REVISION:Importance of language, Feature writing, Sources of material

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Feature and Column Writing MCM 514

LESSON 45

REVISION

Importance of language

Whatsoever the circumstances or where ever a student or a professional is, the importance of language for

him can never be undermined. And when it comes to communication, all those tend to be failures if they

cannot communicate in good language.

Language is one of the most important areas of human development. Our communication skills set us

apart from the rest of the animal kingdom, and they're also what bring us together with each other.

Language is obviously a vital tool. Not only is it a means of communicating thoughts and ideas, but also it

forges friendships, cultural ties, and economic relationships.

There are four key areas, which must be strived for all the time, as these help in naturally improving one's

language, as cramming never helps anybody.

· Reading devour books and magazines A journalist must be reading newspapers and

magazines on daily basis.

· Listening keep tuned to good channels A journalist must be a good listener too.

· Speaking make a try, you will be better It has been observed that quite a large number of

journalists are not good at communicating verbally, and there are those who can speak very well

but when it comes to writing they always leave bad impression.

· Writing most important but no way impossible For every journalist, writing is a must, and

while doing so, he must be doing it to the best of his abilities.

Feature writing

Every genre or kind of journalistic writing is a specialised one but it is also done by the novices, definitely

checked by the professionals or specialists.

Any piece or writing that falls between the cut-and-dry news story on the one hand, and a fictionalised

story or opinionated essay on the other hand can be a feature. When we say that Cut-and-dry news story,

it means two things first based on facts, and secondly, separated from the original stories, that is cut,

and dry means something already known and discussed.

Succinctly features can be anything or everything on which one wishes to write.

Sources of material

A good feature writer has at his disposal the major sources of observation, experience and printed word.

However, he can and must amply employ and utilise the sources for the newspapers and the magazines.

Owing to the reason that for feature-writing, the writer has numerous sources at his disposal, the features

have gained wide currency and popularity in comparison to the drab nature of news-story and column-

writing. Hence, a feature writer must exploit all avenues and sources for making his features interesting,

absorbing and informative. Besides, the usual sources of information, books can be and must be

consulted. Rather keeping books as one's best friends is the key to success.

Feature-writing can be derived and deduced from several sources; as by observation, experience and

printed material. As far as observation and experience is concerned, special talents must be there in the

personal character of the writer. Relevant sources should be handled immaculately.

Internet usage in Feature Writing

No doubt, the Internet has become a huge and valuable source of information for most of the writers, and

people tend to use it more considering the fact that, as they say, it is just a click away. It is one of the most

easily available sources of information to almost everyone at the fastest pace, and it has become hub of

information, which is growing at a fast pace. Due to this reason, the Internet is considered to be the easiest

way of information, and in abundance, surely too.

But for quite a few professionals, it is neither the easiest one nor a straight knowledge, as there are a huge

number of issues to be tackled; otherwise the information gathered can be contentious, controversial,

prejudiced and biased because there are a lot of knowledge bases, which are making them so.

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The purpose of the discussion is to making the usage of the Internet more judicious sans making it

contentious, as the gathering of the information from any dubious source or website can make the write-

up both controversial and unreliable. Hence the idea is to get the `Right kind of material from the right

sources' by clearly identifying the subject, and authenticity of the sources.

What makes a good feature and writer?

A feature bears close similarities with the news-story, as it gives the readers facts in an interesting form,

and is framed and adapted to rapid reading. As compared to a news-story, a feature is expanded beyond

the basic fact rather is fully supplemented with greater information. A feature usually covers all the

underlying causes as well as the background of the news-story.

From the study of the nature and definition of a feature, we may deduce the prominent and major analytic

features and characteristics, which make a good feature.

Another basic characteristic and attribute of a good feature is to compose collected material and data

efficiently. The underlying point is the skill and ability to write clearly, accurately and with imaginative

appeal. It should adopt a style of writing commensurate with the public genius and popular consciousness

to make it a delectable and entertaining piece of prose. It should be simple, idiomatic and commonly

intelligible to absorb the attention of the readers generally.

