Ledes

Paso Robles HS Journalism

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The best lede writer CC ever met Tristan Aird served on the CC three years, culminating as Chief & Journalist of the Year in 2003. He majored in journalism at Cal Poly, interned at the SLO Tribune, & now is paid staff with the Las Vegas Review Journal.

Watch Him Work 1. Pun 2. Plays-on-words 3. Alliteration

Tristan Ledes ‘02 ‘03 •

•

Paso Robles High crowned homecoming kings & queens last week, but it was the San Luis Obispo Tigers who held onto their throne Friday night.

The Paso Robles Bearcats expected a slugfest Friday night, but instead feasted on the sluggish Santa Monica Vikings.

•

The wrestling team has been pulling its weight with class this season.

•

Who needs stunt men? (Cheerleading story)

•

Katherine Suderman made herself the center of attention last Tuesday. (Basketball story)

•

Drug testing in sports may not be as dope as you think.

•

Do some individuals find themselves guilty by association, or do they associate themselves with guilt?

•

The marriage of gang presence & law enforcement is older than crime itself, but the threat posed at the present is a bold one.

•

After the visiting Hanford Bullpups backed out of a non-league preseason scrimmage Nov. 27, the St. Joseph Knights made sure to show up for a season opener against the Paso Robles Bearcats

•

.At the end of a timeless season, the Paso Robles Bearcats simply ran out of time

•

.The Atascadero Greyhounds played to the finish Friday night, but it was the Paso Robles Bearcats who finished them off.

4. Metaphor 5. Allusion 6. Descriptiveness

7. Who-What-Where-When 8. Setting 9. Irony

Top Ledes ‘09 ‘10 •

Quinceañera ball gown: $487. Lavish three-story cake: $580. Three-inch high heels: $184. Memories of a gorgeous day to last a lifetime: priceless – Serina Lewis (Quinceañera story)

•

The sun slowly set across Templeton High School’s field Dec. 1. The 55 degree weather nipped junior Daniel Fuerte as he stood away from the goal, intently watching his teammates fight the other players for the ball. – Alicia Canales (Soccer story)

•

A four letter word that starts with an “F” can be rather shocking to the majority of people, especially when it arrives on their report card. – Reilly Newman (Tutoring story)

•

Darth Vader may have made it seem like entering the dark side was a bad thing, but when it comes to chocolate, the dark side is the way to go. – Natasha Wright (Star food of the month- dark chocolate story)

•

Nothing you can do will stop it: when it’s least expected it hits you. Doctors say you can inherit it, and once you have it you can’t suppress, halt or get rid of it. – Aryn Fields (Type 1 Diabetes story)

•

Though singing and dancing is regularly classified under fine arts at PRHS, it’s not the dance team or choir that captures the attention of students at lunchtime. – C.J. Prusi (Margie story)

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Lede Sampler

Crimson Newsmagazine Paso Robles HS Journalism

Put a Face on the Last year’s star goalie, senior Juan Sanchez, isn’t eliSituation gible to play this year. He was born too early. Sanchez can’t play because of the University Interscholastic League policy…(Hillcrest Hurricane, Hillcrest HS, Dallas, TX)

2

Could-BeImportant Lede

3

Give ‘em the Stats Lede

4

Who’s-theConflict Lede

5

6

7

On Thursday, senior Matt Chang seemed to be his normal self. His quick wit brought laughter from friends & his smile was omnipresent. But by 1 p.m. Friday, Chang had succumbed to meningococcal meningitis at the age of 17. (The Churchill Observer, Winston Churchill HS, Potomac, MD) Two possible changes in state legislation currently under discussion in Springfield could have an impact on teens who drink & drive. (XRay, St. Charles HS, St. Charles, IL) Defying conformity, over 65 percent of 46 teachers indicated on a recent survey that they don’t follow the attendance policy all the time. (Maroon, Stephen F. Austin, Austin, TX) Coach Jeff Jones is back coaching football this fall even though a parent/citizen group fought to get him removed during the summer. (Arlingtonian, Upper Arlington HS, Upper Arlington, OH)

“Then & Now” Many children long to become fire-fighters but only a Lede few actually grow up & get the chance to hose down a

major blaze. “When they put a five-gallon pump & 40 pounds of equipment on your back & say, ‘Put that out,’ most would probably change their minds,” said senior Jason Stegall, a third year Emergency Fire-Fighter for the Nevada Division of Forestry. (Red & Blue, Reno HS, Reno, NV) Using-the- Meetings held recently indicate that soon students Colloquials Lede “making a run for the border” at lunch won’t have to run very far. In fact, they won’t even have to leave the building, thanks to a new cooperative program between Taco Bell & the school district’s food service. (Argus, Gresham HS, Gresham, OR) “Allusion” Lede It’s a bird. It’s a plane. It’s Super… Well, no, maybe it was just a bird. In an action-packed beginning of the end series, Superman has died. (Lion’s Roar, Gahanna Lincoln HS, Gahanna, OH)

