ODYSSEY STAFF
2022-23HANDBOOK
1ODYSSEY Media Group Handbook
Being a part of ODYSSEY is more than just being in a class. It is a part of something larger in the community and it is an award winning program. You should be proud to be in the program and proud of the work you get to do. Make sure that you enjoy your time in ODYSSEY and take advantage of the opportunities for growth.
applying or reapplying for a position on the newsmagazine/online staff. We are looking forward to working with you throughout the year and seeing everyone’s journalistic development.
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The ODYSSEY Media Group is a student-run news organization that operates as a convergence model, where student journalists produce a range of content that is published both in our newsmagazine, social media, YouTube and on our website.
Dear Thankstudents,youfor
By being in ODYSSEY, you are committing to journalism and the standards we abide by. Your commitment goes above and beyond the assignments in a typical classroom. You must be able to communicate with staffers, hold yourself accountable and push yourself to achieve everything you can. Luckily, you won’t have to do this alone. You need to rely on the other staffers and editors and understand what you are expected to do.
The cabinet and Mr. Ragsdale are excited to be working with everyone during the 2022-23 school year and see everyone’s passions be portrayed through journalism and individual2022-23Sincerely,growth.ODYSSEY
Media Group cabinet
The purpose of the ODYSSEY program is to inform, entertain, and give voice to the Clarke Central High School community. The ODYSSEY program provides students the opportunity to become journalists through rigorous hands-on training. Students will interview stakeholders in the CCHS and Athens community, write a variety of story genres from breaking news to editorials, learn how to create multimedia and quality designs, and explore other areas of journalism such as broadcast, podcast, and photography. Throughout the learning process, students will learn how to work within a team and grow personally and professionally with the support of the Production staff.
Every publication has a specific style for its writing, design and process of production - this booklet is your guide to the ODYSSEY's style. To maintain consistency in our magazine, online publication and social media platforms, as well as understanding among our staff members, we use this as a foundation for our work. This 107-page guide is a helpful tool for both newcomers and veterans alike and should be referred to many times thorughout the year.
Included in this manual: tips to improve writing, interviewing and designing; major AP Style laws to abide by; description and duties of the Editorial Board positions, class procedures outside of the website and magazine production; and in-depth guides to the many aspects of journalism -- Viewpoints, News, Variety, Features, Sports, Photography, Broadcast, Social Media and Web Management.
This manual should be with you whenver you engage in ODYSSEY tasks. Highlighting and annotating this guide's pages is recommended. If something should happen to your handbook, such as losing it, you will have to buy a new one. The replacement cost is $12.00.
3ODYSSEY Media Group Handbook
ODYSSEY
STAFF HANDBOOK
The ODYSSEY Staff Handbook provides instruction and explanation of the staff's procedures -- it breaks down everything from the production of the magazine and website to the standard protocol of Room 231. Each staff member is expected to thor oughly read and understand the contents of this guide and must keep their copy of the manual with them at all times.
Publication of advertisements does not indicate an endorsement by CCHS or by the ODYSSEY staff. Students pictured in advertisements are not given monetary compen sation. All advertising rates are available upon request from any ODYSSEY staff member.
Odyssey Ext.Phone:Athens,350ClarkeODYSSEYDavidAdviser:MayaMilesMykolasKendariusVictoriaIsabelleMcKinleyJesseLukasTemprinceStaffAzaPhotographer:AntonioIllustrator:AudreyBusinessRileyDigitalWyattSportsIsabellaVarietyCadenceNewsJanieViewpointsAnnaDigitalLucasVisualsMayaLeadMollyEditor-in-Chief:HarwellCopyEditor:ClementCoordinator:DonnellyEditor:ShaikunEditor:RippsEditor:SchapkerEditor:WestrichEditor:MeyerJuniorCopyEditorRamseyManager:St.OngeStarksKhanMembers:BattleCornishDantzlerDykesGalisGarlandJohnsonKumpisLawrenceShrivastavA.RagsdaleNEWSMAGAZINECentralHighSchoolS.MilledgeAvenueGeorgia30605(706)357-520017370
Corrections of errors will appear in the next issue and on the ODYSSEY website.
The ODYSSEY Media Group is a student-produced news source for Clarke Central High School that informs, enter tains and gives voice to CCHS students through fair, accurate and balanced news and commentary. The OMG educates student journalists, providing them with opportunities for growth as communicators, leaders and advocates for justice.
Student journalists are provided with opportunities to investigate, inform, interpret and to evaluate: all traditionally accepted functions of the press in America. Published opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of anyone other than the Thestaff.ODYSSEY
The ODYSSEY is a member of the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, Georgia Scholastic Press Association, Na tional Scholastic Press Association, Southern Interscholastic Press Association and Quill and Scroll Honor Society.
The ODYSSEY Media Group is available to voice the concerns of the Clarke Central High School community, to promote truth and transparency in times of unease, and to deter inaccuracy and the spread of misinformation.
Masthead
4 ODYSSEY Media Group Handbook
Students pictured in advertisements are not given monetary compen sation. All advertising rates are available upon request from any ODYSSEY staff member.
The ODYSSEY is a member of the Columbia Scholastic Press Associ ation, Georgia Scholastic Press As sociation, National Scholastic Press Association, Southern Interscholas tic Press Association and Quill and Scroll Honor Society.
The ODYSSEY is a student-run news publication, published with the intent to inform, entertain and give voice to the Clarke Central High School community, as well as to educate student journalists. Established in 2003, the ODYSSEY is published four times a year, and each issue is an open public forum for student expression under the guidance of a faculty adviser.
Vision Statement
Corrections of errors and omissions will appear in the next issue as well as on the ODYSSEY website.
A masthead is a list, usually found on the editorial page of a newspaper or magazine, of the members of the news paper’s editorial board. If no editorial board exists, the masthead will often feature a list of top news staff members. Some mastheads also include information such as the pub lication’s founding date, slogan, logo and contact informa tion.Aborrowed term, a masthead in the shipping industry is a brass plate that would be affixed to the main mast of a commercial sailing vessel.
