Now This...

1. How would De Palma, Haggis and the others quoted in the story define the truth?

*I believe De Palma, Haggis and the others would define truth as being "what really happened". While I agree with them that the truth should depict the facts of what actually occurred, I do not believe that the truth has to be presented as a shocking feature story or film.

2. How do they documentary filmmakers go about seeking the truth (however they define it)?

*Many of them get there information from the internet. De Palma told reporters: "It's all out there on the Internet, you can find it if you look for it, but it's not in the major media. The media is now really part of the corporate establishment."He told reporters: "It's all out there on the Internet, you can find it if you look for it, but it's not in the major media. The media is now really part of the corporate establishment."

3. What marketplace pressures make it difficult to tell the truth?

*The market is not profitable when it comes to documentaries. People don't want to watch a documentary, they want to see an action film or a sappy love story. People are more interested in the truth when they watch the news, not when sitting down to enjoy a film.

Truth

When you don't know whether people are telling you the truth or not, what affirmative steps can you take to ensure accuracy, objectivity and fairness?

*Ask Questions!!! Don't be afraid to talk to people. If you unsure of something, ask for clarification. If you never get a straight answer, don't publish it. Never publish assumptions, opinions, or anything that cannot be verified through a credible source. Cross-examine everything, and ask mulitple sources about one issue.

My old city editor used to say, "Pete, if your dear old white-haired grandmother tells you she loves you, don't believe her! Check it out!" Is that a reasonable attitude?

*I think it is extremely reasonable, and necessary in today's society. People are not honest, some just want fame and money, and will say anything to see their name in print. I believe you should investigate everything. If it's true, great, but find out for yourself so that you know for sure!

What other steps can you take? What would Don Murray (author of the little green book that won't go away) recommend? What do you recommend?

*Ask questions, research and investigate, and always ask mutiple sources~!

Journaling on Steve Lopez

Unfortunately, this story had already been deleted by the time I went to the website. However, after reading through some of the other student's blogs, I came up with a few opinions of my own. Lopez used two narrative techniques in this story that proved to be successful in that many of the students recognized his use of them. The first is that of character. He introduced his audience to each of the characters, and thoroughly explained each one. He used very descriptive words that helped the audience to envision what each character was really like. Some of the quotes he used to describe his characters are as follows: "Ten-year-old Danny White, red-haired and freckled, was riding his skateboard while his mother walked a friend's dog."Ron Dobson was on the corner after a day of revisions on a screenplay, enjoying the feel of the afternoon sun on his face, eyes closed and head tilted back."Myra Crowe was on her way to a ballet class for one of her three kids, all of whom were in her Honda Pilot as she headed out of her town house driveway and onto Palisades Circle at the very moment Danny approached."
Another narrative technique Lopez used was dramatic action. Through the use of dramatic action, he made the story come to life. In reading his story, the audience was able to picture in their minds what was happening in the story. An example of the dramatice action Lopez used is, "The car wasn't going very fast as it approached the intersection, but Dobson wondered how long Danny could hold on. It was like a scene out of a movie -- this young child pulling off what looked like an impossible stunt, using all his strength to hold his head up off the pavement. If he let go, Dobson thought, he could be crushed by the low undercarriage, or be thrown under the wheels."

Controversy over Hersh's reporting

Hersh uses 4 anonymous sources is his story. While he gives a brief description to provide their anonimity, I think the fact that he used at 4 discredits his name. I believe that there are times when you must use sources who want to remain anonymous. However, to use 4 or more in one story is too much. When people read stories, they want to be able to believe that what they are reading is true. If they are reading much of what is cited as coming from an "anonymous" source, then how can they truly believe that what they are reading is true?

Storyline on Carl the Cat

This story is extremely unimportant, and is a waste of the taxpayer's money. Most people have more important, pressing matters happening in their lives, and to waste time reading about a story like this is pointless, and a true waste of time. Of the Eleven Elements of Newsworthiness, I believe that proximity and unusual would apply to this case. Proximity applies because the case is taking place in Alaska where this paper is written. Unusual applies because it is extremely unusual for a trial to exist regarding the custody of cat. All I can say is, Grow UP People!!!This story is extremely unimportant, and is a waste of the taxpayer's money. Most people have more important, pressing matters happening in their lives, and to waste time reading about a story like this is pointless, and a true waste of time. Of the Eleven Elements of Newsworthiness, I believe that proximity and unusual would apply to this case. Proximity applies because the case is taking place in Alaska where this paper is written. Unusual applies because it is extremely unusual for a trial to exist regarding the custody of cat. All I can say is, Grow UP People!!!