December 2004
New Year's Resolutions for Newsroom Leaders (Dec. 29, 2004)
By Scott Libin
Forget about a healthier diet. Make 2005 the year you learn some names.
The Asian Tsunami: Think Globally, Locally, Journalistically (Dec. 27, 2004)
By Jill Geisler
Questions and resources to consider as you plan your coverage. PLUS:
The journalist as eyewitness and
numbering the dead.
What Bloggers Can Learn from Journalists (Dec. 22, 2004)
By Steve Outing
Bloggers could better protect themselves if they took a few pages out of the reporter's notebook.
What Journalists Can Learn from Bloggers (Dec. 20, 2004)
By Steve Outing
This is the first of two articles on what bloggers and traditional journalists can teach one another.
Extra! Extra! Newspapers Cope with Basic Problems (Dec. 16, 2004)
By Rick Edmonds
The state of things from the Media Week Conference.
Writing Tool #35: Punctuation (Dec. 10, 2004)
By Roy Peter Clark
Proper punctuation can help a writer control how fast -- or slow -- a reader goes.
Five Easy Pieces (Dec. 8, 2004)
By Chip Scanlan
How one writer eats an elephant
Tips from Nieman Narrative: What Works for Readers, Editors & Sources (Dec. 6, 2004)
By Bill Kirtz
Narrative journalists address issues of craft and credibility in a time of increased scrutiny.
Ignoring the Elephant in Newspaperland (Dec. 3, 2004)
By Rick Edmonds
Effective circulation losses are 50 percent worse than we have been told.
Insulating News from Legend (Dec. 2, 2004)
By Kelly McBride
When big stories turn into icons, journalists have new responsibilities.
Beyond Alienation: Four Virtues That Can Help (Dec. 1, 2004)
By Roy Peter Clark
He's not born again, but he is seeing some things more clearly.
November 2004
Super Prose: How Comics Can Make You a Better Writer (Nov. 29, 2004)
By Chip Scanlan
Comics aren't just for kids anymore. But do they have a place in the newsroom? Jim Willse thinks so.
Writing Tool #32: Let it Flow (Nov. 24, 2004)
By Roy Peter Clark
A transition from tools to habits.
Manage Yourself, Lead Others (Nov. 17, 2004)
By Jill Geisler
How emotionally intelligent are you?
When Readers Cross the Line (Nov. 15, 2004)
By Mary Sanchez
Where does the journalism end and your life begin?
The Trouble with Fixers (Nov. 12, 2004)
By John Sweeney
Are you an editor who helps reporters or an editor who frustrates them?
Understanding Evangelicals: Tips from the Son of a Preacher Man (and Woman) (Nov. 10, 2004)
By Steve Buttry
Journalists should have a better understanding of evangelical Christians, but it might not help in understanding elections.
NBC Reporter Reflects on 35 Years in TV (Nov. 8, 2004)
By Al Tompkins
Robert Hager talks about "meat and potatoes" scripts, inventing a beat, and turning points in television history.
Not Done Yet: Untold Stories from Election 2004 (Nov. 4, 2004)
By Kelly McBride
Journalists need to introduce one half of the country to the other half, a story at a time.
News Before its Time: Websites, Blogs Publish Exit Poll Data Tuesday Projecting Kerry Lead (Nov. 2, 2004)
By Steve Outing
One conclusion from Election Day 2004 is clear: Some new media don't play by the old rules.
The World is Watching U.S. Elections (Nov. 2, 2004)
By Bill Mitchell
We sent e-mail questions about the presidential election to several dozen international journalists. Read what they said.
October 2004 
Editorial Cartoonists on Campaign Coverage (Oct. 29, 2004)
By Sara Quinn
I asked editorial cartoonists to submit work that looks at how the media has covered Election 2004. About a dozen cartoonists are represented, from newspapers including the Detroit Free Press, the Durham Herald-Sun, the Arizona Daily Star, and more.
The Electoral College, Provisional Ballots, Voter Fraud & Other Information You Need Before Nov. 2 (Oct. 27, 2004)
By Al Tompkins
Prepare for the unexpected. Election by the numbers... Election chaos... Provisional ballots... Election judges... Candidate tracker.