A feature writer must know the importance of correct facts and figures. It must be realised that there is

nothing, which could be substantiated sans facts and figures. And there must be nothing divorced from

reality.

The features should be based on facts and figures, whose accuracy should not be questioned. Their

accuracy should be consolidated and unquestionable.

Demands of a feature

If on one hand, certain responsibilities and duties are to be fulfilled by the feature, then there are certain

demands of every feature, which must be met by him as a writer of features.

They are: Explanation, Entertainment and Interest, Information and guidance, both sides of picture,

Diagnosis of Problems, Favourite of readers, and Attractive prose pieces.

Conducting and writing of interviews

Interview is an important aspect for feature writing. Newspaper and magazine features interviews are

similar. The only important difference is that the typical newspaper feature interview may be somewhat

less thorough because the newspaper writer frequently faces an imminent deadline.

Writing novelty intros

Why intros or Intros are important? This is the first question, which comes to every person's mind

whenever he is asked to write `good' intros. Though definition of `good' varies from person to person but

generally we can say that `what appeals to the readers and urges them to read the rest of the feature or

article' is a good intro. However, every writer has different tools to make their write-ups interesting.

While some apply the simple rule: "Lets talk your heart out to the reader!" or give a "Wake up call to the

reader!" However, it is a must to enhance the readability.

It is always challenging the ability of the writer to write interesting intros. The Intros add vigour and

colour to the writing in order to make features as interesting as possible, which is possible through

imagination coupled with paying intense attention to facts.

However, warning is: Deliberate efforts must be used sparingly, rather the thumb rule is whenever you do

it, make it natural, appropriate and unrestrained.

Structure of features

Generally speaking, there might not any significance about the structure of a feature, and people will like

to divide it into three major portions, that is, the Intro, body and conclusion. However, with the passage of

time and considering the reservations and constraints of the readers, one must be giving due attention to

the division, and especially the transition from one portion to another, as a reader must be carried along

with it. Otherwise, he might lose interest in the middle, and would never read that article again.

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A feature is seldom written in the traditional inverted pyramid pattern or it can be written in a narrative

fashion, much like a good joke or anecdote. A good feature requires as much organisation as the straight

news story, for the feature has to flow smoothly and parts of a feature story must be kept intact if it is to

succeed. In the well-planned story, every paragraph, every sentence, should add to the total effect.

However, the structure may vary from feature to feature. However, it goes like this when it is written with

the usual standards.

Selection of pictures, illustrations and maps

Many have undoubtedly heard many a time the old cliché "one picture is worth 10,000 words." This

Chinese proverb helps to explain the popular appeal of news pictures. Never every reader-interest survey

reveals a dominating interest in `picture' material.

Jack Woodford, a successful pulp novelist and non-fiction author, gives over 50 per cent weightage to

write-ups and pictures.

They bring us closer to an event by enabling us to see with our own eyes what a writer has seen with his.

Secondly, they somehow seem more truthful than news stories although, of course, pictures can be faked

just as can news stories of poverty-stricken children in the foreign countries are hard for many of us to

believe, but seeing a picture of these under-nourished children in bread lines and soup kitchens make the

situation appear real.

Thirdly, they help us to feel that the persons about whom we read are real people. We see in our paper

names of presidents, English royalty and Hollywood stars, but they remain just names until we can

associate their names with their pictures.

Pictures appeal vividly to our past experience as well as to certain basic drives or deep seated tendencies,

which most humans possess in various degrees of intensity.

Features and Editorial Policy

In Pakistan, every year if not thousands, then hundred of newspapers and magazines are published. In

1988, when the new ordinance for the procurement of the declaration was made easy, it also increased the

number of venturists many fold. However, there few which were published for a year or so or they got

popularity among the readers.

In the same manner, many youngsters came to journalism but quit after some time, while only few

remained in the field and were successful too. This is primarily due to the reason that those writers or

journalists did not abide by the editorial policies of the newspapers; hence they are never needed by the

newspapers. They deemed that they are not involved in `self-expression' and the policy of the newspaper

nor anything else must hinder their way. They forgot that the writings of the newspaper are not literary

(that is, to act as `literature' or as a `book') rather these are journalistic, and are written for the readers.