Crimson Newsmagazine

Paso Robles HS Journalism

Lede Sampler

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8

Challenge-the- The land of the midnight sun can be yours this summer Assumption for a lot less than you may think.(XRay, St. Charles HS, Lede St. Charles, IL)

9

“Surprising Would you consider murder a public service? Most Question” Lede people would not, but Abbey & Martha Brewster are

10

“Noise” Lede

11

“Storytelling” Lede

12

“Then-and-NowUpdate” Lede

15

Dialogue Lede

16

Common Quote Lede

not like most people. They are characters from Joseph Kesselring’s “Arsenic & Old Lace,” which…(Little Hawk, City HS, Iowa City, IA) Squeak. Squeak. The student store is being forced to pack up & move out due, in part, to a problem with sweet-toothed mice. (The Academy Times, Charles Wright Academy, Seattle, WA) Creaking to a stop outside the University of Illinois at Chicago’s pool building, the old yellow school bus brought U-High’s 6-1 boys swim team to the site of a Jan. 27 meet with St. Ignatius. The wolves’ meets take place at the Circle Campus, across Roosevelt Road in the Near South Side neighborhood, because Ignatius doesn’t have a pool of its own. Leaving the bus, everyone briefly headed back out into the sunny but chilly afternoon, past various broken bottles & empty cans into the huge brick pool building, which looked like a warehouse.(U-High Midway, University High School, Chicago, IL) Protesting students brought DISD to a near standstill last year after the district cut hundreds of teaching positions. Now, with students back in class & teachers rehired, many people wonder what has been learned from last year’s chaos.(Hillcrest Hurricane, Hillcrest HS, Dallas, TX) Hey Ashley, this is Michael. How would you like to go out with me tonight? I’d love to Michael; where are we going? Well I was thinking we’d just go see a movie.

Click. (The Trojanier, Rigby HS, Idaho Falls, ID “If you’re having sex, use a condom.” These words have dropped out of celebrities’, teachers’ & even parents’ mouths to save young people from creating a bomb many fear is just waiting to go off. (U-High Midway, University High School, Chicago, IL)

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Crimson Newsmagazine

Nutgraf

Paso Robles HS Journalism

NUTshell...paraGRAF

...explains HOW THIS STORY IS NEWSWORTHY

Explanation of why this story matters in a nutshell-integrated into a paragraph.

1. Why does this event matter? Why is it printed in the paper?

2. How does it compare to past events?

According to an authority?

According to a fact-based analysis of it?

3. How is it likely to affect the future?

What’s ahead?

4. What’s the historicity of your story?

First ever? Third? Worst? Learn the history.

5. Many are saying that your event is…

This majority approach is enough to establish nutgrafism

The Crimson publishes relevant information; this graf helps readers see the relevance.

CRIMSON POLICY: Every Crimson writer provides a nutgraf in each story printed in the paper & web.

“The writer must share with the reader: ‘Here’s what the story means.

Here’s what it says to all of us.’”

—Ira Glass

Crimson Newsmagazine

Paso Robles HS Journalism

Shaping Your Story

58

PYRAMID: Narrative

Start with the small and build in detail and significance.

Develop conflict. Develop setting & character. Time follows chronological order. End with something BIG. This story shape is the STORYTELLING shape, but can become unjournalistic and overwrought.

INVERTED PYRAMID: Journalism classic

Most important details & quotations told first, then the next most important, lessening in significance as story unfolds.

Works best with news-oriented topics: “Earthquake kills three.� Quote, transition, quote, transition. Efficient story shape, but can be unimaginative and old fashioned.

HOURGLASS: Award winner, always works

Combine the above, such that the IMPORTANT details (inverted pyramid) serve as a teaser, but the bulk of the story provides STORYTELLING (narrative pyramid). The intersection requires a key transition sentence. This story shape permits journalistic prioritizing of facts combined with the satisfying qualities of storytelling.

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The Dirty Dozen

Crimson Newsmagazine Paso Robles HS Journalism

The Dirty Dozen are 12 elements used by journalists to structure a complete & organized story. The DD are most crucial in the news-oriented stories, but DD elements belong in all stories.

The first 5 of 12 are: 1. The LEDE

Make the first sentence the NEWS. No delays.

News is the newest thing that is known about the given story, presented in a package of the 5 Ws. The lede should be SHORT.

2. Second sentence/more facts

Here’s where you put the other details needed to understand the lede. We put them here to avoid overloading the lede.

3. Best Quote

Make sure it relates to the lede & the second sentence.

4. The NUTGRAF

WHY DOES THIS STORY MATTER? The NUTGRAF steps back from the immediate details to provide context/perspective. It tells how the current news fits into the larger picture. It tells what’s been happening lately or elsewhere.

5. Summary of what’s to come (SW2C)

Here, the writer lays out the varying points of view, foreshadowing the details of the rest of the story. This summary is key to FAIRNESS: no one’s point of view is paramount.

Teen drivers may be blocked from using cell phones Teen drivers would be barred from driving while using cellphones of any kind--even if fitted with hands-free equipment--under legislation that passed the state Assembly today.