Auletta to Journalists: Walk Humbly, Adjudicate Truth, Embarrass the Powerful (Oct. 25, 2004)
By Scott M. Libin
Listen in on a conversation between The New Yorker writer and Jim Naughton.
The Thorny Question of Linking (Oct. 21, 2004)
By Steve Outing
As newsrooms decide whether to publish disturbing images or the names of certain victims or accusers, the linking issue looms.
Rocky's Editor Pegs Naming Decision to Fairness (Oct. 20, 2004)
By Bill Mitchell
John Temple says lack of reader response suggests the Rocky got it right -- and that journalists may be exaggerating the significance of the naming issue.
Ten Lousy Listeners and What We Can Learn From Them (Oct. 18, 2004)
By Jill Geisler
Are you a multi-tasker? Sentence finisher? Autobiographer? How people hear your listening.
Accuser's Attorney: Naming Endangers Client (Oct. 15, 2004)
By Bob Steele
An interview with attorney Lin Wood. PLUS: One paper's decision to name, and resources to help your newsroom reach a decision on naming.
APME Survey: Newspaper Readers Use Blogs Cautiously (Oct. 13, 2004)
By Ryan Pitts
Readers appreciate the challenge to traditional journalism.
Pulitzer Team Opens Door to Better Immigration Coverage (Oct. 11, 2004)
By Mary Sanchez
Beyond political correctness.
Debating the Moderator's Role (Oct. 7)
By Poynter faculty and others
Getting ready for the debate to come. PLUS: The way we ask, will there be a different ring to round 3? & riffing.
Books as 'News About the Culture': An Interview with Sam Tanenhaus (Oct. 4)
By Margo Hammond and Ellen Heltzel
Poynter's Book Babes talk with the editor of The New York Times Book Review about the shift in strategy.
September 2004
My Fellow Americans: Political Reporters On Speeches (Sept. 30)
By Chip Scanlan
Coverage tips from veterans.
Writer's Toolbox Half Full (Sept. 29)
By Roy Peter Clark
25 tips & techniques to improve your craft. PLUS: Writing coach Steve Buttry interviews Roy Peter Clark about the tools.
Let's Review: Journalists & Feedback (Sept. 28)
By Scott Libin
How to give people what they need to succeed.
Slanting Story Structures (Sept. 23)
By Don Heider
What assumptions do you bring to a story and how are they revealed?
Firing: For People Who Hate the Subject (Sept. 21)
By Jill Geisler
Showing employees to the door is never easy, but you can make the process less painful.
What Journalists Can Learn From CBS News' Experience (Sept. 20)
By Poynter faculty and staff
Poynter faculty raise questions about -- and draw lessons from -- CBS's flawed coverage of President Bush's service in the National Guard.
Race Relations & Social Justice Writing: It Takes Time (Sept. 17)
By Elizabeth Carr
Writing about complex issues means wading into documents, societal norms, and people's lives.
Leadership: Calm in the Storm (Sept. 14)
By Jill Geisler
As Ivan moves, newsrooms mobilize. But big stories can also reveal managerial shortcomings, if we are not careful.
Are Journalists Shooting Straight? (Sept. 13)
By Caitlin Kelly
On the day the assault weapons ban dies, a look at the current state of firearm journalism.
Multimedia: When to Use it to Tell Stories (Sept. 10)
By Jeff Glick
What one editor learned from the Eyetrack III research.
From Banner Blindness to Text Ads, Placement and Size Matter (Sept. 9)
By Kinsey Wilson
Eyetrack III quantifies just how quickly and intently readers view ads on the Web.
When It Comes to Homepages, It is Polite to Stare (Sept. 8)
By Jay Small
What does Eyetrack III say about news website design? Hear from a team of industry insiders.
Eyetrack III: News Websites Through Readers' Eyes (Sept. 7)
By Steve Outing
Forty-six people viewed mock news websites and we followed their eyes as they moved across the pages. Here's how online news looked to them.
A Valentine to Local TV News (Sept. 6)
By Roy Peter Clark
This Floridian appreciated the coverage of Hurricane Frances.
