Assignment 10/20/08

1. the seven qualities
a: generalist, Quick, curious, pleasant, honest, courageous, and intelligence.
b: i do agree because why are you going to write a good article when you are not be interested in it. How are you gonna get the information you need for the article if you won't be courageous if you don't get it.

2. a. Charles A. Dana definition of the news is "Anything that interests a large part of the community and has never been brought to its attention before."
b: Impact, Proximity, Timeliness, Prominence, Novelty, Conflict, and Audience.

3. a. research, observation and interviewing
b. 1. Preparation
2. Preparation allows you to ask good questions
3. tentative theme
4. Phrase your questions in a neutral way
5. how you dress
6. Think of your meeting with the subject as a structured but friendly conversation, not an interview
7. Try to establish a rapport with the person early on
8. Look the subject in the eye and listen carefully to his/her answers.
9. When the source is speaking, nod or make some verbal remark to show you are listening and understand
10. Observe and record the person's body language, mannerisms, dress, physical features, distinctive characteristics and interactions with others
11. Focus on what the source is saying, not on what you will ask next.
12. Don't interrupt, don't ask long questions, don't talk too much, don't challenge too early in the conversation
13. Control your physical actions and mental attitude
14. Begin with easy questions, perhaps biographical ones
15. If the subject takes the interview in an unexpected direction, go with her/him but remember you are in charge of the interview
16. Make accuracy your goal
17. Tell the subject you will be calling back later to check facts (not quotes) and do so
18. Tape record the conversation if time permits and the story demands
19. Assume that the conversation is "on the record."
20. Direct quotes from your subject are essential for your story.
21. Make sure the quote is revealing of your subject
22. Strive to discover during the interview the "actual reality."
23. Figure that there is material that your subject knows, will tell you and will let you report

4.To get a good interview make sure you have a lot of information.But make sure the information is right and trustful.Don't rely on what people tell you and double check everything.Also be skeptical.Also research more details and ask other people information.

5. a good reporter knows that there's no substitute for being their interview your subject. a important qualities reporters must have is to be easy going around strangers.always be alert in common ground and share with people what you deal with. be careful of what you say and do and not cross that fine line between whats right thing to do and whats gonna get you in hot water. step in the shoes of the person your interveiw and think and talk like them.