By Claire Theobald
Great writing, is like an orchestra. When played correctly, all of the elements come together and form a piece of music that lifts the soul and shares an experience with all who sit to listen. However, if even one instrument is played out of tune, the piece of music falls apart and instead of sharing music, the orchestra starts making noise. So too with the writer; regardless of how well the piece is written, incorrect use of grammar, spelling, and punctuation serve as a distraction that renders it nearly impossible for the reader to chew through.
Spelling, grammar, and punctuation, when used correctly, should be almost transparent. They should guide the reader, with a sort of invisible hand, and direct them through to the central theme of the piece. Utilizing these tools correctly is an effective way for the voice of the writer to reach the internal ear of the reader. Punctuation controls flow, and can convey as much emotion as the actual content of the piece. Spelling, when used incorrectly, is confusing and takes the reader away from the content. The use of incorrect grammar to makes reading slow and more of a chore then a pleasure.
Although these were central themes in the 2010 winter term of Proof Reading and Copy Editing, the course also touched on rules that are specific to journalists. As journalists are societies modern day version of town criers, people view them as the ultimate source for truth an accurate information. This being said, the writers reputation is key as any blemish on a journalists integrity may undermine the all important trust between the journalist and the reader. The journalist must always filter through a plethora of excess information and select the most important points to create a story that is fair, as well the journalist cannot skimp on the issue of fact checking. Although news organizations are not impervious to being fooled by misinformation, it is a journalists duty to insure that beyond a reasonable doubt that information is correct, and cited properly.
Lastly, the journalist is faced on a daily basis with issues of ethics. As stated before, maintaining integrity is essential if the journalist is to maintain the all important trust relationship with the reader. However, how far is too far? The journalist has a duty to report all of the relevant facts to the public, yet at the same time the journalist must balance the rights of the individual with the public’s right to information. In the end, there are no concrete rules pertaining to ethics. Each case must be judged as an individual, as there are far too many factors that are inconsistent when chasing a complex story. First and foremost, the journalist must rule whether the information is relevant. There is no point in putting in sketchy facts if they do not add any additional color to the story at hand. Then the writer must ask whether this will in anyway cause undue harm upon any person involved. If this fate is undeserved, then it is unlikely it will ever be allowed to print.
In short, Proof Reading and Copy Editing enforced the themes of attention to detail, balance, accuracy, and ethics as central to the success of the journalist. When all of these instruments are put into play at the correct moments, and tuned properly, then and only then can the journalist achieve success in their story.
NOTE: Photo taken from Erik-Jan Geniets Photography website, link here
Also, here is comment one, comment two, comment three, comment four, and comment five.
No comments:
Post a Comment