Getting the Right Angle on Convention Images (Sept. 3)
By Karen Brown Dunlap
Award-winning photojournalist Stephan Savoia talks about finding the shot in a staged photo op.
The First Convention Broadcast (Sept. 2)
By David Shedden
When Nelson Poynter attended his first convention, the new medium of the time was radio. This year it's weblogs.
The Conceptual Scoop (Sept. 1)
By Roy Peter Clark
From soccer moms to Volvo Republicans, add context to the facts that frame the news.
August 2004
In Politics, Seeing Not Always Believing (August 31)
Questions photo editors might ask as a way of ensuring that their newspapers' images offer readers a fair and accurate view.
By Kenny Irby
Hometown Angles: Regional Press Covers a Somewhat Different Convention (August 30)
By Andrew Taylor
Delegation breakfasts and not-ready-for-prime-time speakers get preferential treatment over national newsmakers.
Editors Preview Plans for RNC Coverage (August 27, 2004)
By Pam Johnson
Hot topics: Balance, competition for Page One, criteria for protest coverage.
Fighting the Pirates of the Press (August 26, 2004)
By Roy Peter Clark
There are patterns that repeat themselves; here are tips to combat plagiarism.
Hurricane Aftermath: A Community Network (August 25, 2004)
By Howard Finberg
A Florida newspaper enables readers to share information and help in the aftermath of Hurricane Charley.
The Games in Greece Through a Local Lens (August 18, 2004)
By Lynn French
Long hours, bad food, strict access rules ... the Olympic experience for one veteran TV photojournalist. >>PLUS: Howard Berkes on covering the Olympics for NPR.
After the Storm: What Business Are We In? (August 16, 2004)
By Scott Libin
Should community service journalism include disaster relief -- or just stick to the coverage?
The Meaning of Unity (August 11, 2004)
By Keith Woods
Beyond the convention, what is inclusion?
Writing Tool #18: Internal Cliffhangers (August 9, 2004)
By Roy Peter Clark
Use them to move readers to turn the page. PLUS: Read previous writing tools.
'Open Records' Often Closed to Public (August 6, 2004)
By Al Tompkins
The Contra Costa Times spent four months investigating how open public records are in the San Francisco Bay Area. The answer: not very.
Young Journos, TV Journos: We Want Training (August 4, 2004)
By Bob Andelman
A detailed portrait of the craving for professional development. (PDF available.)
New Bosses: Better at the Product than the People (August 3, 2004)
By Jill Geisler
A study of the strengths and challenges of new managers in newsrooms.
Lessons from Boston: Old Stories, New Angles (August 2, 2004)
By Bill Mitchell
A look at the ways journalists used new angles and rich media to shape convention coverage.
July 2004
Up from Dirt: Horatio Alger and the Political Story (July 30, 2004)
By Roy Peter Clark
"Rags to riches" and its variations in candidate profiles.
How Important Are Campaign Slogans? (July 29, 2004)
By Al Tompkins
Historian Doris Kearns Goodwin on this year's slogans & past campaigns.
Breslin: Get Lonely in the Crowd (July 28, 2004)
By Bill Mitchell
Pulitzer-winning columnist Jimmy Breslin talks about hunting for stories at the Democratic Convention.
How to Cover a Pseudo-Event (July 27, 2004)
By Roy Peter Clark
Tips for finding and telling real stories in the midst of scripted events.
No Longer the Upstart, Fox News Comes to Boston with Big Axe to Ungrind (July 26, 2004)
By Andrew Taylor
The most-watched cable news network answers critics with blanket coverage and spare-no-expense production.
PBS Anchor: Conventions Matter Because Elections Matter (July 23, 2004)
By Al Tompkins
What Makes Local News Really Local? (July 22, 2004)
By Don Fry
How some small and medium newspapers bring news home to their readers.
Digesting Large Documents on Deadline (July 21, 2004)
By Al Tompkins
With the release of the final report of the Sept. 11 Commission scheduled for Thursday, a veteran newsman offers tips on fast turns of massive reports.
A Pack Rat Reconsiders (July 20, 2004)
By Chip Scanlan
A friendly view of office clutter, whether you're a piler or a filer.