The bill would also prohibit drivers younger than 18 from using textmessaging devices, laptop computers or pagers. If signed by the governor, the bill will take effect in July. Violators would be fined $20 for a first offense; repeat offenders could be punished with a $50 fine.

“A new law is necessary,” said author of the legislation, state Sen. Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) Car accidents are the No. 1 cause of death among teenagers. & an estimated 11 million teens own CA phones.

Yet the bill concerns some adult drivers, who feel they may be next, as the teen measure marches through remaining hurdles in Sacramento.

Tully Lehman, insurance industry spokesman with the Insurance Information Network of California, an organization that represents about 70% of property & casualty insurers in California, supports the legislation.

“I think it’s definitely a step in the right direction as far as trying to

>> continued...

Crimson Newsmagazine

Paso Robles HS Journalism

The Dirty Dozen

60

‘Teen drivers’ cont’d...

6. Supporting quotes

This quote should support the last point of view summarized in the previous graf.

7. Transitions between quotes

Quotes from two people should never be back to back. A transition is needed as a bridge from one idea to another. Then follow up with the relevant quote.

8. Transition, then final supporting quote

Notice that the supporting quotes go in reverse order from the way they were summarized.

9. Real-time color, anecdotes

“Color” means brief descriptions of sights, sounds, & mood. Reporters should use all their senses.

10. The Past

Is there additional history that can help the reader understand more about the subject?

Has this sort of thing happened before?

How is this different or similar?

11. The Future

Wind up the story by looking toward the future. What is the next step? Or if an anecdote is used up toward the top, a useful technique is to refer back to the beginning, or to the anedote, to look to the future.

...increase the safety on the roadways for not only the teen drivers who are driving while using their cellphones but also for other drivers on the road as well,” she said.

Arian Moreh, 19, a third-year law student at UCLA, agrees.

“I think it’s better for safety. I think it’s being put out there for a reason, probably I’m one of them, but I haven’t got into an accident. I think I’m OK. You’ve just got to be good at it, you’ve got to be talented. I do text while I drive. I think that it’s just part of a routine. As long as I’m being safe it doesn’t matter. I think there’s a lot more things they should be thinking about before this, & it’s not that important.”

But Teresa Martinez, of Reseda, laments the possibilities for her phone use as a driver.

“My performance at work is improved when I can make calls & drive,” she said.

Martinez received two calls, in fact, while driving during the interview on southbound 101.

The legislation marks the five year effort of senator Abel Maldonado to make public roads safer, according to the senator’s webpage.

Lawmakers will make their decision April 2007.

Teens have four months free before their phones might be pulled over for good.

12. The Kicker

Usually a short, high-impact sentence.

It may be a poignant or telling quote.

It may also be a surprising bit of information that works better at the end than at the beginning.

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Attribution and Quotation

Crimson Newsmagazine

Quotations are the bread-n-butter of journalism.

Avoid buggering them.

Paso Robles HS Journalism

ATTRIBUTION means the places in your story where you attributed a quotation to a speaker.

1. Punctuate & capitalize correctly WRONG: “I don’t agree with the school”, one student said. “Because freshmen matter”.

RIGHT: “I don’t agree with the school,” one student said, “because freshmen matter.”

2. Use indirect quotation to replace long, boring sections of a quote that would be better if summarized.

WRONG: “We welcomed them as soon as they arrived,” Smith said.

“We all waited for three hours in the rain for the buses to come. We were excited to see our partners.”

RIGHT: “We welcomed them as soon as they arrived,” Smith said, who along with others waited for three hours in the rain for the buses to come. “We were excited to see our partners,” he said.

3. Stricly use “said” as the verb in your attribution. Don’t get narrative on us with distracting verbs such as “muttered,” “mused,” “observed,” etc. unless it is essential for the narrative writing you’re intentionally creating for effect.

4. Use normal SUBJECT-VERB order in the attribution.

WRONG: “The club was not satisfied with the proposal,” said Principal Randy Nelson. (You wouldn’t say “said he”...)

RIGHT: “The club was not satisfied with the proposal,” Principal Randy Nelson said.

4. Attributions go strictly at the end of the quotation.

WRONG: Said Principal Randy Nelson, “The club was not satisfied with the proposal.”

WRONG: When asked about the incident, Principal Randy Nelson said, “The club was not satisfied...”

RIGHT: “The club was not satisfied with the proposal,” Principal Randy Nelson said.

Crimson Newsmagazine

Paso Robles HS Journalism

Conciseness

62

... simple is best In journalism, you must only use clear, direct, factual language. Choose the perfect word. Your sentences & phrasing must be crisp. Active, visual verbs are essential.

Crimson excellence is weakened by any of the following:

Crimson Conciseness Standards 1. Take off your Essay Writer hat when you walk into 601. Lose the flowers.

