Structure

Remember appropriate structure for feature article.

--Lead

--Significance graph

--Points of development

--Ending

Use a separate paragraph for each point. Some points may require more than one paragraph.

Evaluate all information, including direct quotes, for placement.

--Is the direct quote appropriate for the lead or to support the lead?

--Is the direct quote appropriate to end the article?

--Will the direct quote support a point in the article?

Full direct quotes usually are separate paragraphs.

All quotes need attribution.

Vary attribution placement, but with change of speakers put attribution at front of direct quote.

Content

Feature leads should be creative, not simple statements of fact.

What is unusual? What is ironic? What appeals to human interest? What provides a good (and appropriate) play on words?

Avoid opinions. Do not provide a concluding summary for news or feature articles. They are editorial comments.

Perhaps “crazy” is just what Lott’s beloved football team needs to win Friday’s game.

Statements of guilt require qualification. A person is not guilty until adjudication, regardless of the circumstances. Use “alleged” or “allegedly” as appropriate or use attribution with law enforcement agencies as the source.

Do not manufacture quotes or information for articles.

Avoid repetition of information.

9 a.m. this morning

Remember that a civil suit involves a series of claims against the defendant. Qualify information in suit as a claim.

Avoid use of term “ironically.” Show, rather than tell.

Avoid use of expletives and passive voice.

Provide necessary context.

Always use appropriate time elements.

Mechanics

Do not use name to determine gender without other information.

Always check verb tense.

Use a comma to show contrast.

Judge Jan Sommerfelt ruled in favor of the residents, but refused to stop the construction.

Use commas to set off appositives.

… and his brother Frank were…

…his brother, Frank, were…

Do not use commas to separate subjects and predicates.

Double-check all possessives.

Use colons, when appropriate to separate attribution and full quotes:

Other than to go to the bathroom, Lott says he won't come down – except during a lightning storm: "I may be crazy, but I'm not stupid."

Do not use “now” with present progressive tense unless the context includes a change in time.

We are now enjoying the colors of the fall leaves.

We are enjoying the colors of the fall leaves.

Johnson spent 20 years as a long-haul trucker. He now is enjoying staying at home and working as a manager for the transportation company.

Use “try” rather than “attempt” for conciseness.

An institution or an organization is an “it,” not a “they.”

Use Co. for titles that include Company.

principle-principal

Organization

Find appropriate ending for feature stories. Use “punch lines” as appropriate.