Tabloids & Broadsheets

As we live about in such an eventful world, not really goes unnoticed. Every circulated news of the streets tend to be written down; and thanks to that, printed tabloids and broadsheets are in an abundance. But when asked, can we tell the difference, between a Tabloid and a Broadsheet?

As stated on an annonymous dictionary, a Tabloid is "a smaller-than-standard-size newspaper (daily, weekly, or monthly). Traditionally, certain tabloids are distinguished by sensationalism of approach and content rather than by straightforward reportage of newsworthy events". While a Broadsheet is the largest of the various newspaper formats. The term derives from types of prints containing various types of matter, from news in general to political satire.

Tabloids
Full spread - An average of [23 1/2 (W) by 14 3/4 inches (L) ]

Half spread - An average of [13 3/4 (W) by 12 3/4 inches (L) ]

Example of Tabloids & Broadsheets

Broadsheets
Full spread - An average of [29 1/2 (W) by 23 1/2 inches (L)]
Half spread - An average of [14 3/4 (W) by 22 3/4 inches (L)]

In order to cut and save newprint cost together with the awareness of global warming, many US newspapers have been downsized. For example: The Wall Street Journal having approximately 300,000 readers daily have downsized from:

the average 15 (W) by 22 3/4 inches (L) to 12 (W) by 22 3/4 inches (L).

A Tabloids' headline uses an average length of 5.4 words, obviously lesser-due to space-than it's nemesis-Broadsheet-which uses an average length of 6.8 words.

Functionality

Broadsheets
It is a that a Broadsheet is known for it's higher quality of journalism compared to that of the tabloids. With its higher estimated level of news and its more indepth coverage, it satisfies its reader with broader news in general. The articles within Broadsheets are usually less controversial, and heated debates and critism are rare to be seen. Opinions are aways in general, siding neither both parties.

Tabloids

On the contrary, the phrase tabloid press is used to refer to newspapers focusing on less serious content. For example: Celebrities, sports gimmics, and sensationalist crime stories-sometimes even rated as the epic of all gossip magazine, since dealing with peoples' affairs are what tabloids do best. Tabloids are also known as the gutter press by people who wish to express it in a negative manner.

But sadly nowadays, it is hard to really tell the differences between a Tabloid and a Broadsheet. Whlie Tabloids continue on with their rattling on gimmical stories and spurs whereas Broadsheets too started riddling themselves with gossips and obsession with celebrities.

Like Starbucks, perhaps they too have started diluting their Brand; the fact that they are Broadsheets, to deliver quality journalism on a wide coverage.

Yet, despite its currentdilution, both newspapers serve their benefits. During 2005, a US Project For Excellence in Journalism (PEJ) entitled: "Extra! Extra!" was made. The report was that tabloids enables a reader to acquire a broader picture of the news story in a shorter time compared to that of a Broadsheet. On the otherhand, the broadsheets offers a more indepth coverage of stories as well as having a more balanced view in general. Therefore, the report suggest that the newspaper of the future needs to combine the positive aspects of each format to be a success.

By combining the broader news summary of the tabloids with the depth of the broadsheets on key stories, the ideal and perfect newspaper might just come true, "pointing to a day of a newsroom with fewer reporters to continue to cover the waterfront-and in a way that may serve readers better than simply covering fewer things or making every story a little shorter".

What makes a Good Read

Exams and assignments clouded me of time and space recently. x) But thank God it is over, for now. Not too long ago, there is an urge for a higher demand of good, wholesome and quality articles and literature. This is without doubt, for I believe the world constant needs and demands of it.

So, What makes a Good Read or Article? Well, before that I'd like to stress on the topic:

What is Copywriting?

Copywriting is the shaping and sculpting of words in an advertisement. And just like a storyteller, it's job is to tell the right story, to the right audience, at the right volume.

Doesn't it sound like a vital key to writing out a good read?

you may ask ...

What does Copywriting play to help us write a better read?