You're Hired, Now What? (July 19, 2004)
By Scott Libin
What a new employee doesn't know can hurt him, his news organization, and the readers, viewers, or listeners it serves.
A Moviegoer's Guide to Ethics (July 16, 2004)
By Aly Colσn
Old flicks about journalism for summertime viewing.
Seasons to Remember (July 15, 2004)
By Gregory Favre
Forty years after their days running the sports pages of the Atlanta Journal, the former staffers reunite to reminisce.
Why Johnny and Jane Need the Novel (July 14, 2004)
By Ellen Heltzel
A new NEA report says lit is lagging. Here's why media orgs should step up to help save it.
The Coaching Life (July 13, 2004)
By Kenneth F. Irby
The transition from player to coach -- or from photographer to photo editor -- must begin with a recognition that the rewards for each are different.
Anchored in Reality: Ron Burgundy, Fact, & Fiction (July 12, 2004)
By Jill Geisler
One of the country's first female news directors reviews the film "Anchorman." >>PLUS: What today's anchors say about the movie.
Horse Stories Lose by a Nose (July 9, 2004)
By Christopher Hanson
What happens when the Triple Crown is covered like a presidential campaign?
Writing Tool #13: Show & Tell (July 8, 2004)
By Roy Peter Clark
Move up and down the "ladder of abstraction."
Stories to Share: A Reporter's Memoir (July 7, 2004)
By Chip Scanlan
Dan Barry talks about reporting on his life and the honor of pursuing stories. PLUS: Read an excerpt from his new book.
Kerry-Edwards: What It Means for Journalists (July 6, 2004)
By Matt Thompson
Congressional Quarterly senior editor David Hawkings talks about the decision, the announcement, and the coverage to come. 
Accent on Accuracy (July 2, 2004)
By Aly Colσn
New Worlds, Old Worlds: A Fourth of July discussion of foreign language accent marks in American newspapers.
June 2004
Reviving the Feature Story (June 30, 2004)
By Roy Peter Clark
Some characteristics and examples of good human interest stories told in 2,000 words or less.
Sudan: The Untold Story (June 28, 2004)
By Matt Thompson
Might a moment of loudness from journalists help prevent a lifetime of silence for the country's victims?
What Top Execs Are Talking About (June 25, 2004)
By Rick Edmonds
The Mid-Year Media Review and how online revenue is helping.
Summer Reading Lists (June 23, 2004)
By Chip Scanlan
Readers all over the Web tell what books are on their nightstands this summer. PLUS: The Book Babes interview Dale Peck.
Recasting the Anonymous Source as Exceptional Event (June 21, 2004)
By Bill Mitchell
What would it take to transform the source with no name from routine tool to extraordinary measure?
Putting Endings First (June 16, 2004)
By Chip Scanlan
Building an encyclopedia of endings... PLUS: Unmuddling middles.
Beyond Political Correctness (June 14, 2004)
By Thomas T. Huang
You can always count on the sports world for a controversial story about race.
Making a Comeback (June 11, 2004)
By Helen Karakoudas Chongris
After an 18-year break, a journalist returns to the copy desk -- this time, without her pica pole.
Ask and We'll Tell (June 9, 2004)
By Trevor Brown
A J-school dean urges news organizations to grill schools about students' integrity as well as their grades.
The Blog-Only News Diet (June 7, 2004)
By Steve Outing
A blogger experiments with mainstream-media deprivation.
Nowhere to Hide (June 4, 2004)
By John A. Hatcher
Journalism on a smaller scale provides a bigger opportunity to connect with (and answer to) readers and viewers.
Writing Tool #8: Seek Original Images (June 2, 2004)
By Roy Peter Clark
Make word lists, free-associate, be surprised by language. Reject clichιs and "first-level creativity."
May 2004
Death of the Feature (May 28, 2004)
By Roy Peter Clark
A Poynter group constitutes itself as a 'rump' Pulitzer Prize Board and comes to a surprising conclusion.
Steal This Article: Notes on Newsroom Training (May 25, 2004)
By Steve Buttry
Newsroom training is one area of journalism where cribbing ideas from others is A-OK.
Visual Voices: Artists of the Editorial Page (May 21, 2004)
By Matt Thompson
Two top editorial cartoonists talk with editors about living on the edge of the editorial page.