Human interest and feature writing

Human interest is hard to define. Most editors say stories about children, animals or human emotions

have automatic human-interest value. Consequently, a story about a little girl and her father combing the

city for their missing sibling has guaranteed reader appeal. So does a medical feature about a young

woman struggling to cope with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome or one about a doctor at the

research hospital trying to find a cure for baldness?

Consequently, if you want to write a profile about a man who traps or frees birds for a living, you

probably have a sufficiently unusual story for broad reader appeal.

A human-interest story may emphasise such news elements as relationships, drama, conflict, or oddity.

While the inverted-pyramid pattern of organisation is not common in this type of feature story, punch and

anecdotal leads can be used effectively.

Newspaper Feature story

The concept is to write something like a non-fiction short story: quotation-filled, descriptive, entertaining,

informative. First, it needs to do some research check the newspaper library for previous stories about

the subject. Story will be even stronger if a nationally or an internationally recognised source is used.

Beginning reporters working for small-circulation dailies are expected to be able to write both news and

feature stories. Often a reporter's first months on the job may consist of even more feature writing than

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weighty news writing, until a "beat" is assigned or the reporter otherwise gains the confidence of the

editor.

Feature writing, then, is a crucial weapon in the arsenal of writing talents required of the professional

print journalist, particularly now, when broadcast news also is focusing more and more on such popular

stories.

A feature story is a journalistic article that is typically both original and descriptive. Some feature stories

are geared toward entertainment with little information. Other features inform, but entertain little. The

best combine both aspects.

The Newspaper Feature story idea

Newspapers try to perform five roles. There are lovely formal names for these roles--names such as the

commercial, information, opinion, public forum and entertainment functions. But readers, who are not at

all interested in the functions' fancy formal names, call the various parts of the newspaper package

"advertising, news, editorials, letters to the editor," and "the comics."

The basic secret to writing features that readers will like is to recall that although features come in both

news and timeless varieties, they are, more importantly, also thing- or people-oriented. A feature about

how tombstones are manufactured would be a "thing" story, of course, but an article about the woman

and her wondrous bird would be essentially a "people" story.

Magazine Feature versus Dailies

A feature is a dramatised description of the basic facts of news in interesting manner; whereas a column is

that form and shape of writing, which is allotted a special place in the paper under a permanent title. Both

feature and column draw their material and data from the news-stories, which in turn originate in the

society.

A Column aims to laugh off a serious matter in light vein. It may contain the germs of criticism, sarcasm,

humour or similar elements; whereas a feature may be written on any subject under the sun and on the

earth, in informative, instructive, guiding, educative and in entertaining form in simple language and with

dramatised elements. A feature may consist of more than one headline, highlight and with abundant

pictorial material, whereas a column is a personal type of composition with no scope of pictorial

supplement and material besides of headline and highlight.

Writing the Specialised Feature Story

It's 12 am, and the deadline for the late edition of your newspaper is 12:45 am. You don't have much on

your mind except late dinner when the city editor beckons you over. He is talking on the phone, but he

puts his hand over the mouthpiece and tells you, "Ali that kid who got bitten by the rabid dog just died.

Give me a piece on the rabies epidemic we had one or two years ago, will you?"

The city editor means that another reporter is writing the straight-news story of the child's death and that

you are to write a backgrounder on a previous rabies outbreak as an accompanying story. He means now.

He means in time for the late edition.

You know enough to trot to the hospitals and look under `R' for rabies (provided record is maintained).

With old news clips in hand, the lazy writer--and there are many such--would be content to rehash old

facts and hand the city editor a short review of the earlier news event.

Modern Feature and its treatment

The modern feature is definitely marginalised by the time constraints of its readers. No doubt, with the

media boom, a lot of information is pouring in for the readers, who also the viewers of the television

channels, both local and international. Hence this `double dose' of the print and the electronic media is

considered to be pretty heavy on the minds of the people. However, both the media are providing them

with a lot of information as well.