One of the few key elements of copywriting is to avoid being gimmicky or too cute. This applies well to a writing out a good read. Many too tend to stress on pleasing readers with flourishing and stunning words, and sometimes, losing sight of their goals-a wholesome article-and the fact that they are writers, and not entertainers, or film makers. lol xD

"Much advertising [reading] suffers from from overzealous creativity - aiming for high readership scores rather than for the accomplishment of a specified communication task. Or, worse, creativity [reading] for self-satisfaction"

- By Howard G.Sawyer, Vice President, Marsteller, Inc

Being knowledgeable, having a good command of grammar and syntax is good and all, but, a writer must also imply Persuasion. After all, without persuasion, there wouldn't be conviction, and without conviction-put in words-readers would not be moved to follow on with your article.

Copywriters, (or in this case Writers) succeed when they write a word, a phrase or a sentence that prompts readers to want to hear what's next and next and next. :)

But while exercising persuasion, we shouldn't try too hard or go too far to make a point. avoiding all the fluff and getting to the point makes it easier for readers to
absorb. The tighter the copy, the easier it is to understand and the greater the impact.


For years, advertising writers have developed a formula for structuring ads and commercials, and I find it applicable to the topic.

AIDA which stands for:

Attention ∙ Interest ∙ Desire ∙ Action

According to AIDA, the article must first get the reader's Attention, then create an Interest in the product (or article), then turn that interest into a strong Desire to own (read) the product or (article), and finally taking the Action to make a purchase (sit down and read the copy).

While it is possible to touch readers every time you try, it isn't always the case. To hone the craft, you must rewrite, and rewrite until the words tells the truth. Ideas first; Words follow. :)

The Uniform Wars

Uniforms-something we have been familiarized so badly, for most us have definitely wore them for a certain period of time. I was recently assigned to perform a survey on this, and when I pose the following question (like I did in class), I'm bound to see some changes in your face. So, "Should UC (University College) Students Wear Uniforms?" rofl.

This topic has always been an on and off hot debate, and just like the all-so-Beautiful and Famous football game between Princeton & Dartmouth there isn't a black and white answer, and the result entirely depends own our own personal beliefs. Of course, being bias is out of the question. x)

While this debate holds rationality and be it a rhetorical question, I must say, 'wouldn't the implementation of this rule be contradicting to the long-lived culture and tradition of UC students?' And as I recall, since when did UC students ever had to wear uniforms anyway.

But well, if school uniforms were all like something like this.
Ohhh, that wouldn't be too bad right. xD
Okay, I'm swaying off on topic now, back on track. x)

While the idea may seem totally absurd, it does hold some good points too. It may be just a little below the eye level, but these pros may play a pretty helpful role if applied.

Pros

Prevents outbreaks and preserves Unity

• Since our garments show what sort of person we are, Having a uniform stops gang members from displaying their colors and garb. In a way it helps prevent violence and instill a sense of pride and professionalism amongst students. I personally think it plays a part too in breaking down the barriers between different socioeconomic groups, but it is only to a certain extend though. Since students have an equal outlook with uniforms, it indirectly unifies them, forming an organized community; kicking in a sense of harmony.

Cons

Inhibits a student's individuality.

• Through the clothing we wear, we are able to express our feelings, and uniforms will only take away this form of expression. How could students have that expression when everyone is looking all same and plain jane?

Inhibits a student's freedom of choice

• We students are taught in school about freedom; freedom of speech, expression and choice. But when the student board make students wear uniforms, it not only goes against these principles, but also deprives student's freedom.

Cost Issue

• UC students have much to pay for-their literature, food and transportation. Not to mention school and tuition fees. And now uniforms as well? Uniforms can be pretty costly, and sometimes these can mean a lot to some. Families would have to cough out a bigger budget if uniforms are required.

Uneasy peasy
Uniforms are usually uncomfortable, and we all know that wearing casual sounds more pleasing it that term. This was indeed true. While evaluating my survey, I was confronted by an 11 year old boy. Unsurprised, his reply was "Hot and uncomfortable". Lacking comfort brings lack of concentration, and yeah, I can totally relate to that.


I believe that uniforms aren't exactly required. Though indeed it has its benefits, but it can all be attain with other alternatives.

While still on this line of thought, answer some of my survey questions personally:

Would you like working or studying in an environment where uniforms are required?
Would having to wear a uniform everyday be boring?
Would wearing a uniform prevent self-expression and inhibits a student's freedom of choice?
Does wearing casual wear give a better appeal to a person?
Do you like being different?
Do you find uniforms appealing?
Do you think uniforms helps stop violence and helps instill a sense of pride in the students?