When the Killer Came Back (May 20, 2004)
By Matt Thompson
Almost 30 years after police thought he'd killed his last victim, a suspected serial killer returns, with a message for the local media.
Ethics in Television News (May 18, 2004)
By Bob Steele
An interview with nine television news directors about the ethical condition of the industry, and what lies ahead for it.
The Story Behind the Lynndie England Interview (May 17, 2004)
By Al Tompkins
An investigative reporter at a Denver news station is the only journalist who's interviewed Lynndie England so far. Here's how he got the scoop.
Weighing Differences (May 14, 2004)
By Keith M. Woods
May 17 is a landmark date for school segregation and same-sex marriage. PLUS: One editor's decision to publish a staffer's personal segregation story.
How to Edit Copy and Influence People (May 13, 2004)
By Barbara Wallraff
Twelve tips for getting the most out of life on the copy desk, from the American Copy Editors Society's national conference.
Reflecting the Audience's Diversity (May 12, 2004)
By Bill Dedman and Stephen Doig
Comparing the racial makeup of newsroom staffs to the makeup of the communities they serve.
Should Journalists Have to Pee in the Cup? (May 11, 2004)
By Roy Peter Clark
On May 11, 2003, The New York Times published its investigation into Jayson Blair's stories. One year later, does journalism need a way to morally audit itself?
Visualizing War & Disaster (May 10, 2004)
In Virginia, Iraq, and Poland, photojournalists and editors struggle with the power of images and how they should be used.
Smarter Crime Coverage (May 7, 2004)
By Al Tompkins
Eleven tips for coming up with crime stories and covering them more deeply and accurately. ALSO: More crime story ideas and resources from Al Tompkins. PLUS: Crime story resources.
The Education of a Subling (May 6, 2004)
By Elizabeth Mary Barratt
A South African newspaper needs a new generation of copy editors -- and it needs them fast.
The State of Online Journalism in Latin America (May 5, 2004)
By Guillermo Franco and Julio Cιsar Guzmαn
A continent-wide newspaper survey reveals a disparity with print in pay and reputation.
Going to School on Google (May 4, 2004)
By Rick Edmonds
Lessons for media companies from the search engine's IPO.
Ten Editors on Defining Moments (May 3, 2004)
Share experiences -- presented at the ASNE convention -- that shaped these journalists' values and newspapers.
Women Responsible for Coffin Image Reunite (May 1, 2004)
By Kenny Irby
When citizens with a cause meet a picture editor with a purpose, Americans see war and friendship differently.
April 2004
Koppel Defends "The Fallen" (April 30, 2004)
By Al Tompkins
"Nightline" anchor expresses his surprise at the reaction to Friday's show and explains its genesis and purpose. PLUS: ABC breaks the boycott in at least five Sinclair cities.
Ten Tips for Ethical Promotions (April 28, 2004)
By Al Tompkins
20/20's promotion of an adoption story this week raised eyebrows and questions as the May ratings period begins. Here are some guidelines for ethical promotions. PLUS: Tips for writing great teases.
Inside the Decision to Feature "The Fallen" (April 27, 2004)
By Al Tompkins
Executive Producer Leroy Sievers explains.
Journalists Who Lie, Journalists Who Die (April 26, 2004)
By Betty Medsger
The international trend of journalists targeted for their truth-telling seen against a backdrop of recent fraud in American newsrooms.
Trademark Law for Dunderheads (April 23, 2004)
By Matt Thompson
A lot of people claim to own a lot of the things we write and say every day. How do journalists manage?
Ted Koppel Bets on Quality (April 22, 2004)
By Ted Koppel
From RTNDA's convention in Las Vegas, the "Nightline" anchor talks about journalism as entertainment.
Who's Putting More Tomatoes in the Soup? (April 20, 2004)
By Rick Edmonds
How to use News EPS, a metric being presented at ASNE this week to evaluate a paper's financial commitment to its daily editorial work.
What Does Diversity Look Like? (April 19, 2004)
By Keith Woods
The five stages of a news organization's development.