Editorial Policy
The ODYSSEY is a student-produced newsmagazine and online publication, published with the intent to inform, entertain and give voice to the Clarke Central High School community, as well as to educate student journalists. Both the website and each issue are public forums for student expression under the guidance of a faculty adviser. Student journalists are provided with opportunities to investigate, inform, interpret and evaluate all traditionally accepted functions of the American press.
Published opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of anyone other than the writers.
The ODYSSEY staff is committed to adhere to the mission statement set forth by CCHS. The goals of the staff are to provide fair, accurate news and commentaries, as well as to serve the interests of the school and Athens community.
staff is committed to reflect the mission statement set forth by Clarke Central High School. The goals of the staff are to provide fair, accurate news and commentaries, as well as to serve the interests of the school and Athens’ Publicationcommunity.ofadvertisements does not indicate an endorsement by CCHS or the ODYSSEY staff.
Mission Statement
5ODYSSEY Media Group Handbook ODYSSEY Media Group ODYSSEY Newsmagazine ODYSSEY Online iliad Literary-Art Magazine
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Support Staff ODYSSEY Basics Writing and interviewingSports Cabinet and Editorial Board ODYSSEY and AP PhotographyViewpointsFeaturesNewsStyleVarietyMenusOnlineBroadcastDesign 95-10088-9179-8371-7863-7061-6242-5536-4127-3512-261156-6084-8792-947-10 Glossary 101-107
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• Establish deadlines for print articles, ad copy (with Business Staff)
• Direct critical review following each issue publication
The Editor-in-Chief is responsible for every aspect of the newsmagazine – from initial planning to distribution of the final copy in print. There are several key tasks that they perform
• Be available for staffers at all times
• Sits in during human resource sessions, some peer evaluations
• Edit and proof all final drafts before publishing
• Be responsible for upkeep and maintenance of visuals equipment
• Contribute visual elements when needed
• Ensure body text, captions, headlines and decks meet ODYSSEY standards
• Conference with any and all students, on or off staff, contributing visual elements
CABINET
• Establish the ODYSSEY print schedule for the year
• Check in with Section Editors and their staffers throughout the cycle
• Ensure all copy (articles) meet ODYSSEY standards
• Attend and take minutes at Cabinet and Editorial Board meetings
• Represent the ODYSSEY at Board of Education meetings
The Lead Copy Editor is a direct consultant to the Editor-in-Chief when it comes to copy editing for the ODYSSEY Media Group. Responsible for the quality, coherence and factuality of every story that is produced, as well as ensuring that each story meets both AP and ODYSSEY stan dards. There are several key tasks that they perform:
• Send off the magazine to printing company, directs proofing process
• Lead mini-lessons on both ODYSSEY and AP Style
• Edit and proofread all final drafts before they are published
• Help to conduct staff-bonding activities
• Compile primary files from section editors, etc., into “Primary” document
• Manage the Visuals staff, which includes photographers, illustrator and broadcast staffers
• Communicate and enforce all deadlines dictated by the EIC
Maya Clement
• Fully master the AP and ODYSSEY Stylebooks and have access to both at all times
The Visuals Coordinator ensures that all visual elements -- photos, cartoons, graphics and videos -- published cross-platform (newmagazine, website, social media) meet ODYSSEY standards. They are responsible for facilitating communication between photographers, artists, videographers and the rest of the staff. They are several key tasks that they perform:
Lucas Donnelly
• Display knowledge and share experience in all areas of the magazine
Molly Harwell
• Work with the EIC and Ragsdale to vet pitches and assign stories
• Serve as head of the Editorial Staff and facilitate staff meetings
VISUALS COORDINATOR
• Assist adviser in the interviewing and recommendation of individuals for staff positions for following year
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• Write the “Letter from the Editor” column
• Discuss and update ODYSSEY Style to reflect changes in journalistic writing
• Provide leadership of and responsibility for the magazine and its staff
• Edit and conference with writers on middle drafts
• Actively communicate with other members of the Cabinet and Editorial Board on the status of visual elements
Editor-in-ChiefLEADCOPYEDITOR
The Business Manager works with the Editor-in-Chief and usiness staff to maintain and create new public relations while upkeeping the ODYSSEY Media Group’s finances. The Business Manager works closely with the school bookkeeper and Mr. Ragsdale to ensure timely and effi cient handling of incoming revenue and expenses. There are several key tasks that they perform:
• Organize issue awards and cycle celebrations
Audrey St.Onge
Anna Shaikun
• Facilitate magazine distribution with Editor-in-Chief and a select group of “Street Team” members
The Junior Digital Copy Editor serves under the digital branch and is responsible for ensuring that articles meet AP and ODYSSEY standards. They’re responsible for assisting the LCE with increasing the quality, coherence and factuality of every story that is published cross-platform. Particular tasks that the DJCE is in charge of include:
• Keep track of finances using receipt book and approved digital files
• Collect and deposit funds from ad sales, fundraisers, field trips, donations, etc.
• Lead and manage Digital Team, providing leadership, conflict resolution and mentorship to the staff
The Digital Editor ensures that the ODYSSEY website maintains consistent content that reaches ODYSSEY standards. They are responsible for facilitating communication between members of the Digital Team and the rest of staff. There are several key tasks that they perform:
• Ensure the website is updated with new content daily
• Edit menus and section stories
• Coordinate in-house marketing of the ODYSSEY Media Group through advertising, which includes production of advertisement contracts, invoices and ad rate cards
• Be available to help EIC at all times
• Keep meeting space clean and organized
• Lead multimedia design sessions for the whole class and facilitate writers producing multi media elements for their stories
• Maintain a positive workroom environment
• Ensures captions, headlines and decks meet ODYSSEY standards.
• Distribute and collect field trip permission slips
• Coordinate and share out the “Do not interview” list each cycle
Riley Ramsey
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digital digitalbusinesseditormanagerjuniorcopy editor
• Must fully master AP and ODYSSEY style and have access to each at all times.