A vague words +

2. IF YOU CAN SAY IT SHORTER, DO SO. Count your words, therefore.

B overstated,

3. Choose the perfect word. If it’s not perfect, keep working.

C subjective,

4. Don’t be satisfied with the first version of a sentence.

phrases—not specific

wordiness

unfactual words that “open the gate” to varied meanings

D tell not show

5. Verbs are the secret: Pick lively, exciting, punchy verbs. Avoid passive is-are-was-were-bebeen-being.

writing

6. Make the suggested changes from your editors.

E ostentatious

7. Be ready to practice Conciseness Drills monthly.

words—you’re trying too hard, honey

8. Read a lot.

9. Use a thesaurus to find better words.

Do not use “There IS/ARE/WAS/WERE/WILL BE.” It’s a terrible combo of words for a writer whose trying to be sharp.

YES

Twenty three students depart Tuesday Oct. 28.

If laws did not govern society, crime would…

NO

There are 23 students going on the field trip Tuesday Oct. 28.

If there were no laws in society, crime would flourish.

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Sports Journalism

Crimson Newsmagazine Paso Robles HS Journalism

WHAT WE WANT 1. DESCRIPTION/COLOR: Sports writing is so cool because you can be creative,

humorous, subjective, & COLORFUL. It varies from weather, sensory detail, action, metaphors, to alliterations... you name it.

2. ORIGINAL LEDES: Reread Tristan’s Ledes elsewhere in the manual.

3. ANALYSIS: Write about more than just the games: combine games’ results & look for trends. Strong defense? Weak offense?

4. INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCES: If you are writing an athlete profile, watch that person in competition & in practice on several occasions.

5. STATS: Keep up with team & individual statistics & use them frequently in stories. Maxpreps.com is the best! Also know your teams’ ranks in the conference, state, etc. Know team & individual records, best season times, etc. Know historic stats.

6. GAMES: Go to them (and take notes)!

WHAT WE DON’T WANT 1. LAME ATHLETE QUOTES: “We want to get to CIF.” & “We’re working really hard.”

2. STORIES THAT JUST REPORT SCORES: Look for opportunities to report on more than games: sports outside of school, different training regimens, the pre-season, benchwarmers, etc.

3. WRITERS WHO DON’T GO TO THEIR GAMES “WIN/LOSE” = Typical . . . DO BETTER! Remember: Verbs are the secret annihilate abandon beat blast blitz bowl over butcher crush cut defame demolish despoil desolate

destroy down drill enslave extinguish fail flatten forsake maim maraud marr mutilate numb

overpower overwhelm pound prevail pummel punish quash ravish raze rout shatter stamp out subdue

subjugate subvert succeed suffer terminate thrash trounce upset vanquish wallop whip

Crimson Newsmagazine

Paso Robles HS Journalism

Sports Journalism

64

Make it better than a sports game story

SPORTS MATTERS

1. Find an angle beyond a “game summary:” what’s the story within the story? A problem? A record? A new offense? The player on fire?

“Sports do not build character.

They reveal it.”

3. Play by play: put the KEY plays in the story, not all of them. Start a story with one of the LAST plays.

—Haywood Hale Broun

“What counts in sports is not the victory, but the magnificence of the struggle.”

—Joe Paterno

“Players win games, teams win championships.”

—Bill Taylor

2. Have a good system for keeping notes: keep stats, use abbreviations, circle the big plays, and use different colored pens so you know the differences.

4. Focus on a trend, i.e. poor tackling. Focus on it by getting the plays for proof and quotes.

5. Get quotes from the OPPOSING team. Get both sides.

Talk to the opposing team’s coach and get their views on the game, etc.

6. Ask the coach specific questions so you can get good info. Don’t interview coaches for quotes that often.

Readers want the JUICE… not lame quotes from the coach.

7. Get stats, but don’t OVERDO it. Don’t just throw them in there. The stats should help prove a point.

8. Don’t write game stories on the sports pages. Turn it into trends or feature stories (sneak in key plays though).

9. Plan a fact box in the final package to showcase something.

10. Sports columns: features with a little bit of an opinion.

11. Teams that are struggling: write WHY.

“It’s all about chemistry. Talent alone won’t get it done. “ —Brett Favre

12. Go the team’s practices. Find time to sit down with the coach or assistant coach to learn about the sport if you don’t know the sport very well. Create a good relationship with them. Do your homework on the sport before the game/match.

13. Try looking at sports outside of school.

14. No one cares about wins/losses… Write FEATURES instead!

15. Focus on an individual.

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Feature Writing

Crimson Newsmagazine Paso Robles HS Journalism

1. Assess: Does your story merely skim the surface identity/story? Search for a more surprising angle.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

•

DRAMA? >> (tragedy, comedy, discovery, victory, loss, etc.)

•

Conflict in their life >> and how it may be overcome?

•

Award/achievement >> and what it took?

•

Humor >>theirs or yours?

•

Little-known facts >> or secrets?

• See 9 NEWSWORTHY STANDARDS At least 2 MAJOR paragraph-length quotes by the person?

Future plans—as detailed as possible?

Another perspective on the person’s life & times?

(Friend, teacher, parent, coach, etc…)

Connect reader’s senses S-S-S-T-T to the person: the person’s voice, hair, colors, dance moves, nose, etc.

