Practice feature story lead assignment reflection

 Good Morning Blog, 

Today in class, we did something new. We were split into groups and introduced to the topic of feature story interviews. We were assigned individual scenarios and acted out the role of journalist, interviewee, and evaluator. In scenario #3, I got the opportunity to interview a local American Idol contestant and asked 15 open ended questions. This exercise gave me an idea on the type of questions I should ask, and I believe I am compared to apply what I learned and Interview my feature story lead. 

Feature Story Brainstorm Questions

Good Morning Blog, 

Now that I have an understanding of the generic conventions for a feature article, it's time I start brainstorming what I want mine to be about. Since my magazine is all about highlighting Black excellence and lifestyle, what better way than to highlight a fellow Black Owned small business owner. I own a small business of my own, however without the motivation and guidance of this individual, my business would not be where it is today. I plan to do my feature story on entrepreneur  Dejia Bess, CEO of 'beautisembellishments'. Some questions that I would ask include:

          

1. When did you start your business?

2. Where did the name originate from? What is the mission/purpose of your company?

3. What items do you sell

4. How has the pandemic affected your business?(either positively or negative)

5. What would you say to another little black girl that wants to start a business, but is reluctant to do so?

6. Where do you see yourself and your business in the next 5 years? 

These are just a few of the questions I would ask in my interview. 

Preliminary Task : Feature Story

Good Morning Blog, 

My teacher provided us with a source from the Oxford University Press that's about Writing feature articles. Since I have been doing my research on feature stories, I will practice writing a magazine feature of my own from the information gathered. Here is my rough draft:

    Ava Smith felt her blood boiling as her 9 year old son told her what happened between him and his teacher. Once she heard, "She beat me with a paddle," before Joey could finish, she dialed 911 without hesitation. It was 3:45 p.m when the local police department received a call. "911 what's your emergency"... Immediately, Ms. Smith shouted through the phone to the sergeant who answered "My son's been beaten. His teacher whipped him this afternoon, and he's all red where she paddled him. Can teachers do that? That's assault and battery and I want her arrested." Keeping her son safe is a mother's most important job. So, to hear that her son was being abused in the very place he is sent to feel safe, infuriated Ava Smith. 5 or so minutes passed, and the police finally arrived. She let them in, and they went straight to questioning her poor son. Ms. Smith was shaking with nervousness as she watched her baby be questioned like a victim.  She insisted they check his injuries as well. The officers reported that they "couldn't tell that the boy had been paddled. His fanny did not appear red, but his pant leg was wet and muddy" They proceeded with questioning and came to find out that Joey was lying the entire time. Ms. Smith watched in shock as they unveiled his secret. Turns out, Joey had stopped to play on the way home from school, forgot the time and got home late. Suddenly, her cheeks flushed red of embarrassment, as she clenched her fist in anger. She apologized for the inconvenience to the officers, and closed the door with a smile. As the officers walked down the driveway, they heard the slaps of a paddle and the cries of the kid. 

Sources: 

https://global.oup.com/us/companion.websites/9780199846412/student/chapter17/exercise/ex5/

Feature Story Research

 Good Morning Blog, 

A feature article is the main story in the magazine that focuses on a special event, place or person in great detail. The feature is usually the reason why the reader has bought the magazine. Quotes are included and the story allows readers to receive a detailed description vividly of the story.  Here is an analysis of a feature article, and the generic conventions to follow:

Meet the Models

 Good Morning Blog, 

I have been networking these past few weeks, and finally have a lineup of come lovely ladies to be featured in "Black is Queen" magazine. Here they are:

Ashley Deltoro 

Height: 5'2

Age: 18

Kierra Kennedy 

Height: 5'2

Age: 18

Dejia Bess 

Height: 5'4

Age: 17

Double Page Spread Analysis

Good Morning Blog, 

Now that I have researched the conventions for an effective Double Page Spread, I will apply my knowledge and analyze a model double page spread from another magazine. 

In the double page spread above, I immediately notice some of the conventions I learned last class. Those include: 

- The headline is in large font and has to do with the main image.

- The have used a drop capital to start off the paragraph. 

- This double page focuses more on the main image -- Adele -- than the article itself. 

- The main image takes up most of the page, even overlapping the seam. 

- The color scheme is black and white, bringing a semi professional look to the magazine. 

- The use of a short paragraph in a small font helps the emphasis remain on the main image.

Double Page Spread Conventions

 Good Morning Blog, 

Today, I decided to start Brainstorming ideas for my Double-Page Spread, but I then realized that I have no idea what conventions to follow when constructing my own. So, I did my research and below is my findings: 

Simply put, a Double Page Spread is an article that takes up 2 pages and includes copy and photographs. It is usually the 'center' two pages of a magazine and will usually feature the main cover star from the front cover. Here are some basic conventions:

1. The image should either cover both pages or be on one with writing on the other side.

2. The writing in a column will never be split along the staple line.

3. Stand first - the introduction to the article that sums up what it will be about. It serves to intrigue the audience to keep reading.

4. Drop capital -  The first letter at the start of paragraphs is often much larger, and extends down 3 or 4 lines. 

5. Headline - The title is usually in large font and not too long. Often uses alliteration. 

6. Columns - usually 2 or 4 with equal horizontal spacing. 

7. Pull quote - quote taken form the featured person that is placed around the spread in a larger font. This serves to capture readers attention, hence the name 'pull quote'. 

8. Appropriate language/register to establish a relationship with the target audience. 

These are just a few of the many double-page spread conventions, however these are some of the main conventions that I need to consider when creating my own. 

Sources: 

http://slides.com/sophiemeadows/codes-and-conventions-of-double-page-spread#/14