It is also a point of concern for the print media men that the readers are facing time constraints besides

lack of interest on the part of the readers. On one hand, the media men are fighting on the front of keeping

the readers' interest intact, and on the other, due to the time constraints people are facing due to divergent

reasons; it is making the media men take some measures to keep their readership cling to newspaper

reading.

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Modern Feature Writing Technique

The Blundell Technique

First attempt at feature writing can be a total mess coming back with all kinds of interesting nuggets of

information. And resultantly included all of them in the essay. One can thought it might have been great.

Story can be too long, no structure and basically can go nowhere. There are bits and pieces of interesting

stuff you have in there but after reading the first few paragraphs, one is totally lost. One doesn't know

where the story is heading.

Showing it to a senior definitely helps.

Advice to Feature Writers

Usually, when you're good at something, you don't bother to analyse or think about the mechanics of the

technique. You just do it either because it comes naturally to you or because you've been doing it for so

long that it's become ingrained in you.

Now, are good writers born or taught? This imponderable is probably asked in all professions, especially

ones involving artistic endeavors. It's that old nature versus nurture debate. How much of what you are as

a person is a result of your genes and how much is influenced by your environment? No one really knows

for sure.

But trying to figure this out is not just an academic exercise. As a writer, an editor or a writing coach, one

must know what produces great writing. Is the ability to write well something latent in someone who,

perhaps, was born with the right mix of intelligence, language capabilities and imagination? Or is good

writing something that anyone, with the right amount of determination and training, is capable of

producing?

One can tilt a little bit towards the nature side of things. You can teach someone to be a capable writer,

but the really good ones are born with that special blend of creativity that allows them to rise above the

rest.

Column Writing

Column has been described as an editorial with a by-line by the journalists. There are many phases of

similarities between a column id an editorial, which makes their distinction and difference, really matter

for experts' opinions. They bear close similarities as far as their form, style and material are concerned.

However all the columns cannot be said to have close similarities with an editorial. It has been rightly

said that column-writing is one -of the most satisfying and rewarding journalistic exercise or assignment

which is equal to personalised journalism. It is the field where a column writer is invested with ample

independence and liberty to write on any topic or subject, with a clear flair of creative approach.

Column writing and columnist in present times

The present day columnists are very important part of the journalism. With the passage, they are being

given more and more importance. See at the newspapers, where the editors are giving more space to the

columnists on the Op-Ed pages especially. They are considered to be part and parcel of the political

journalism.

Besides, news and analysis by the article writers, columnists have been able to carve out an important

niche for themselves. Resultantly, people follow their favourite columnist whenever they switch over

from one newspaper to another; hence goes the readership with them to that particular newspaper. This

also substantiates the reason that the editors give a lot of importance to the established columnists, as they

are not fetching their own readership with them, rather big names among the columnist, also bring better

reputation to the newspapers.

Succinctly, columnists have become an important ingredient of the political journalism. Nevertheless, it

does not mean that they do not write on other issues.

English and Urdu Columnists

There are certain differences between Urdu and English columns and columnists.

Urdu columnists are addressing the popular readership, as the Urdu newspapers reach every literate reader

of the country. Besides this mass appeal, these dailies are also read by the elite also. Hence their

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readership varies from the local vendor to the decision makers of the country. With this, wide range of

readers; it becomes easy for the columnists to choose subjects of their choice because every subject will

be read across the country, which makes the Urdu columnists more popular among the masses.

The Urdu columnists are always coming up with popular ideas, as they find readership of varied senses

and tastes. However, they try to discuss the popular ideas, that is, what is being discussed or considered to

be a hot subject.

If the English columnists are treating popular ideas, but they are always doing differently through

comparisons, contrasts and arguments. Pragmatism is the basic line, which they following all the time.

Types of Columns

There are divergent types of columns owing to the subject variation.

