Page:Newspaper writing and editing.djvu/264

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  • tive and referendum in the State. When the vote was taken,

and Herbert Bigelow had the satisfaction of announcing the triumph of the principle he had so long advocated, it was a moment that all his friends were glad to have him experience. The irony in which the fates usually award their laurels was not wanting in that instance, for in the clause there is a proviso that the initiative and referendum shall not be used by the people to adopt the single tax, supposed, in Ohio, to be a method of despoiling farmers by taxing land according to its superficial area. But Herbert Bigelow, whom fate taught long ago, like Josh Whitcomb, to accommodate himself to circumstances and to take what he can get, smiles and is happy; and his friends are happy with him.


SUGGESTIONS


1. Find the "human interest" in current events.

2. Notice the comedy and tragedy in life.

3. Look for good subjects for character sketches.

4. Look to future events as well as to current news for subjects for feature articles.

5. Jot down suggestions for feature articles.

6. File news clippings, statistics, and other material bearing on good subjects.

7. Write your feature article while it is new and timely.

8. Give your article timeliness by connecting it with topics of current interest.

9. Don't forget that the story that touches the reader's heart is the story he remembers.

10. Make your pathetic story simple and restrained.

11. Don't confuse sentiment with sentimentality.

12. Avoid cheap humor and vulgar slang.

13. Don't ridicule another's religion, race, or nationality.

14. Make your explanation clear to a reader who knows nothing about the subject.

15. Use incidents, anecdotes, and concrete examples for clearness and interest.

16. Avoid technical and scientific terms.

17. Let your first sentence arouse interest and curiosity.