• Coordinate the Marketing Project (subscription sales)
• Works with LCE to edit Menu items every month the weekend after due
• Promote thank-you note writing and delivery
• Works with LCE to edit section pieces every Friday/early Saturday
• Communicate with Visuals Staff and Visuals Coordinator to ensure all stories being posted are promoted
• Compile and produce multiple multimedia packages
EDITORIAL BOARD
• Coordinate the production of at least one in-depth, prominent profile per production cycle, e.g., Brian Kemp, Linda Boza, Swade Huff
• Schedule press conferences with coaches and the Athletic Director
• Have access to the OMG Sports Twitter account to promote sports coverage
sports editor
• Ensure story topics are relevant nationally, locally and to Clarke Central High School
• Attend one PTSO and School Board meeting a semester for coverage
• Work with Viewpoints Editor to produce sister articles (news peg)
• Responsible for the packaging content for Cedar-Central competitions, e.g., the Classic City Championship for football and rivalry home/away games for other varsity sports
• Keep up with sports nationally and locally, and have some knowledge of sports
• Assign and gather all sports-related news and sports feature material, which may include but not limited to profiles, issue-based news and commentary
• Produce the layout and design of the Sports section
• Produce the layout and design of the News section
• Be responsible for regular content on the website, including breaking news stories and regu lar updates on the activities of CCHS clubs, events and departmental issues
•perform:Ensure
The News Editor is one of the Media Group’s Section Editors. Responsible for the News Staff and the section’s presence in the magazine and on the website. There are several key tasks that they
• Coach staffers on sports and sports writing
• Coach staffers on News writing
• Write a column during each production cycle
• Work with Digital Editor to package in-depth features for multimedia presentation online
Cadence Schapker
• Produce regular sports content for website and magazine
news editor
story topics are relevant nationally, locally and to the Clarke Central High School community
• Cover live sporting events with staff and write timely game coverage, which may include live Tweeting
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• Produce regular News content for website and magazine
• Communicate with the rest of the Editorial Board on story and visual status
• Be responsible for in-depth feature news stories in the magazine
• Ensure selection of athletes and compilation of data for “Star Players” in the magazine
Wyatt Meyer
The Sports Editor is one of the Media Group’s section editors. Responsible for the Sports staff and the section’s presence in the magazine and on the website. There are several key tasks they must perform:
EDITORIAL BOARD
• Edit and conference about staffers' stories after rough draft deadline
• Establish and maintain relationships with coaches and the Athletic Director
• Edit and conference on staffers’ stories after rough draft deadline
Janie Ripps
• Capture the pulse of the building and community; articles in Variety should balance enter tainment with informative community news
• Edit and conference on staffers' stories after rough draft deadline
• Work with Digital Editor to package in-depth features for multimedia presentation online
• Ensure timely packages during awards season, e.g., Grammy, Oscars, etc.
viewpoints Editor
EDITORIAL BOARD
variety editor
• Write a column each production cycle
The Variety Editor is one of the Media Group’s Section Editors. Responsible for the Variety Staff and the section’s presence in the magazine and on the website. There are several key tasks they must perform:
• Ensure that topics in their section reflect the diversity of interests at CCHS, and that they are relevant nationally and locally
• Coordinate “Quest for Athens Best” as a two-page spread in print and a four-part online package
• Ensure story topics range from national issues to school-related issues to personal issues
• Communicate with the rest of the Editorial Board on story and visual statuses
• Assign blurbs and set deadlines for"Cultural Buzz" and spreads that appear in the variety section of the magazine
• Maintain relationships with CCHS fine/performing arts teachers and club leaders, i.e., visual arts, band, orchestra, drama, etc.
• Coach staffers on editorial writing
Isabella Westrich
• Compiles in-depth feature stories and profiles in the magazine and online
• Express the views of Clarke Central High School students and faculty by inviting guest writers
The Viewpoints Editor is one of the Media Group’s Section Editors. Responsible for the View points Staff and the section’s presence in the magazine and on the website. There are several key tasks that they perform:
• Work with the News Editor to produce sister articles (news peg)
• Edit and conference on staffers' stories after rough draft deadline
• Be responsible for managing/compiling/producing Viewpoints “extras”, which consist of “Our Take” staff editorial, “Question of the Month,” “Letters to the Editor,” "Thumbs" and “Fresh Voice” column
• Produce the layout and design of the Variety section
• Coach staffers on review and news writing
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• Write a column each production cycle and produce regular Viewpoints content for website and magazine, which may include polls, blogs or timely “Head-to-Head” pieces
• Communicate with the rest of the Editorial Board on story and visual statuses
• Ensure that topics in Viewpoints reflect the diversity of interests at CCHS
• Produce the layout and design of the Viewpoints section a
• Work closely with staff writers and editors to plan photoshoots and ensure the production and quality of all photos
• Model professionalism with stakeholders
SUPPORT STAFF
• Work with the rest of the Digital Team to make sure new content is being promoted on social media
• Ensure that illustrations meet quality and color standards
• Refine designs with illustration software
Antonio Starks
• Upkeep and maintain photo equipment and supplies
Illustrator
• Brainstorm with the design team to come up with new ideas, patterns and styles
• Proofread all stories before web publication
Illustrators are artists who use their creative skills to create original images for a range of print ed and digital pieces. They are responsible for working closely with staffers and editors to turn ideas into inspiring illustrations. There are several key tasks they must perform:
• Work with the Digital Editor to make sure the website's design is cohesive to ODYSSEY's design style palette
• Use various colors, graphics and effects to better visualize each concept
• Ensure the website is clean, up-to-date, running smoothly, visually pleasing and us er-friendly
Aza Khan
• Announce to the entire staff when content is posted to the wbeite, verbally, via email and over text, including links and pictures when applicable
• Participate in design briefs with staffers, editors and/or adviser to identify needs and concepts
Photographers are responsible for taking photos to be posted cross-platform and for contribut ing visuals for staffers' stories. They must ensure that photos published by the ODYSSEY meet ODYSSEY standards in regards to composition, lighting and subject matter. They must actively communicate and update the EIC, LCE and Visuals Coordinator on the status of photos for magazine and website. There are several key tasks they must perform:
• Go on weekly photoshoots for stories
• Define time and budget limitations
• Post content to the website daily
Maya Shrivastav
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Webmaster
• Produce photo galleries for the website and social media platforms
• Combine hand-drawing and painting with digital media to create complete illustrations
The Webmaster is responsible for working with the Digital Editor to ensure the daily upkeep of the website. There are several key tasks that they perform:
• Upload photos to Flickr and Google Photos
• Prepare rough drafts according to requirements
photographer
ToManageremail
All seniors in the ODYSSEY Media Group
production@odysseynewsmagazine.net: Production class
Communication among staff members is imperative to success and should always be handled professionally. Communication should not be one-way. When emailed, called or texted, one must always respond as soon as possible. Do not hesitate to contact any member on staff with questions, comments or concerns.