It is said "Columns, like news stories, may fit into several pigeonholes at the same time."

Different types of columns were discussed in this lecture.

Characteristics of columns

The feature, the column and the editorial are sometimes hard to distinguish; qualities of each cross over

and intermingle. But columns offer an opportunity for variety in content that no feature or editorial can

approach.

The column always carries the writer's by-line and, in some cases, the writer' s photograph. Columns

appear at regular intervals and usually in the same location in the publication; so loyal readers will know

where to find them. Columns may be subject oriented, such as those in hobbies or crafts. Or the columns

can be reflection of the writer's personality, offering humour, opinion, anecdotes.

Unlike feature or editorial, which usually require considerable background and experience, columns can

be written by the newest member of the staff.

What are the essentials and basic points that go in to the forming of a Column?

From the foregoing study and examination of the nature and definition of the column-writing, we can

analyse the following essentials and basic points which go into the forming of a column.

The column-writing can cater to the needs of the newspapers, periodicals with equal significance.

Column-writing can be equated with the concept and practice of personal journalism of the past.

Columns are written on a multitude of subjects, with a natural flair of conversation and a direct address to

the readers without any intermediary. There are syndicated and non-syndicated columns on diverse topics.

It can be said that any subject is an apt subject for the columnist.

Under a column, different news, announcements, and information can be gathered. Columns are really the

concise and precise rather pointed comments on the news of the day. Column may include in its range the

humour, criticism, wisecracks, judgements, observations, philosophies, apologies etc.

Style

The successful columnist is one who has developed a personal style, but there are some general principles

that can be followed.

In this lecture, different styles of writing were discussed.

General Style of the Column

Five General Styles

There are five general styles, employed in the column-writing. It now depends on the columnist to choose

and select the style of a column according to his aptitude, personality and attitude in close consonance

with the type of his column. The selection of an appropriate style also depends on the nature of material a

columnist desires to employ.

Structure of a Column

Different structures, both technical and structure, were discussed in this lecture.

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Column Writing Tips

Many young writers prefer to write columns rather than straight news or features. Straight news is

deemed to be boring covering press conferences and reporting who said what. Feature stories involve

too much reporting and require discipline to follow a set structure. Columns, which are essentially

opinion pieces, are much looser and therefore easier. Or so it seems.

Anybody can be trained to write straight news because it's very mechanical. Feature articles, though also

somewhat formulaic, are harder because they require good writing. But column writing is the hardest type

of writing of all because it requires good thinking.

To write a good column requires more than just the ability to articulate an opinion. Your opinions must

make sense, provide insight and be convincing. And you must do all this in an entertaining way.

Selection of a topic

There are certain things, which must be kept in mind. However, it is always considered `how readers

will react to it' prior to selecting the topic.

Selection of a topic is though a difficult task, but it plays an important role in the success of a columnist.

So a lot of thought must be put before writing a column. In certain, even brainstorm with others is also a

good idea because besides giving you new ideas, they add something to your arguments. Plus it also helps

in seeing both sides of the same picture. However, it must never be taken for granted.

Finding a new topic or subject every day or every alternative day is definitely difficult, and usually

regular columnists can fall prey to this. Sometimes they are looking for subjects.

Qualities of a column writer

Personal

A columnist must possess some qualities at the personal level, as these are essential for him to be known

as a better individual as well.

Professional

Someone with just personal qualities is never a successful professional, until he possesses certain

qualities, which are a must for any professional.

Qualities of a column writer were discussed in this lecture.

What must be practised by a columnist?

It is a must for a columnist to do his job well. Besides some personal and professional capabilities, he

must be practising a few steps.

He must have qualities, both at the personal level and at the professional as well. He should never let

himself become stagnant, as he looks for constant improvement in all spheres.

A few are must qualities of a good writer, which he ought to possess.

Sources of material of Columns

Sources of material for columns depend on their types. For instance, if one wants to write a serious

column, for background one has to look for book, magazines and newspapers, as usually such a matter is

available. However, for an impressionistic, the columnist will use his creative powers.

