Editorials

==== Another type of article is an editorial--a type of article that allows the well-informed writer to take a position on a timely issue. Some journalists feel that editorial writing has become bland and useless. See this interesting piece from The Guardian: [|The Lost Art of Editorials] The same writer has written a blogpost on writing editorials that offers some criteria for helping to avoid bland, boring editorial writing: [|Where Newspapers Can Start the Conversation]====

Criteria for writing an editorial that starts a conversation and inspires action with the ISSH community:

 * **Reflect on a conversation that the community is already having (find an entry point into the conversation).**
 * If you would like to start a new conversation, consider why the ISSH community SHOULD be concerned and connected to this new issue or conversation.
 * **Create an agenda--decide clearly what specific actions you want to suggest in your editorial.**
 * Be specific and focused: narrow the subject so that you do not try to take on too much.
 * Take a clear position--this is not the time for "on one hand, on the other hand"
 * Be reasonable (avoid sentimentalism).
 * Asserts your world view.
 * Media-connected to enable response.

Additional Guidance for writing an editorial:

1. Use the 5 W's (who, what, when, where and why.) "Know what you're talking about. Be personable. Explain the reason you feel the need to make the points you do." (yahoo answers)

2. Research your topic, and keep in mind/ present opinions that defer from the central point.

3. Don't merely state your opinion, but illustrate it through description. (Don't directly force your opinion on the readers, but convince them to consider your position.)

4. Qualify your argument and make it more accessible for the majority. Don't take an overly strident position. E.g. (Bad) Advertising is dangerous for society and must be completely eradicated. (Good) Advertising, while beneficial in many ways, has proved to distort people's perception of reality rather than enhancing it.

5. Follow an inverted pyramid. Arrange information from most important to least important.

Parts of an editorial:

//From yahoo answers://

//"1. If you may attack, attack the situation, the problem or the issue, not the person.//

//2. The conclusion should flow naturally from the lead to the details in the development of the body of the story.//

//3. Like the feature story, the editorial should have a catchy title, attractive lead, organized body and a conclusion that would help shape readers’ opinion over issues and concerns presented."//

Write for College notes:


 * Writing with Style: pg 47-60
 * Analytical Writing: pg 189-216
 * Editorial: pg 224-226

Examples of editorials from The International:

//Ever wonder what it is like to be kept hostage and then have your arms and legs cut off? What if that happened and you were thrown onto the ground, left to bleed, deteriorate, and die? That is the human equivalent of shark finning. Sharks are fished out of the ocean, their fins sliced off, and the rest of their bodies left to drown, bleed to death, or be eaten by other sharks.// //According to CNN, approximately 100 million sharks are hunted and killed annually for the sole reason of the “luxurious” shark’s fin soup. It may be difficult to sympathize with sharks, considering they have been made villains in films, such as “Jaws” and “Shark Attack,” as well as in the news, exemplified by the story of one-armed surfer, Bethany Hamilton; but before taking a stance, it is crucial to learn the facts available and the adverse consequences of shark finning.// //You may argue the point that sharks are ‘predators of humans’, but that is entirely false. In 2011, twelve people were subjects of shark attacks: 2 dead and 10 injured. It is indisputably horrific, but in comparison to statistics like the 550 deaths caused by Black Friday shopping, and the 450 deaths from falling out of bed annually in America alone, it does not seem as intolerable. Twelve is the record number of shark related incidents in a year, and these catastrophes only happen when humans venture into the shark habitat. It is incredible how a human shark attack is highly and rapidly broadcasted, while the finning of millions of sharks receives little to no media attention.// //The New York Times states that the shark fin industry trade is worth more than 1 billion USD. Now “why is this shark finning business such a hit?” you may ask. Shark fin soup is a traditional Chinese delicacy, dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Eating the soup is a sign of opulence and status because of its rarity, and unique texture, and its steep price (a bowl today typically costs 100+ USD). While the Chinese population experiences a growth in prosperity, more people are able to afford such an “exquisite” soup. Shark fin soup is commonly served in festivities, and is therefore eaten by many. Although it is originally a Chinese cuisine, it does not mean that the Chinese are to blame; shark fin soup is served internationally and has been consumed by people all around the globe.// //Experts indicate that within a decade, many species of sharks will be extinct, which will disrupt the marine ecosystem. Sharks are at the top of the oceanic food chain, meaning that if there are fewer sharks as predators, it will cause massive instability in the fish population.// //With all negative aspects of consideration, is it really worth paying around 10,000 JPY for a bowl of soup? Shark fin soup’s texture may be unparalleled, but the fin itself has no taste and nutritional value; the only flavor comes from the broth. Why waste your money and a shark’s life? The solution for you is simple: do not order a bowl.//
 * //2012 June Edition://**
 * //A dilemma in a soup bowl//**
 * //The misunderstood “villains” of the sea, harvested for liquid luxury//**
 * //by Marika xxx (12)//**

//Editor’s Note:// //As of Spring 2012, the Grand Hyatt Tokyo, Park Hyatt Tokyo, Shangri-La Hotel Tokyo, and the Peninsula Hotel Tokyo have removed shark-fin dishes from their Chinese menus to show support for marine life preservation.//

On-line advice on writing editorials:
 * http://ezinearticles.com/?Writing-Better-Copy---7-Editorial-Tips&id=527399
 * http://www.howtodothings.com/hobbies/a4439-how-to-write-an-editorial.htm