STAFF EMAILS
edboard@odysseynewsmagazine.net: All editors in the ODYSSEY Media Group visuals@odysseynewsmagazine.net: Editors-in-Chief, Photography Editor, Photogra phers and Illustrator business@odysseynewsmagazine.net: Business an entire section, put the name of that section, followed by “@odysseynewsmagazine.” For example, to email the Variety Staff, email “variety@odysseynewsmagazine.net.”
The ODYSSEY staff’s main source of contact is through a dedicated Gmail server. To access your account, log in at www.gmail.com and type in your complete email address, followed by your password.
To email the entire ODYSSEY Me dia Group staff, email
facilitators@odysseynewsmagazine.net Journalism 1 facilitators and Mr. Ragsdale seniors@odysseynewsmagazine.net
editors@odysseynewsmagazine.net: Editor-in-Chief, Lead Copy Editor, Visuals Coordinator, Digital Editor and Mr. Ragsdale
EVERYONE.emailsnotsonalthatbothseynewsmagazine.net”“staff@odys(thisincludesProductionandJ1).Makesurepeerevaluationsandotherperand/orconfidentialemailsaresenttothestaffemail.RemembersenttothisaddressgoouttoODYSSEYstaffersalsocommunicateoverthephoneandwithtexts.AllProductionandJ1staffers’numbersarelistedathttps://bit.ly/2F27xXv.
STAYING LATE:
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At the end of a cycle and prior to magazine send-off, the ODYS SEY staff participates in Deadline Pride. For Deadline Pride, all members of the staff are expected to participate and dress in the assigned color, prepared to represent their staff. Don’t be afraid to get crazy.
ADVERTISING:
Selling newsmagazines is a large component of fundraising for our publication and should be taken seriously. At the beginning of the year, students will engage in a marketing unit and will have an advertising assignment where they try to sell as many subscriptions as possible. Students will determine people who they could sell to and set goals for themselves. In addition to this, there will be staff goals for how many subscriptions we are hoping to sell.
DEADLINE PRIDE:
GROUP CHAT RULES:
Communication among staff members is imperative to success and should always be handled professionally and courteously. Communication should not be one-way. When emailed, called or texted, OMG staff must always respond as soon as possible. Do not hesitate to contact any member on staff with questions, comments or concerns.
Limit texts to Mr. Ragsdale to business hours (no earlier than 7:30 a.m. or later than 9 p.m.). If you need to get in touch with him for guidance or support, feel free to email him.
ADVISER COMMUNICATION:
All staffers with iPhones are a part of the ODYSSEY iMessage group chat and all staffers are a part of the ODYSSEY GroupMe. Both group chats have rules in order to establish professionalism and proper conduct. Students are not allowed to text the group chat after 10:15 unless it is an emergency. There will be no use of profanity, no discussion of criminal activities and no bullying. In addition to this, students are encouraged to maintain profession alism and keep in mind that the group chat is used to communi cate important information.
Your work for the ODYSSEY Media Group will often require you to log hours outside of the allotted class time. All ODYS SEY staffers and J1 students are highly encouraged to stay after school for posted enrichment time on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 to 5:30 -- we certainly understand the need to attend extracurriculars or sports after school, so the ODYSSEY com puter lab is open each day at 7:30 a.m. Weekend work days will also be scheduled in advance. If you cannot attend a weekend workday, you must have your parent/guardian contact Mr. Ragsdale.
STAFF MEMBER COMMUNICATION:
The J1 class is led by veteran facilitators who are/were members of the ODYSSEY. J1 students will learn the basics of journalism: interviewing, writing, multimedia, marketing, journalistic ethics and more.
J1 students should have the Staff Handbook with them at all times and use it as a reference for skills they learn in class, as well as to answer any questions they may have about their assignments and ODYSSEY as a program.
JOURNALISM 1 CLASS (J1)
Lucas Donnelly is a senior at Clarke Central High School and serves as the Visuals Coordinator for the ODYSSEY Media Group. He has been practic ing photography for four years and hopes to continue exploring photojour nalism by capturing moments and telling engaging stories. aza Lucaskhandonnelly
The Journalism 1 class is an introductory class meant to prepare students to join the Production Class as staff members of the ODYSSEY Media Group.
Nico Willman is a senior at Clarke Central High School in Athens, Georgia. Willman currently serves as a Journalism 1 facilitator for the ODYSSEY Media Group, formerly serving as the program’s News Editor. He has attended numerous journalism conven tions, as well as the Georgia Governor’s Honors Program as a communicative artist. He hopes to continue expanding his journalistic accomplishments and credentials, while educating and inspiring future young journalists.
Aza Khan, a junior at Clarke Central High School in Athens, Georgia, works as a photographer and Journalism I facilitator for the ODYSSEY Media Group. Through her writing and photography, Khan wants to share the stories of people in her community and develop her skills as a journalist. Khan enjoys reading and spending time with her family and friends in her spare time.