However, various factors must be kept in mind as per types.

There are many sources of columns' materials. However the source of material usually is consistent with

the nature and the structure of the column to be handled. In case the column relates to a simple matter, the

sources shall be correspondingly easy to be handled or otherwise a complex one.

Sources of material for the specialised columns, as on health, stamps, books etc. are fairly easy and

readily available. The specialist writer of the columns may be a doctor, a scientist, a sportsman, physician,

a religious scholar, a scholar, for literary column etc. They disseminate their ideas and views with special

reference to the modern research and various other references to refresh the readers with the learning in

their specialized columns.

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Useful writing devices

Let's look at some standard writing devices that can strengthen your material in the process of revision.

Once you add these simple techniques to your personal writing kit and learn to incorporate them

automatically into the first draft of anything you write, a lot of the pain will go out of the revising process.

Common Writing Problems

Mastering all the available techniques will take time. Excellence in writing, like excellence at any pursuit,

takes practice and application. But once you learn to gather your research materials, structure your

writing, and use all the literary tools efficiently and properly, you are well on your way.

Every award-winning writer whose material appears in this book has gone through the learning process.

Each has learned from his or her errors and gone on to write better features. Some writers don't. The key

is one of commitment. If you are serious about writing, don't let mental and literary lapses get you down.

By all means, avoid them whenever possible. But if a mistake slips through, don't ignore it. Learn from it.

Despite repeated attempts at developing good write-ups, there are numerous problems, which mar the

writing capabilities of the writers ultimately causing annoyance among the readers.

Writing the column

There are certain aspects, which must be kept in mind prior to proceeding for writing the Column.

Besides this, there are a few thumb rules, which must be practised by the columnist, even after writing the

column.

Certain thumb rules were mentioned in this lecture.

Article writing

Three aspects to be discussed under this title: Introduction, Aspects and Article writing in the present age.

Article is an important element of magazine journalism, which is preferred by all, that is, both novices

and experience writers. Interestingly, it has never seen a decline. However, there a new writers, who try

their hands with changes in structure.

How to write an article?

A good article must entertain, which is dished out from a service of catchy facts, figures and formulations,

and the fact should be not only accurate, but also plentiful. There should always be rule that collect

always more information than we think we are going to use; so you choose the best and the most apropos

in making the points.

Types and subjects of article

There are seven broad types of article, which are usually considered by editors, while the subjects are

ranging from political to personal experiences. Besides this, there are certain factors behind the making of

articles.

Seven broad types were discussed.

How to successfully write?

Article writing is an excellent way to get your message out, especially if it appeals to your readers

because they expect and enjoy quality articles. Meet their needs and they will come back for more.

Writing your first article can be very challenging for some and not as challenging for others. Whether you

feel challenged or not, you can become a skilled article writer by learning and practicing the following

tips.

Articles writing mistakes

Making your articles available for reprints by publishers is the cornerstone strategy in building an

avalanche of readers.

If you want your articles to be picked up and massively distributed by others, here are 16 common

mistakes, which must be avoided by the article writers.

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Writing the article

There are four elements of a good article encompassing the write-up from the beginning to the end

which are primarily used for keeping readers' attention intact, as these help in making your article

interesting.

Various parts of the article were discussed in this lecture.

What to do when you have written the article?

Besides writing the first draft, there are certain steps, which must be actualised, after one has written the

article

What to do? is the question answered in this lecture.

Ten standard article formats

These are classified as articles on the basis of the material, which were discussed in this lecture.

Legal and ethical considerations for writers

The press in this country these days is among the freest in the world. The brilliance of our forebears was

in linking press freedoms with the other guaranteed freedoms -- religion, right of assembly and speech

and redress of grievances. This intertwining of revered freedoms has made it doubly difficult to tinker

with the free status of the press, no matter how volatile public opinion may become. (And, unfortunately,

in times of national unrest, there are always a few "public-spirited" individuals who would like to see one

or another of the First Amendment freedoms curtailed.)

No government can afford to give blanket freedom to its press system.

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