<p>I'm trying to organize some story ideas for my school newspaper. The previous editions were mocked by the student body, meaning that basically no one read them. Exactly how do I get people to read the paper? I've brainstormed a few possible ideas, such as youtube or music reviews, but are the students really interested in perusing this?</p>
<p>Also, I was wondering if it would be of great value to create an online newspaper. Or, perhaps a blog would work to the newspaper's advantage: we could get the students' advice and complaints in an easier fashion.</p>
<p>At this point, I'm open to all ideas. Thanks :-]</p>
<p>Think up stories that concern students. For instance, most people in my school read the school paper for info on the school's music scene (last year, one writer simply introduced the various bands and advertised for different shows in each issue). Write a story about a trend at school, a person of interest, or a controversial topic (Drug search procedures? The lack of vegetarian options in the school cafeteria?). </p>
<p>I hate to say this, but the most popular kids on the newspaper staff who write the most explosive things get read most at my school, no matter how well-written their articles are. One boy wrote stream-of-consciousness ramblings about PDA, teachers he hated, and senioritis. Since he was popular and well-known and his articles were very uncensored and amusing, everyone from the freshmen to the seniors read his columns. Perhaps if you have someone who exudes that aura of cool confidence on your staff and can write in an opinionated manner, people will read the newspaper more. Consider your audience: The freshmen here loved reading about the life of the most well-regarded senior, as did the other underclassmen, and the seniors who knew him best could relate to him.</p>
<p>If you think you can get a decent readership on the school website, I would go for the blog. It sounds like a great idea to have an online newspaper; it's very accessible and you can get more direct feedback. </p>
<p>I'm not the most experienced HS journalist, but I was editor of the newspaper this last year. I hope that helped! Good luck with your newspaper next year! :)</p>
<p>Yeah, I spent a lot of time fixing other people's grammar mistakes. Plus, our newspaper staff is fairly small and the other editor didn't pull her weight, so I ended up constructing every layout.</p>
<p>You're hijacking the thread, AOM, but I'll respond anyway because I want a higher post count and I'm bored. Sorry, MPerfectionist. </p>
<p>I digress. I know the rules of grammar because:
-English is my primary language. My parents taught me certain rules before I learned them in school
-I read A LOT and have since I was very young.
-I pay attention in English class.</p>
<p>Thank you so much Wigam! I find your ideas so helpful and interesting. I actually promoted one of the "popular" staff writers to Entertainment editor for the upcoming year. He is both intelligent and creative; however, he has a hard time adhering to due dates. Nevertheless, I hope his contribution will beter the school's literary integrity. </p>
<p>I have also encountered the problem of censorship. My principal tends to be more on the conservative side of the spectrum, meaning that he'll expurgate anything that appears "suspicious." I'd like to have a tabloid section, in which I could discuss contemporary issues regarding teachers and the school, but the idea would probably get rejected. There are so many limitations!</p>
I have also encountered the problem of censorship. My principal tends to be more on the conservative side of the spectrum, meaning that he'll expurgate anything that appears "suspicious." I'd like to have a tabloid section, in which I could discuss contemporary issues regarding teachers and the school, but the idea would probably get rejected. There are so many limitations!
[/quote]
</p>
<p>You might be able to use that to your advantage. One of my friends started an "underground" newspaper, because the administration put up so much red tape to get articles approved.</p>
<p>Because it was "underground", it became more popular than the school's actual newspaper, and she circulated them a couple feet from the school's premises, so they had no say in what was written and couldn't ban it.</p>
<p>Another thing to avoid when you are creating articles: national news headlines. Writing an editorial about the quagmire in Iraq or the 2008 presidential election is foolish for several reasons:</p>
<p>a) Most students interested in national news obtain such news from blogs and newspapers not affiliated with school. Those who are not interested do not care. Either way, these articles seldom get read.
b) Often the topics have nothing to do with school and therefore do not blend well with articles about mandatory reading of The Scarlet Letter by eleventh-graders or about prom night.
c) Honestly, high schoolers do not necessarily know enough about national news topics to write comprehensive articles. Sometimes they are simply garbled versions of more prominent news outlets.</p>
<p>I grit my teeth and use them for filler sometimes, but I don't feel they are very appropriate or informative (usually they are outdated). I believe a high school newspaper should address high school life and teenage issues, sometimes including hard-hitting articles, but I don't believe national news articles are very relevant unless they provide a unique perspective.</p>
<p>It sucks that your principal previews your paper. Ours doesn't, and our advisor is very lenient, so (almost) anything goes! As long as it isn't outright obscenity it gets into the paper.</p>
<p>Hmm...I understand where you're coming from, Wigwam. Last year, I was given the opportunity to edit and publish one of my very own editions. I dedicated the entire issue to the subject matter of individuality and tried to relate it to high school life. It worked out quite nicely. Only, tied within the edition were two opinion pieces on global warming and the next election. Apparently, the student body immediately skipped over those two sections. I've grown to recognize the audience (the student body). Unfortunately, the readers aren't concerned with current issues.</p>
<p>My advisor is pretty lenient as well. However, after printing "obscene and embarrassing" material--names of students graduating early--the Board of Education insisted on having a more strict editing policy. Now my advisor, the English supervisor, and the principal must each review the proof before its distribution date. It's completely ridiculous. </p>
<p>Plattsburghloser: This is revolutionary. I applaud your friend for her intrepid journalistic writing. If I even tried to create an underground paper, I'd probably be suspended from school. Thank you so much for the interesting perspective though. I'll share it with my staff. :-]</p>