NUTGRAF: Needs to answer the following. (Could be a reference to any of the above newsworthy items.)

•

How this person compares to other students in some statistic, achievement, or other fact?

•

How does this person compare to the past?

•

How is this person a change from the norm/from other people?

•

What does this really means if you get behind the facts?

HELP! We get a lot of stories about students that keep matters overly simple: “So-and-so is a nice person who likes to have fun & works really hard.”

Don’t make the person look ordinary and bland; such traits are NOT newsworthy.

The bottom line Newsworthy standards should guide your feature writing angle.

Give THE NINE a review.

Crimson Newsmagazine

Paso Robles HS Journalism

Opinion Structure

66

Key Principle:

Opinion still requires digging for facts, numbers, authorities.

EDUCATE your readers about the facts that support your opinion.

Story Element

1. SITUATION

Start your story giving background. Fill in the reader: what has happened (the 5 Ws)? What has CAUSED your reaction? It’s factual, objective, & 1-2 ¶s long.

Don’t give your opinion before this step. Plus, WHY DOES THIS MATTER? a sense of NUTGRAF belongs here…

2. STATE YOUR OPINION

What it would sound like When sophomore Mike Edwards opened his CA HS Exit Exam last February, he was surprised & a little entertained, he said, to find—finally—a writing prompt a little less blasé than the previous timed essays he’d faced as a student.

2006’s test asked California’s estimated 750,000 sophomores what they looked for in a “romantic partner.”

Of course, multiple parents & teachers have since protested the 2006 CAHSEE writing prompt, calling the writing question too unprofessional, opinionated, or inappropriate…

Don’t save it for the climatic conclusion. It probably should enjoy its own ¶. Be sure it’s in a single sentence, much like you’ve learned to write a thesis sentence. >> NO 1st PERSON <<

Yet the thing that seems to have been skipped: students need something interesting to write about. There is therefore nothing wrong with Sacramento’s test. Except of course that we don’t want to take it.

3. SUPPORT (Facts, Authorities, Research)

Writers have told us for years that we must pick something we know about. “If you can’t write about something close to you, don’t pick up the pen,” Mark Twain said. He’s right.

And mandated tests are notorious for their dryness.

“I barely even try,” one junior said. PRHS test results suggest students need a carrot, as well. From 2001 through last April, results were…

Have figures & quoted authorities support your opinion. Opinion stories in the middle are just like news stories: the reporter still digs for facts & quotes. This section will need several ¶s.

4. COUNTERPOINT

Talk a little about what the other side says. Give some facts & quotes that support that counter side. This section shows the reader you are fair & understand all the spokes of the wheel.

5. CONCLUSION

Return to your opinion & reinforce it. End with clipped finality. Or a clever ironic observation. Or an echo from the first ¶.

Now it is true that California’s Ed Code 48950 prohibits surveys of student sexual preferences.

And yes, many who attempted the test question don’t have a special someone. As one critical teacher put it, “No one was hurt.” These are valid concerns.

But in the end, only the best topics are worth writing about.

So the prompts like 2006’s should remain.

It’s hard to believe we should argue for a test. But if we consider the nonsense around this test issue, it’s one worth sticking up for. Even when we don’t want to take it.

Now please excuse me. I’m going out--with my girlfriend.

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Review Writing

Crimson Newsmagazine Paso Robles HS Journalism

“ A review is a grand total of nothing if it’s not backed up with facts: the color, the textures, the words and gestures and music that came to life on the stage, and which must again come to life in your prose, if the critique is to mean anything.”

—Judith Green, San Jose Mercury News In your review, write with...

1. knowledge of the subject and a respect for the genre 2. Intense observation and recording of details 3. reflection about the meaning of the experience 4. style! You should delight us with your writing 1. Knowledge

You should also know something about the following to write a good review and leave the reader feeling educated: The previous work of the band/actor/etc.

Trends and styles within the field you’re dealing with...compare this performance with other performances What other critics have said about it What other attendees/readers/listeners are saying

2. Observation Specific examples should appear so we get a taste of the performance: Quote lyrics, lines, titles, passages Describe the character, singer, or actor Rarely let criticism stand without an example Pack in the adjectives! We want you to color this picture for us.

3. Reflection

This is the Reviewer’s version of the nutgraf: Why does this performance matter? Where does it fit in to the big picture?

You talk first person about how it mattered to you.

You could admit what the performance will do for the reader.

What other critics have said about it.

4. Style

Irony, humor, sarcasm, cleverness, puns, jokes...these should appear in a good review...and that’s why they’re fun to write.

STYLE! “I’ll be the first to admit that, frankly, I don’t like female rappers. It’s simply agitating to hear the insane rhymes Missy Elliot comes up with or how promiscuous songs about Foxy Brown and Lil Kim are.”

Crimson Newsmagazine

Paso Robles HS Journalism

The Basics

Blog Writing A “blogger” is assumingly a person who complains about life and problems. This is not a Crimson Blogger.