Covering Oklahoma City: A Look Back (April 16, 2004)
By Janet Weaver
Nine years after the Oklahoma City bombing, our struggle to shed light in the wake of chaos takes on growing urgency. These are some lessons we learned on April 19, 1995.
A Few Good (Asian-American) Men (April 15, 2004)
By Jill Geisler
A new DVD from the AAJA hopes to increase industry awareness of Asian-American men working in TV news.
Fifty Writing Tools (April 14, 2004)
By Roy Peter Clark
Tips and techniques every writer will want in her toolbox. Plus, Writing Tool #1.
Readers Respond to Fallujah Photos (April 13, 2004)
By Phil Shook
When 29 news organizations e-mailed readers asking how they would have handled explicit photos from Iraq, more than 2,000 readers responded. Here's what they said.
Going to School on Howell (April 12, 2004)
By Bill Mitchell
Questions provoked by Raines' 21,000-word account of his 20 months atop The Times.
Profit Pressures Over Time (April 8, 2004)
By Geneva Overholser
A personal and historical perspective on how media companies have balanced their checkbooks and their journalism.
The Pulitzers That Got Away (April 7, 2004)
By Roy Harris
A glimpse into the bittersweet experience of being a Pulitzer finalist, but not winning the Prize.
Pulitzer Juror's Tale: Do's, Don'ts, a Single Sad Surprise (April 5, 2004)
By Keith Woods
As the Pulitzer Prizes are announced, Keith Woods reflects on some lessons he learned from judging the awards.
You Be the Editor (April 2, 2004)
By Roy Peter Clark
Images from recent violence in Iraq have been used differently in print, online, and on the air. Tell us what you would consider before publishing.
March 2004
Colorful News Writing? Try 1923 (March 31, 2004)
By Roy Peter Clark
Journalism in the early 20th century wasn't as relevant or responsible, but it could be a lot more fun.
Beyond Taste: Editing Truth (March 29, 2004)
By Kenny Irby
How an iconic image appeared so differently in publications around the world.
Goldsmith Winners Discuss Privacy Act, FOI Struggles (March 25, 2004)
By Bill Kirtz
Investigative reporters explain what it took to get the story.
Making It By Making It Up: A Path to Glory? (March 23, 2004)
By Chip Scanlan
Can honest journalists make it to the top, or is it the cheaters who always succeed? ALSO: Jack, we didn't know you, and some thoughts from Dr. Ink.
Are You a Manager or a Leader or Both? (March 22, 2004)
By Jill Geisler
Not every manager is a leader. Not every leader is a manager. You can be both.
Searching for the Threshold (March 19, 2004)
By Kelly McBride
What conflicts of interest should disqualify a journalist from covering a story?
Is Anyone Editing Their Copy? (March 18, 2004)
By Matt Thompson
Copy Editors take the fight against error and inaccuracy from print to the Internet.
A Personal Journey -- and a Hint of Revolution -- In Moscow (March 17, 2004)
By Mario Garcia
Mario Garcia looks at the status of newspaper and magazine design in Russia
NPPA Best of Television Photojournalism 2004 (March 12, 2004)
By Al Tompkins, Larry Larsen
The awards, the winners, the videos.
Mr. & Ms. Wonderful: Our Fantasy Reporting, Editing Team (March 10, 2004)
By Chip Scanlan
Finally, the words you've always wanted to hear.
How Headlines Can Help (March 8, 2004)
By Howard Finberg
A look at how news websites handle headlines and why it matters.
After the Firestorm: Fury and the Future (March 4, 2004)
By Karen Brown Dunlap
It's time to turn the spotlight away from Jayson Blair and toward critical reporting and restraint.
The Art of Asking Questions (March 1, 2004)
By Matt Thompson
"Face the Nation" host Bob Schieffer and four sports reporters talk about their interviewing strategies.
February 2004
An Editor Blogs for Readers (February 27, 2004)
By Janet Weaver
Why the Plain Dealer's Doug Clifton has become a blogger and how it affects his view of the newspaper.
Message to Media: Decide Your Own Fate & The Push for New Audiences (February 25, 2004)
By Bill Mitchell; and By Rick Edmonds
Thirty-three top executives gather for two days of discussion about their leadership, their journalism, and their choices.