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nico willman
DRESS CODE: MATERIALS:
GEORGIA GAME DAYS:
ODYSSEY members who are 15 years old and older work a concession stand at UGA football games to raise funds for the program. All staff members who are work ing the stand at UGA games are required to dress in uniform. Uniform includes black or khaki shorts or pants, hats (not another college team), closed-toe shoes and a white T-shirt. Eligible staff mem bers should work as many of the games as possible. Funds raised from UGA football games have greatly enhanced staff cul ture and productivity, including scholar ships, prorated fees for staff travel, needed equipment, OMG t-shirts and hats and other related materials.
CLASS CHECKLIST:
• Hard copies of your drafts, notes and past peer evaluation forms
• Headphones
• AP and ODYSSEY Stylebook
• A 1.5 inch binder for handouts, drafts, etc.
CLASSROOM PROCEDURES
• Notebook paper/notepad
All production class staff member are expected and required to wear their press pass in an ODYSSEY context.
•
A personal calendar/agenda to keep track of due dates
• Handheld device for interview ing/on-site photography
15ODYSSEY Media Group Handbook
Each staff member is expected to have materials upon which to take notes and store handouts in class every day. Staffers must keep up with all drafts, notes, peer evaluation conference feed back forms, interviews notes, etc. in an organized system -- staffers should not combine their OMG notebook with other classes.
As a part of the ODYSSEY staff, you have an image to uphold as responsible journal ists on and off the CCHS campus. On days in which you have an ODYSSEY function, including interviews, press conferences, guest speakers, etc., you are expected to dress and behave appropriately, as you will be representing the ODYSSEY staff and brand name. It is expected that all staff members dress in school-approved attire daily.
• Personal Learning Device
• Pens, pencils
• Press pass
Edited by: Maya Clement, Anna Shaikun
Draft type: Rough draft Word count: 500
Staff members will regularly hold inter views with teachers, administrators, stu dents and community members through out the school year and must request those interviews in a professional and timely manner, well in advance of deadlines. Here is an example of an email interview
Along with a proper heading, all draft docu ments should contain a story headline in bold, an italicized deck, copy text, a byline at the end and a visual with a caption.
Position: Lead Copy Editor
DOCUMENTS
EMAIL SIGNATURES
@odysseynewsmagodysseynewsmagaine.net30605
My name is Molly Harwell and I am the Editor-in-Chief for the ODYSSEY Media Group at Clarke Central High School. I’m currently working on a story about the English department's plans to increase literacy rates in our building and, as an English teacher, your voice is meaningful to my story. I would love to talk with you to learn more about your approach to this Iissue.have a deadline 10 days from now so I’d like to touch base at your earliest con venience. I’m available to meet before school, after school or during first lunch. Please let me know what time works best for MollyThankyou.you,Harwell
Bramlett,
Your name: Maya Clement
ALL draft documents that staff members create in class are setup in a particular way, consisting of one's name, position, name of teacher and period, date, draft type, word count and who has edited the piece. Ex:
ODYSSEY Media Group
INTERVIEW REQUESTS
350 S. Milledge Avenue Athens, GA
Your name: Molly Harwell
Clarke Central High School
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Hellorequest:Mr.
FORMATS
Your position: Editor-in-Chief Teacher and period: Ragsdale, 3rd Date: 30 Aug. 2022
Thank you notes are to be handwritten on ODYSSEY stationery. Here is an example of a properly addressed envelope:
All ODYSSEY Media Group staff members are required to write thank you notes (that are provided) to anyone interviewed during the course of the year. This includes CCHS students. These notes are to be hand-written and delivered within a few days after the interview. Here is an example of a proper thank-you note:
THANK YOU ADDRESSINGNOTESANENVELOPE
17ODYSSEY Media Group Handbook
Dear Ms. Perez, Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to have an interview with me last week. Hearing your insight on the effects of too much homework on high school students was interesting and added greatly to my story. I appreciate your openness to speak on the subject and your cooperation and enthusiasm were extremely helpful. I enjoyed meeting with you, and I thank you for helping me un cover the truth as a journalist and CCHS student. The article will go online within the next month, and I will send you a link as soon as it is posted.
Thank you again, Anna Shaikun
GOOGLE DRIVE ORGANIZATION
• In each folder, there is a subfolder for each section story. Staffers will each have a folder labeled with their full name within the appropriate staff folder.
• Drafts should be called: Lastname_Rough/Middle/Final
• Required elements within individuals’ folder: rough, final, audio/video from inter views, transcriptions completed with fidelity, visuals, social media element, rubrics
• In each month’s folder: folder titled each staffer’s full name
PRIMARY FOLDER: 2022-23 SUBMISSIONS
• In each cycle folder, there is a folder for each section. Within the section folder are folders with each staffer’s full name. There is also a spreadsheet with feature assign ments for that cycle (once assigned).
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Within Submissions: Feature Stories, Section Stories, Menus and more
• Within their folder is: The completed menu item, audio (if applicable), transcrip tions (if applicable), visuals and other necessary components for the staffer’s choice of menu, rubric
• Example: Harwell_Menu6
• In each folder: The story and folders for drafts, audio, transcriptions, visuals and social media -- labeled as such, as well as a filled out rubric.
Within Menus: Sept, Oct, Nov, Jan, Feb, March, April, menu checklists
• Everything should be labeled. The story should be labeled: Lastname_Choice Story 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.
Within Feature Stories: Cycle 1, Cycle 2, cycle story rubric
Within Section Stories: Every week
Google Drive is used to organize most all ODYSSEY-related documents and files. Drive is also used to submit assignments, so it needs to be organized and labeled uni formly. Below is the organization.
• Draft should be called: Lastname_Menu#
ODYSSEY EMAIL POLICY:
INTERVIEWING POLICY:
In addition to the typed transcriptions, all interview recordings (audio/visual/screenshots of texts or email PDFS) should be uploaded to your transcription folder. Recordings should be labeled your last name_subject’s name_date. In instances in which OMG protocols are not properly followed, Mr. Ragsdale, the appropriate Cabi net Member and Section Editor, if applicable, will host a coaching session with a staffer not in compliance.