We blog about sports games, school assemblies, community events, and what’s happening during lunch and at PRHS, even if it’s not a story for the paper. (By the way, a blog is basically a story but is for web use only.)

>>ATTEND! You can’t write about what you don’t know. In order to get the facts, sources, pictures, and colorful descriptions, you MUST attend the event! >> One interview minimum You must have a source! Otherwise it may sound like your opinion, even if you’re just reporting. Talk to the person in charge, a participant, or both. The more sources, the better. >>A lede Even though the short length will draw eyes, you still need a catchy lede to hook the reader in. >>Pictures Photos are required on web uploads, so bring a camera with you. Put an image with your words. >>Facts, Facts, FACTS! Another reason you must attend. You must describe what happened, what you saw, who was there, etc. A blog is usually 200 words or less, but those words need to be factual.

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69

Objectivity, Not Subjectivity

Crimson Newsmagazine Paso Robles HS Journalism

Example 1. Strongly avoid first person 2. Remove words that suggest your opinion as the writer.

3. Choose objective, factual words free from added meaning/ connotation.

4. Often clarify your wording with “s/ he said” so readers understand the origin.

5. Shorten your sentence counts— shorter is less biased.

6. Do not write fictionalized scenarios.

Feature on Will Venturini, Dancer YES: Objective

Page communicates FACTS about his skills, what OTHERS SAY, and what WILL says. It’s accurate.

NO: Subjective

Page communicates what the writer thinks, offers opinion (positive or negative) about his skills, or generalizes without evidence.

You must limit and often strip your writing of its subjective words as a journalist.

YES

NO

1

When Jessica graduates from PRHS, San Fransisco will be gaining one aspiring guitarist.

When Jessica graduates from PRHS, San Fransisco will be gaining one incredibly cool girl.

2

Sam sets weekly expectations for himself hoping to someday write for a magazine.

Sam sets great expectations for himself hoping to someday write for a magazine.

3

See Tiexiera walking by on campus? She says she’ll be glad to talk more.

So if you find yourself standing nonchalantly around during lunch or nutrition, and Ms. Teixeira just happens to walk by, take it upon yourself to approach her and engage in a conversation.

Crimson Newsmagazine

Paso Robles HS Journalism

AP Style: Nuts and Bolts

RIGHT Names

a) First time you use a person’s Principal Randal Nelson name, give his/her TITLE + FIRST + LAST NAME sophomore Forest Erwin

b) Use the LAST NAME of the person afterwards.

Leadership teacher Denise Conte agrees. “It’s the best in the West,” Conte said.

c.) Always LOWERCASE Senior Todd Dylan... student titles unless it’s the beginning of the sentence. After the game, junior Teyvon Brooks..

Time of Day

11 a.m.

2:30 p.m.

Date

Abbreviate month always; never Monday day. Use numbers for the day. Jan. 5 Saturday, Feb. 14,

Composition Titles

Put quotation marks around “Hey Soul Sister” is very catchy. books, movies, etc. except for the Bible and reference books. PRHS AP seniors will read “The Brothers Karamozov.”

Quotations

a.) Put periods and commas INSIDE the quotation!

b.) Name, then said. ALWAYS said.

WRONG Mr. Nelson Forest Erwin

Denise stated Leadership...

The award went to Sophomore Brittany Klavin.

11 this morning, 2:30 PM, 2:30 pm

Mon., Jan. 5 Monday, January fifth Jan. 5th The band played Michael Jackson’s Thriller.

“I like Taco Bell,” senior Ethan Baietti said.

Orwell stated it was “the best food they’ve ever made”.

“Blah,” junior Bob Taylor said.

“Whatever,” says/said freshman Lucy Blake.

School Name

Abbreviate and capitalize school First time: Atascadero High School with no periods unless it’s the first time they’re mentioned. After: PRHS, AHS, CA

Numbers

Write out all numbers less than 10 Eight students

P.R.H.S., A.H.S., C.A.

8 students

Write out all numbers beginning a sentence Fifty-two seniors objected.

52 seniors objected.

Use numerals/hyphens for sports scores

21 to 3.

The Bearcats won 21-3.

Use numerals for ages, times, 1 p.m. dates, and money larger than 15 years old a dollar $1.01

Spell out percentages

70

57 percent, 1 percent

One o’clock fifteen years old It costs one dollar and fifty cents 68%, anything %

71

Notes

Crimson Newsmagazine Paso Robles HS Journalism

Crimson Newsmagazine

Paso Robles HS Journalism

Notes

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Notes

Crimson Newsmagazine Paso Robles HS Journalism

Crimson Newsmagazine

Paso Robles HS Journalism

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Crimson Newsmagazine Paso Robles HS Journalism All Good Design Starts Here

Suggestions to get you started I. Check out the Best of High School Press.

II. Ideas surround us whether it’s designs online or in magazines or other papers; if you saw it and liked it, we can create it.

III. Check out the books on the design rack: The Graphic Design Cookbook, Newspaper Designers Handbook, and several other design idea books are available.

Layout Requirements 1. Must have a Dominant Item: big, use of color, vibrancy, weight, powerful.

