Review and critique of Reading 10

Sheena MacLean in her article “Print learns to love the web” discusses about issues of newspaper website influence on readership of print media. MacLean quotes from the managing staff from two different news website companies in the presentation of her stance: that instead of being a threat the internet can complement newspapers.

MacLean points out some interesting details in the interactive relationship of the internet and print media. Her high level of engagement with presenting information and injecting opinions into the article made this an entertaining read.

MacLean employs the use of ethos throughout her presentation: she quotes from individuals that hold strategic appointments in their area of specialization, making her argument thoroughly convincing and credible.

Apart from the content of the article, I have discovered that MacLean’s discussion is particularly interactive. Her artful sequence of arranging information flow created elements of engagement with the reader; this quality is exceptionally creative.

Review and critique of Reading 15

In his article “Web users aren’t about to forsake the printed page”, Mark Day expresses his opinion that despite falling numbers in newspaper sales, an increase in internet usage does not mean that print media will replaced by this. He argues that contrary to the popular belief that the internet media is a threat to print media; this new media can actually be used to counter conservative opinion and be fully utilized by readers in comparing news sources and credibility.

Day debates the flexibility and opportunities that the internet medium can offer in the area of the expression and influence of political issues. He also discusses about issues of profit-making through this medium by satisfying subscribers’ need for variety in information outlets.

In my opinion, Day wrote a convincing article, and presented lots of statistics in supporting his argument. There is also logic in his observation that the political information provided in most national newspaper outlets are usually biased or manipulated; an example will be Singapore having only one national newspaper publisher and it is usually headed by individuals who are usually involved in politics at one point in time. Indeed the existence of the internet media offers freedom of expression and is less manipulated and this element encourages the contest of dominant political issues.

Day also points out a prominent trend that increasing number of professionals turn towards more news outlets in the pursue of comparison for issues in relation to government policies and implementation, democracy, and arts. The statistics that he used in New Matilda’s survey of its subscribers made this a strong and convincing point raised.

Day’s debate has a good flow in content and I find it particularly inspiring that an argument which has so much of numerical content (number of readers, percentage, and cost figures) can be arranged in such a way that it was easy to follow and understand.

Digest 1! My take on the article "Prophet cartoons issue symptom of growing divide: Tutu"

In his article "Prophet cartoons issue symptom of growing divide: Tutu", Doha quotes from international leaders Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Turkish Minister of State Mehmet Aydin. This is in support to the expression of his belief that the exaggerated outburst over the Prophet Muhammad caricatures is a result of ignorance and lack of understanding of religious teachings. Doha also quoted Aydin in his argument that the real cause of this rift is a result of insensitivity and 'festering political differences', contrary to the popular stereotypical interpretation that it is the product of a clash between civilizations.

Doha employs elements of pathos throughout this article in debate over the real issues in direct relation to the series of conflicts that arised as a result of the publishing of Prophet Muhammad caricatures. There is a high level of engagement in this article and I felt passionate about the issues after reading it. The depth of investigation and concise presentation of facts and information added to the clarity of the points raised and stance that the writer takes.

In my opinion, Doha's argument is convincing and interactive. He highlighted some prominent factors that people usually overlook: If we examine the elements of conflict between humans in general and distance from religious precepts, it is enlightening to learn that the cause for this series of religious conflicts stem from the most basic of individual intolerance.

Doha’s passion for the truth in his article is also an edifying fact in showing that the media is a powerful tool in making or breaking harmony in communities and between different races and countries. It is a good reminder to all creators of media content that responsibilities lie in producing and publishing of sensitive content.

Digest 2! An analysis on layout of three different news outlets

It is no mean feat to come up with news publications, be it in print or on the web. A good balance between visual and text layout is easy to comprehend yet hard to achieve and produce. Here is an analysis of three news outlets that I read regularly:

1. The Straits Times (Singapore's daily national newspaper)

• 4 main categories: Main, Home, Life!, and Classifieds.
• Main - world news
• Home - news within Singapore and news outside of Singapore that affects the country, and ends with sports news and obituaries
• Life! - soft news with entertainment value, movie show-times, movies and music reviews, and local TV guide
• Classifieds - recruitment advertisements, buy and sell, and public announcements
• Separate tabloid style newsletters on specified days in the week
• Advertisements - found on every page and presented with relevance to the nature of that particular news section and interests of the assumed reader
• Good balance in the elements of this paper - all types of news are made available, definitely some part of this newspaper that one might find informative and useful

2. TIME magazine (an international news outlet)

• Contents categorized into sections: World, Global Business, On The Cover (cover story), and Science.
• Magazine style layout
• Detailed news stories - two pages or more
• Style of the news reporting - like a story-telling session
• Lots of advertisements relating to IT solutions - witty and informative copy-writing
• Good balance between news and entertainment. Lesser news articles but often much more detailed and reports stories from all angles. Many articles are informative and enjoyable

3. http://www.channelnewsasia.com (a news website)

• Contents and categories similar to The Straits Times
• More news and less entertainment due to nature of it being a news outlet for quick scanning of important issues
• Advertisements disguised in the form of entertainment – colorful and interesting copywriting to induce ‘clicking’

Through my analysis I have come to realize that there is a preference for reading from different layouts depending on the individual. Here are my thoughts on some of the elements that influence readership:

1. Geographic location

• Determines the priority and importance of regional news in presentation in relation to the publisher’s country and readers
• Examples are economic development and political issues. Natural disasters such as typhoons and floods in neighboring countries will also be placed as news of priority when presented

2. Audience

• Determines presentation of news in the order that best suits the reader’s preference
• Elements of major influence are mainly readership demographics, cultural and social factors

3. Ownership

• Determines presentation of news in relation to the organization’s interests and direction
• Examples of issues that might influence bias or preference in news reporting will be political issues, as well as news reports about prominent professionals in an industry

Links to some great blogs

Check out this cool blog, created by Sid, a good friend of mine: http://sirclubalot.multiply.com/

Destiny is my girl pal and one of the sweetest, most genuine people I've ever met. Visit her at:
http://girlrebels.blogs.friendster.com/my_blog/

Jamie is my cell group mate and shopping buddy. She has a quirky personality that never fails to brighten my day:
http://jamiechoo.blogs.friendster.com/jamies_blog/

My unbelievable blogging experience

I am pleased to have learnt to communicate through a new channel. Now I am very much tempted to create a blog to house my poetry. This experience has taught me the amazing prowess in which colors, fonts and grapics can influence viewing pleasure.