INTERRUPTING TRANSCRIPTIONCLASS:
Allcompliance.interviewsshould
All interviews should be transcribed in their entirety as soon as possible after the interview is conducted. The transcription should then be reviewed by your Section Editor for accuracy. This is a good way to look back at the quotes you are planning to use and to make sure all of your quotes are correct. Your transcriptions function as insurance against misquoting your source. Transcriptions should be written as a script and with complete fidelity.
As a student-led media organization, it is extremely important for our program to function under the ethical guidance of the SPJ Code of Ethics. To properly do so, we have guiding pol icies for much of the work we do. Listed below are the policies written by and for the ODYS SEY Media Group. These policies help grow and guide young journalists in our program.
19ODYSSEY Media Group Handbook
ODYSSEY POLICIES
Your class-assigned ODYSSEY email accounts should be used exclusively for ODYSSEY business. Any school-relat ed emails should be sent from your Clarke County School District account. At the end of a staffer’s career, their account will be terminated with due notice. Staffers may wish to transfer their files to a personal account prior to that
Staffersdate.should
be conducted face-to-face in order to get the best quality interview. If your source is not available to talk in person, you should schedule an overthe-phone interview or Zoom/Google Meeting interview. Avoid interviewing over email or text messages at all costs, as this limits the opportunity for candid responses and follow-up questions. Before any interview, the writer should have at least ten (10) prepared talking points/ques tions/concepts that have been approved by their section editor. In cases in which a source requests to see interview questions in advance, the writer should immediately vet the situation with their Section Editor, the Cabinet and Mr. Ragsdale.
Since the ODYSSEY is a school publication, many inter views are conducted during the school day with students and teachers. Attempt to schedule interviews during the student’s lunch time or before or after school. Do not pull your source out of a class to interview them unless it is the last resort, especially not if it’s a core class. If they decline, be respectful of the teacher and their right to not allow the student to leave. Do not assume a teacher is “cool” with a pull-out or that the teacher “doesn’t care”. In instances in which OMG protocols are not properly followed, Mr. Ragsdale, the appropriate Cabinet Mem ber and Section Editor, if applicable, will host a coaching session with a staffer not in compliance.
email sources to set up interviews, pho toshoots or to address follow-up questions in a profes sional manner. All emails should include a salutation and closing (see page 16). Email should be checked daily and staffers must respond to correspondence within 24 hours to provide quality communication. In instances in which OMG protocols are not properly followed, Mr. Ragsdale, the appropriate Cabinet Member and Section Editor, if applicable, will host a coaching session with a staffer not in
JD: OK. You said that BHL is a PBIS school.
MC: The start of the school year has been very exciting. We always start the school year by teaching expectations. We are a PBIS school. We always start the school year (by) talking about our ROAR expectations. R standing for respectful, O for organized, A for aspiring and then the last R is for re sponsible. With doing that, we have our first ROAR rally coming up -- the first Friday of September. A lot of our kids have come ready to learn and (have) been engaged. Our teachers are excited and we're just excited to kick off the start of the year.
MC: Yep.
JD: OK. Is there any sort of timeline for that happening?
JD: Alright, and you're the principal. OK. So, tell me right off the bat, how has the start of the school year been for you?
MC: I'm not sure of the timeline. I just know that when you are a PBIS school, it helps to increase your Climate Star Rating, which is given to us by the state. I'm sure you're quite familiar with those surveys that you guys take every year that's about 50 to 70 questions. They use that information alongside school discipline data to rate schools and to give a school climate rating. Being a PBIS school helps to increase your ratings.
20 ODYSSEY Media Group Handbook
JD: Can you tell me a little more about that?
MC: Yes. So PBIS stands for Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports. Basically, it's a framework that's been used across the state and US as a way to promote and inform students of expectations, normal expectations, and recognize them for always doing what's right. Even when someone's not looking. Once kids know that they are being recognized... We also use something called dojo points. That's D-O-J-O. So we use an app called Class Dojo. Kids are able to earn points in each of their classes and they cash in to either get dress-down days or homework passes. If they save their points, they may be able to get a pizza and be able to have lunch with a friend. They also get to choose to sit wherever they want to. We have a lot of different incentives that each grade level has in order to support that.
JD: Alright, and can you spell your name?
MC: Well, there (was) a cohort of schools that started the first year. We were the only middle school, and then there were I think four elementary schools. From my understanding, it will become a dis trict-wide initiative with other schools coming on-board this year as well.
Correct Example Transcription 1:
MC: M-A-K-E-B-A, C-L-A-R-K.
Sophomore and News Staffer John Doe: Just some introductory stuff first. Can you state your name? Burney-Harris-Lyons Middle School Principal Dr. Makeba Clark: In any formal way? OK. My name is Dr. Makeba Clark. I am the principal here at Burney-Harris-Lyons Middle School.
JD: Alright. So is PBIS a district thing or just something that you and the school have spearheaded?
So please say your name, how to spell your name and your grade Aaron Attipoe all right aaron why did you decide to join the robotics club? well back when i was at coil at a robotics club, but it wasn't as advaced as the one here. theeres like certain levels of it that are run. and the one in middle school i was in it was, it was pretty fun so i decided to join when I went to high school was it like, the have been a robotics club ofr multiple years i mean i feel like im learning a lot you got to go to competitions we went to state last year you know, just, i mean, some people, i've made some friends and like i was, so it's pretty fun what does robotics club mean to you? i mean, it's like my passsion is like what i wasnt to do on to be an enginer when i grow up, so i feel like it's helping me reach my goals. and it's also one of my interests so i feel like this is something that my life would be a little bit worse without it. walk me through, like, what y'all do what y'all have accomplished in robotics club? and what what should our readers know about robot scott? well,
21ODYSSEY Media Group Handbook
Incorrect Example Transcription 2:
When dealing with a sensitive or controversial sub ject or interview, a source may request to go off-therecord. If this occurs, you must pause the recording and respect what the source is saying. Make sure that you and the source indicate when you go back on-the-record. You are not allowed to directly quote anything a source says off the record.
deadline policy:
use of profanity policy:
-SPJ Ethics Committee papers: Anonymous sourc
As such, staffers are not to use a quote or informa tion from a source who requests anonymity, unless it
There are separate deadlines for assignments includ ing pitches, section stories, menus and cycle stories (which have rough and final drafts). Deadlines are set in advance and published for reference. Deadlines allow this and all media outlets to produce content seamlessly for publication. Missing work will nega tively impact your grade as an M will be placed into the gradebook. In instances in which OMG protocols are not properly followed, Mr. Ragsdale, the Cabinet and Section Editor, if applicable, will host a coaching session with a staffer not in compliance. If a pattern of missed work occurs, reference the staff contract for additional actions.