Besides, wouldn't prioritizing more better quality teaching rather than quality wearing be better? lol. Such a rule should never be raised in a classroom, unless you'd enjoy hell in the making. :)

"If"

A sudden urge in poetry came to my mind, which i was inspired a certain someone. :) Well, it would'nt be nice to be blogging on all serious facts all the time, yes? So i hope this piece of my mind would a certain peace of mind in a form of poetry. Enjoy ;D

If

If there was a wish,

I'll make it come true.

that sky for you,

be eternily blue.

If there was a charm,

I'll bestow it on you.

that never will bliss,

befall upon you.

If there was a psalm,

It'll be praises of you.

that days between us,

will never be few.

And if there was love,

It will only be for you.

because nothing in this world

could ever replace you.

For my love for you grows stronger and true,

with every hour, every minute, every second with you.

Till the day i close,

my eyes in froze.

Till the minute my mind,

falls silent in time.

Till the moment my heart,

turns cold and hard.

Till that time comes,

yes, but now no.

But if you dont see that in my eyes,

and if to you my love is just a disguise,

then Ifs are nothing but for me to hide,

from the pain and lies I've tried not to cry.

The Obama Brand

A new month it is. :) and as new months come, some of us may plan to look at things differently. For today, I would like to view people in a different manner, likening them as Brands.

In every nook and corner these days, you'll find brands. It advertises, it promotes, and it promises. And through their all-out efforts in advertisement and commercialization, they only aim for 1 core objective, yes :To Sell. But as much as there are many sugar-coating brands, not every brand delivers.

It was once quoted by a lecturer of mine, that:

"Every man is a living and walking
Brand"

and that is truly undefying.

We are all born with different minds, perception and thinking. And as we walk the ways of our life, we form personal traits, and in turn these traits and personalities brands us of who we are. Despite how we try to replicate and immitate, we are a brand of ourselves.

This also likens to politics, and the best up-to-date example of it would be our dear American president Barrack Obama. Over the past 2 months, the Obama administration had been strainious at work in addressing its country's problems. As far as I know regarding every first-term administration, its primary challenges are to engage lawmakers with its new policy agenda and with that assemble a team that will instill confidence in the American people. And yes, If they succeed, in four years they will be rehired. In essence, would'nt this process be any different than a political equivalent or example of establishing the brand? ;D

And just as every brand has it's 4Ps, so does the Obama Brand


Promotion: His Quality & Personality
Price: Deliverance
People: Citizens
Place: Country

Barack Obama's brand was more than ever successful during the election. This is because it was promoted and perceived as "new-and-different, smart, innovative and energetic"; Somewhat similar to a Brand. And even if you might think Im being bias in supporting Obama, I must wholeheartedly admit that he was also successful because the Republican Brand lead by John McCain was in disarray. The Republican Brand as a whole did not win the peoples heart and trust, and the constitution of the brand seem to be straying from conservative principles. So, like many other brands, it would not deliver.

Now that the Obama Brand has been bought by the hearts of the people, the question now is

Will it fulfill its Promises and Deliver?

There was also a recent article that poses the question: Could President Obama be stretching his personal brand too thin?

Will Obama be able to lift up to his Brand and be the hero of Americans?

In the past few weeks, He set out campaign-style events on the Stimulus Package, the Mortgage and Housing Crisis caused by Greed the Creative Crunch, and even stratching out in dealing with the Iraq War. Just by looking at those crisis and seeing Obama taking such a dominant role in these chaotic issues, I must say that he is definitely putting a lot of strain on his personal brand, yes?

Oh well, These coming months will be a crucial test of how durable and trustable the Obama brand is. and as quoted by the article itself :

"If the brand delivers and is resilient, then it will mirror the success of
Crest Whitestrips; but if it is stretched too thin or too far across our
nation's problems, then it may risk the fate of Hooters Airlines."

In the mean time, let us be striving and building ourselves to be better brands. As we scope through the Brands of the World, we should reconcile and reprioritize our brand positioning, to shine as Perfect Brands in the World. ;)