Improving Editorial Quality from the Top Down (February 23, 2004)
By Rick Edmonds
Gannett and Knight Ridder have both begun initiatives to improve the quality of their news stories. Here's a look at how those programs are working.
Two Suicides, Two Newsrooms, Two Decisions (February 20, 2004)
By Matt Thompson
The different steps two newspapers took in reporting the deaths of their own writers.
Covering the Outsiders (February 19, 2004)
By Cindi E Deutschman-Ruiz
We should be informing citizens about all the candidates, even the ones we think won't win.
Lessons from Carlie & A Newsroom Perspective on the Coverage (February 16 & 18, 2004)
By Roy Peter Clark & Kelly McBride; and By Forrest Carr
Did the coverage of Carlie Brucia's kidnapping and murder contribute to an irrational fear of strangers or was it an important community service that helped people cope with a horrific crime?
Journalists, John Kerry, and Reporting Rumors (February 13, 2004)
By Aly Colσn
Some questions and answers to guide coverage of unconfirmed information.
The Vision of George Rorick (February 11, 2004)
By Sara Quinn
Find out what motivates this visual journalist who is an innovator, mentor, and teacher with 42 years of experience in the field he helped to pioneer.
Five Myths About Short Writing (February 9, 2004)
By Roy Peter Clark and Tim McGuire
Roy Peter Clark and Tim McGuire explore what's right and wrong about long and short.
Don't Blame Us, We Endorsed ... (February 6, 2004)
By Matt Thompson
Newspaper endorsements haven't had much effect on the Democratic primaries so far. So why do editorial boards still make them?
Everybody Has a Job or Two (February 4, 2004)
By Steve Hartman
CBS News correspondent on his passion for lighting and why it's critical for journalists to redefine roles.
Disentangling Desegregation Discourse (February 3, 2004)
By Keith Woods
On the 50th anniversary of Brown vs. the Board of Education, let's be clear what we mean by the terms we use.
January 2004
The Day I Wanted My Newsroom Back (January 30, 2004)
By Janet Weaver
When I left the Herald-Tribune, everyone said there'd be stories I'd still want to tell, and they were right. But Captain Kangaroo's obituary?
The Exit Interview (January 27, 2004)
By Mike Doogan
A local columnist explains his decision to pack it in after 19 years at the paper.
Getting Ready for the New Hampshire Primary (January 26, 2004)
By Howard Finberg
What are your website plans for covering this story locally? If you haven't decided yet, we have some tips.
The Plot Thickens at The New York Times Book Review (January 22, 2004)
By Margo Hammond and Ellen Heltzel
With a new Sunday book editor on the horizon, The New York Times takes a hard look at its literary coverage paper-wide.
Why do we Cover Celebrities? (January 21, 2004)
By Jay Harris
Are journalists acting in the public interest by offering the banal, the bizarre, and the shamelessly self-promoting? Plus, a wrapup of a recent celebrities and journalism conference.
A Three-Ring Caucus in Iowa (January 19, 2004)
By Matt Thompson
Des Moines Register reporter Ken Fuson talks with Poynter Online about the stories -- and the reporters and the restaurants -- behind the story.
Editing Content You Can't Control (January 14, 2004)
By Janet S. Weaver
View the illustration that has hundreds of editors struggling with how to handle the upcoming issue of USA Weekend and learn what steps you can take to manage the dilemma. Also, the illustrator explains what happened.
Unconventional Wisdom about Martin Luther King Jr. (January 12, 2004)
By Mary Sanchez
Instead of doing the same old story about Dr. Martin Luther King this year, try looking differently at his life and legacy.
1,000 Headlines in 460 Days (January 7, 2004)
By Larry Larsen
Poynter's multimedia editor has been tracking the most eye-catching headlines for over a year. Here's a rundown of the best and the worst.
When Truth Fails as a Defense (January 5, 2004)
By Stephen Nohlgren
The facts in a Pensacola News Journal story may have been true, but the light of the story was false, a jury finds.
KR Exec on What Newspapers Need Now (January 1, 2004)
By Karen Brown Dunlap
Mac Tully, Knight Ridder's new VP for operations, likes contests, story counts and collaboration among competitors as papers fight to regain lost ground.