The ODYSSEY Media Group strives to accurately represent and depict the members of the Clarke Central High School community through our var ious media platforms. Staffers must be particularly mindful when writing pieces that deal with sensitive issues such as race, gender and sexuality. As with any other piece, all sides of the story should be told and presented in a balanced manner. Staffers must be aware of the gender and racial/ethnic identity of their sources and, with the guidance of the Section Editor and Editor-in-Chief, determine if mention ing the cultural identity of their source in the title is necessary to ensure stronger credibility.
Any active member of the Clarke Central High School community who dies will be recognized in the following issue of the magazine in 300-word obituary with a social media post to complement; if the death occurs outside of publishing cycles, the obituary will be published online. The obituary will either be written by someone close to the deceased or the staff as a whole as in the case of an “Our Take”. It should include pertinent information, including, but not limited to a brief biography with accomplish ments, reference to surviving family members and funeral arrangements. Along with the obituary, there will be a school photo of the deceased or a photo from the ODYSSEY Media Group’s archives. Mem bers of the OMG will treat all deaths in a tasteful, respectful way. Cause of death should not be listed. An invitation to the CCHS community to share memories of the deceased via a blog will be offered via social media and/or email.
Oning.
is deemed vital for the story by the Editor-in-Chief and Adviser. Otherwise, the information is deemed unreliable. As a high school publication, in cases where bullying, harassment or safety concerns pose a threat to a source, Mr. Ragsdale must be alerted as a mandatory reporter.
22 ODYSSEY Media Group Handbook
“Journalists should never take information off the record without the approval of a supervisor and an understanding of the news outlet’s policy. Some or ganizations do not allow anonymous sources except in the most vital news stories. Journalists also should make sure they and their source are talking about the same agreement. Does off-the-record mean the information can never be used, can be used if anoth er source confirms the information on the record or public records substantiate or simply the information can be used as long as the source’s name is not used (a city official, an employee of the football team, etc.). And publishing information without verification from multiple sources, even if they are all off the record, is a dangerous practice.”
school death policy:
The use of profanity is not permitted in the ODYSSEY classroom, journalistic writing or in classroom assign ments. Using profanity is not professional and does not abide by ODYSSEY standard.
the occasion a source requests that their identity be kept confidential in published material we must be reluctant to grant their wish. When we use anon ymous sources we are asking for another level of reader trust. We must be certain that the benefit to readers is worth the cost in credibility.
source attribution policy:
representation policy:
Students are not permitted to use their cell phones unless conducting ODYSSEY business such as using a recording app, checking social media or other ac ceptable behavior. In addition to this, the ODYSSEY classroom contains a computer lab that is open to students before school, during class time and during after school work sessions. It is recommended that students utilize these resources if they are having technical difficulties or accessing a website used to conduct ODYSSEY business. The ODYSSEY Media Group also has a variety of technological equipment that is available for certain use such as podcast and video equipment. To access these resources, students should express their interest in creating a story with them to their Section Editor and discuss plans for using these resources with Mr. Ragsdale. Students will have to abide by strict rules involving the tech nology and make sure that they are taking care of the equipment.
In instances in which OMG protocols are not prop erly followed, Mr. Ragsdale, the appropriate Cabinet Member and Section Editor, if applicable, will host a coaching session with a staffer not in compliance.
retraction policy:
23ODYSSEY Media Group Handbook
The ODYSSEY Media Group press pass can be used to leave class or campus to conduct OMG business during school hours, advertising runs and inter views. The press pass is used only to conduct ODYS SEY business. In instances in which OMG protocols are not properly followed, Mr. Ragsdale, the appro priate Cabinet Member and Section Editor, if appli cable, will host a coaching session with a staffer not in compliance.
Byline policy:
technology policy:
Larger errors (misquotes, inaccurate statements, false light) will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis and the ODYSSEY will publicly address the situa tion. When our reporting is factually correct but our language is misleading or unclear, the language will be rewritten and it will be logged in the Corrections and Omissions section. A clarification will be used to note that we initially failed to provide full context or to address the error in context.
Press pass policy:
All articles, graphics, photos, art, columns, pages, reviews and other material creatively conceived, with exception to staff editorials, mug shots and cut-outs will be bylined with the content creators name. All bylined creators will be held accountable for their work. When more than one person has contributed creatively to a piece of work, any person who has contributed to the work must be bylined as a produc er. When a collaborator/editor contributes 20% of rewrites, they must be bylined as a co-creator.
prior review policy:
The ODYSSEY Media Group seeks to maintain cour teous professional relationships with sources and community members. Staffers are expected to treat sources with respect. If a source asks to see an article before publication, the writer will meet with the Ed itor-in-Chief, Section Editor and Lead Copy Editor to assess the validity of their request. Editors will then vet the request with Mr. Ragsdale. The OMG does not allow sources to censor articles or retract on-record statements unless an issue of accuracy is to be addressed. At no time should an OMG reporter feel pressured or intimidated by a source in regard to on-record statements. If this occurs, immediately contact Mr. Ragsdale. In instances in which OMG protocols are not properly followed, Mr. Ragsdale, the Cabinet and Section Editor, if applicable, will host a coaching session with a staffer not in compli ance.