2. Choose your Balance: symmetrical balance is formal/ normal; asymmetrical is informal/modern/cool.

3. Watch Proportion: how items interact w/ each other (i.e.

BIG story = BIG headline).

4. Where’s the Variety? Keep reader interest.

5. Contrast: It’s artistic, helps POP!, and prevents things from blending.

6. Create UNITY among fonts, lines, repeated elements.

7.

Repetition: guides the reader, creates movement, & helps unity.

8. Simplicity: Have restraint! If you don’t need it, don’t use it! Communicate but don’t decorate.

9. Color & VALUE: can add weight. Pick colors/grays that are compatible.

Another important thing to remember is even when you think you’re done, prepare yourself, because you’re just getting started.

Crimson Newsmagazine

Paso Robles HS Journalism

Crimson Design Style

76

PHOTOGRAPHY & GRAPHICS GENERAL

1

Pictures shall be 1 pt. stroke

2

Advertisements shall have 1 pt. strokes (keylines)

3

Photo/Graphic credit shall be OUTSIDE picture, not on picture

4

Picture resolution in PShop shall be 150 ppi (not 72)

5

Photo size in PShop shall be approximate to printed size in InDesgn

6

Pictures shall be in Tiff format w/ LZW compression

7

Grayscale pages shall only place grayscale graphics

8

Color pages shall only place CMYK graphics

9

All photos/graphics shall be credited to source

10

All stroke lines/box lines shall not have stroke.

11

All boxes shall be rounded corner (Object > Corner Options)

12

Gray-fills shall be 18%

13

Pull-quotes shall use Pull Quote Template (Mother > Templates)

14

Photos shall be resized in proportion—not free hand (shift-ctrl-drag)

15

Photos shall be cropped to maximize content & focus (blackarrow resize)

16

Photos & graphics shall honor copyright and/or be used with permission only. If we did not create it or get OK, we do not use it.

1

Photo cutouts shall not occur if background includes important elements/context

2

Points of Entry shall be numerous & tasteful with strong eye-flow

3

Pica space (.1 in) shall surround all page elements

4

“First person” & “Staff Editorial” shall clarify stories with opinionated voice

5

Lists of text shall offset the numbers/bullets for reading aid

6

Page size 10 in. W x 11 in. H

7

Center page size 20 in. W x 11 in. H

8

Each page shall use 5 column grid architecture

9

Crimson page numbers shall appear on “out” side of folio, not in gutter

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Photoshop Basics

Crimson Newsmagazine

Paso Robles HS Journalism

Cutouts 1. Select the “Polygon Lasso Tool” and carefully trace the image by clicking to keep an anchor point.

2. Once the image’s outline is blinking right click and click “Select Inverse” then press delete.

3. Once the image is surrounded by the white fill go to “Magic Eraser Tool” and click on the white fill.

4. The little gray checkers means it is transparent—which is good. Save the image as a “TIFF” and a box will pop up and you NEED to check the box that says “Save Transparency.” Then save the image in your proper section folder and you’re done!

1. Go to “Image” at the top of the screen, and click mode. Click on “Grayscale” and your picture will become black and white.

2. Right below mode will be “Adjustments” and then “Levels.” Once in levels you can adjust the levels of contrast so that the picture looks appropriate.

3. To make the image the right size, go to “Image” then “Image Size” and change the width to 5 inches and height to 8 inches. The resolution must be 150.

4. Finally, go to “File” and click on “Save As” to save the image as a “TIFF” and in the correct folder.

Crimson Newsmagazine

Paso Robles HS Journalism

1. To place text, make a text box with the “T” tool. Copy and paste the story into the box.

(It is important to make separate text boxes for the headline, deck, byline and article).

2. To place a photo/graphic, press Ctrl+D. Pick your specific photo/graphic.

1. Fonts for the headline, deck, byline, and article there is a tab named “Character Styles” off to the righthand side where you may find the correct font.

2. Near “Character Styles” locate “Paragraph Styles” and click on “Article.”

3. To adjust the photo to your desired size for the article select the photo with the black arrow tool. Press ctrl+shift then grab the corner of the photo/graphic to adjust. If you dont press ctrl+shift then your photo/graphic will end up either short & chunky or tall & skinny. You don’t want that.

1. On the righthand side of the template go to “Links.” All of your photos and graphics will appear in a list. Double click on the first item.

Check the “File Type” which must be “TIFF” and the “Color Space” which must be “Grayscale.”

Check all of them by clicking “Next.”

2. Also in “Links” make sure there are zero yellow caution symbols or maroon explanation point symbols beside the name of your photo/ graphic. If there is you need to click “go to link” and find it in the server.

3. Once this is complete print out a copy. Make sure your layout has been copy edited multiple times in the final stages. Then call over the Chief or Mount to make a PDF of your wonderful creation!

InDesign Basics

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Crimson Newsmagazine

Photography

Paso Robles HS Journalism

Photojournalism Basics 1.

Find the emotion. Pictures tell a story, show the readers a glimpse of it. Help put a face on it!

2.

