Journalist should practice these important values.

     Is there anything a Journalist should or shouldn't do? The answer is Absolutely! Journalists work in a profession; the same as an attorney or doctor does. The writing methods employed by journalists can be as critical to those affected, as the steady hands of a surgeon is to their patient. What do Journalist have to keep in mind when they write? Well... every journalist could probably list a dozen unique pointers about how they do their best work. After all, each Journalist's writing style is a unique blend of techniques used to bring out his or her style. What matters is how effective these journalists are at conveying the truth and reality of their story. As an aspiring journalist, here are my top 3 nuggets of wisdom a journalist should never forget.

     1)   "Journalists need to be active members of the community", not office bums (1). A good story is not going to land in your lap, so get out there and find it! Breaking free from the office allows you as a  journalist to explore who is really affected by the news. When it comes to facts, online research might allow for all of the facts to be right, but you may miss a more important side of the story.The human side.

     2)   What is a story if the reader puts it down and forgets about it 10 seconds later? It was a story written by a journalist who did not connect with their reader. If you truly want to be an effective writer; you as a journalist must report stories that make your audience: "think, feel", or both (3). Keep in mind, you are writing a story that is significant to someone.Share that concern with your reader.

     3)   A journalist should always "employ their values" and morality when they write (2). The rule here is: if you wouldn't want it written about yourself, don't write it. Understandably, there are story's that the public has a right to know about, whether or not they invoke feelings of sadness, anger, even disgust. The key to doing it right is the journalists ability to: know their audience, be sincere, and report the facts honestly. An audience is more likely to appreciate depressing news that is sincere; more than they will cheerful news that is insincere.

     In the book: " The Corpse Had a Familiar Face", author Edna Buchanan complies "wickedly raw journalism" into a 14 chapter heart wrenching biography of her career (4). There are many key points journalists should and should not do when writing their stories.In every case story written, However, I happened to noticed that Mrs. Buchanan always employed the above three points when writing her stories (5). Since, I have changed my own writing habits to focus on these three points above all others. I believe these three points can guide and develop anyone's personal writing style into a more effective one 

Sources:

1) Moos, Julie." 100 Things Journalists Should Never Do #5." (29, Dec 2009) Poynter Online.
    http://www.poynter.org/column.asp?id=101&aid=173225 Web.12 Oct. 2010.
2) Moos, Julie." 100 Things Journalists Should Never Do #22." (29, Dec 2009) Poynter Online.
    http://www.poynter.org/column.asp?id=101&aid=173225 Web.12 Oct. 2010.
3) Moos, Julie." 100 Things Journalists Should Never Do #15." (29, Dec 2009) Poynter Online.
    http://www.poynter.org/column.asp?id=101&aid=173225 Web.12 Oct. 2010.
4) Voros, Drew. "The Corpse Had a Familiar Face" Review. (28, Mar 1994) Variety http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117902534.html?categoryid=32&cs=1 Web. 12 Oct. 2010
5) Writing style and technique in Edna Buchanan's "The Corpse Had a Familiar Face."