Always show the ball in sports photos. Always.

3.

Find the lines in pictures. This makes a more interesting photo and gives the reader a new perspective on the object.

4.

Use the rule of thirds. This makes the photo more aesthetically pleasing and draws the reader in.

5.

Use foreground/background. This makes the viewer think about everything that is going on in the picture, not just the focused area.

6.

Anticipate the moment. Good photojournalism tells a story, so anticipate moments of action, emotion, etc.

Mug Shot Procedures

Naming Photo Files

1. Name your files: year_month_subject_photographer_

1. Name all photos and the file that the photos are placed in: year_month_subject_photographer_

2. Place photos in the mug shot folder designated for that month.

2. Make sure to add an underscore after photographer, this automatically organizes the folders.

3. Only take mug shot pictures from the shoulders up.

3. If photos and files are incorrectly named, you will be punished severely! NAME YOUR PHOTOS AND FILES CORRECTLY. Out of courtesy to your editors, keep the photo folder organized.

4. Don’t always take mugs from straighton. Get cool angles, mix it up! Make your mugs interesting!

Mug Shot Board 1. Editors, put the mugs you need under your section.

2. Photographers, when you take a picture, cross the name out and write your initials.

3. If someone’s mug has already been taken and it is ordered again, go in the archives and use the old one. Don’t flood the folders!

Camera Check-Out 1. Before using a camera, sign your name and the date under the name of the camera you’re using.

When you’ve brought the camera back, check the box that confirms you’ve returned it.

2. If you take a camera home over the weekend, make sure the battery, flash, and any other lenses are returned the following Monday.

3. Once you are done using the camera you must upload your photos IMMEDIATELY and delete ALL photos from the camera. If you do not upload your photos do not place blame on any other person for deleting them.

4. If the camera and any of its parts are missing, you are responsible for their return or for Mount’s reimbursement.

Having Trouble?

If you’re having trouble with white balance, shutter speed, lighting, or uploading, talk to the Photography Editor, Mount, or a trusted photographer.

Crimson Newsmagazine

Paso Robles HS Journalism

What to Cover

80

...when you're stalled Current Issues

How prepared is PRHS for...

Energy consumption by...

Gun control/ assault weapons Terrorism & Preparedness Achievement Gap in schools based on race/econ/region/etc.

USA vs other countries in the area of ..

Environmental protection laws Advertising brainwash Materialism Apathy Community Service Success Stories Homeless./ hunger in America Waste disposal Lottery & gambling Welfare reform Health Care Reform Media censorship/1st Amendment studies Presidential races Animal testing & animal rights; dissection of animals in science labs College-university Trends Trace a career Whatever happened to (person) Recent legislation from DC/Sacramento Pollution Gas crisis Calamities College admissions Internet issues/scams/trends/impact

Teachers & Students

Lack of skills in an important subject Math scores down? Reading?

What makes intelligence? School success?

Tracking students Overtesting How teachers show the do/don’t care for students Teacher profile Recent fascinating lessons What did Leadership do recently?

Club report/club studies

School Culture

Math/science gender gap Test mania PSAT bias against girls Grade inflation Cussing, insults, abusive speech The ‘glass ceiling’: inequitable treatment of girls in schools Discipline + Punishment PRHS Drop outs, At Risk Students Illiteracy: functional illiteracy & adult illiteracy

Cheating by students Teacher absenteeism Race preferences & college scholarships Home schooling issues Dress code debates/school uniforms Taking courses for college credit What did the Board decide recently?

What did the superintendent decide recently?

The principal decide recently?

Block Scheduling Alternatives Single-gender schools Year round schools What’s next for PRPS/PRHS PRHS secrets Four-day school week?

Steroids & athletics

Health Issues

Tanning salons/Sun burning Obesity Anorexia/bulimia The Brain AIDS Substance Abuse Illegal drug use by junior high & high school students Illegal IDs Teen hotlines Peer counseling Teen courts Hunger Suicide Nutritional value of ... (school food?)

Crime

School violence: family disintegration & portrayals of violence in the media are the two leading causes of an “epidemic” of violence in public schools, school district leaders say.

Gang Update PR crime trends Safety during the school day Safety at after-school activities, especially sports Shoplifting U Rape/Date Rape Vandalism/Graffiti Theft of school property by school employees

Economy

Loss of Income by parents(s) Job availability/ part time work Shortage of jobs for teenagers Dangerous jobs for teenagers Job openings What would it be like to work at...(Job for a Day)

If you think there’s nothing going on, you are not reading enough!

Ethnicity

Racism found today Inequalities Affirmative action & quotas Prejudice/discrimination Supremacy movements Interracial dating Gang warfare

Teen Issues

Curfews Party Scene Report Depression/Anxiety Student Resource Center interview Driver’s licenses & drop outs Driving Trends among teens

Society/Culture Poverty Our violent culture Our materialistic culture Cars Animated movies Music Technology Religion

81

Notes

Crimson Newsmagazine Paso Robles HS Journalism

Crimson Newsmagazine

Paso Robles HS Journalism

Notes

82