The ODYSSEY Media Group strives to provide ac curate, fair and unbiased news for the CCHS com munity. All published information should be dou ble-checked for accuracy before publication, which includes but is not limited to verifying spellings of names, verifications of dates, locations and claims made by sources. It is vitally important for OMG personnel to make every effort to ensure accuracy, fairness and balance. However, if incorrect informa tion is published or an error is made in the maga zine, the error will be acknowledged and corrected at the beginning of the next issue in the Corrections and Omissions section. On the website, minor errors (grammatical/stylistic) will be edited and corrected in real time. Significant online errors will be dis closed and amended in the online Corrections and Omissions page.
Libel is any published communication that falsely harms a person’s reputation. There are four elements, all of which must be proven in court:
LEGAL ADVICE
How can I avoid libel?
• Watch out for charges, assertions and claims – it doesn’t matter whether we’re saying it or we’re quoting someone else directly. If we print it, we’re responsible for it.
The nature of the copyrighted work. Some works are closer than others to the core of what the law was intended to protect. A unique work of fiction, for example, will receive greater protection than a news story covered by many reporters.
1. Publication. Plaintiff must prove the statement was communicated to someone other than the person it was about.
The best way to protect yourself against invasion of privacy laws is to obtain consent from your subject.
• Libel can be found not only in news stories, but in letters to the editor, cartoons and ads. Again, if we print it, we’re responsible for it.
How can I use copywrited material?
• Make sure the questionable material can be prov en true.
• Confirm and verify all defamatory material.
What is libel?
2. Identification. If the statement in question doesn’t mention the person’s name, the plaintiff must prove that people who read it believed the plaintiff was the one identified.
3. Harm or defamation. Plaintiff must prove the statement harmed their reputation in the eyes of the 4.community.Fault.Plaintiff must prove that fault has occurred either because of negligence (failure to exercise ordi nary care) or actual malice (knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard for the truth).
• Running a correction (legally, a retraction) is not a defense, but doing so can reduce punitive dam
• Under the “fair comment rule,” a student is free to express an opinion on matters of public inter est. The material should be labeled, for example, as an editorial, commentary, column, review or the like.
24 ODYSSEY Media Group Handbook
2. Fair use: the Copyright Act gives four facts to determine what can be used without the copyright holder’s permission.
The purpose: Are you making a profit off the materi al you’re using? If so, you’ll be held to closer scrutiny.
1. Consent: getting written permission from the copyright holder. When in doubt, do this.
10% of the total work has been the general rule for what is acceptable, but remember to attribute it. The effect of the use on the potential market for the copy right holder. Did your use of the material make it harder for them to sell the original? If so, it probably was not fair use.
• Truth is a defense. Good intentions are not. Regardless of how you intended something to be perceived, the courts will look at how it was perceived.
• Words such as alleged and reported do not serve as protection from libel.
ages if you’re sued for libel and lose.
• Be especially careful of arrest reports, damage suits and criminal court proceedings.
• Be careful of unofficial statements made by police or court officials outside the courtroom.
The best way to protect yourself against invasion of privacy laws is to obtain consent from your subject.
Privacy is an individual’s right to be left alone. A person can claim invasion of privacy based on any of these four violations:
light. You have portrayed, in words or pic tures, a person as something that they are not.
1. Invasion of privacy
Under the Supreme Court’s 1973 Miller v. California decision, a three-part test must be applied to deter mine whether material is obscene.
Despite what they might think, public school officials do not have an unlimited license to censor high school student media.
4. Copyright violation
– personal habits, details or his tory that the person doesn’t ordinarily reveal.
-- It is not illegal to publish nudity in photos or drawings (unless the photo would be deemed ob scene; see above). However, in the context of a high school publication, the OMG will not publish ob scene or indecent content.
2. Whether the work depicts or describes, in a patently offensive way, sexual conduct specifically defined as obscene by the applicable state law.
25ODYSSEY Media Group Handbook
What is obscenity?
3. Whether the work, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political or scientific values.
2. False advertising
9. Threats to national security
Highly offensive – the information must be such that it would humiliate or seriously offend the average 2.person.False
What is invasion of privacy?
3. Intrusion. This deals with how the information is gathered – through trespassing or misrepresenta tion of oneself to gain access to a place or person. A reporter doing this can be sued even if the story is never published.
How can I avoid invasion of privacy?
While it is technically not illegal, there are still some things to consider concerning indecency:
1. Public disclosure of private or embarrassing facts. This is subject to a three-part test. The material must have Sufficientlybeen private – known only to a small circle of family or friends.
-- When dealing with vulgar language, decide if its use is necessary in order to convey the message of the story or if it will divert attention from the sto ry’s primary focus. Make sure the author isn’t using certain words just for shock value without journal istic justification. Determine if there is less offensive language that would communicate the same thing.
of unprotected speech are:
7. Defamation
8. Expression likely to incite unlawful action
The best way to protect yourself against invasion of privacy laws is to obtain consent from your subject. If you intend to rely on that consent as defense in a privacy claim, get it in writing from the subject. It is always a good idea to include parents in particular ly sensitive stories - when in doubt, secure parental Thepermission.nineareas
1. Whether “a reasonable person applying contem porary community standards” would find that work, taken as a whole, appeals to a lustful interest.
3. Fighting words
5. Disruption to the school day
What about indecency?
4. Misappropriation. Unauthorized use of a person’s name, photo, likeness, voice or endorsement to pro mote the sale of a commercial product or service.
*Note: if something appears in court records or is said in open court testimony, it is not considered private Sufficientlyanymore.intimate
6. Obscenity
you can legally print the names of minors as long as your information is accurate, newsworthy and lawfully obtained.
5. Despite what they might think, public school offi cials do not have an unlimited license to censor high school student media. The First Amendment still offers all students some - and in many cases, a great deal of - legal protection.
Tips from the SPLC
7. You are almost always legally safe shooting and pub lishing photos taken in a public setting.
Freedom of Information Act
4. Nothing in the law requires schools to prohibit the publication of student names or photos in stu dent-edited media on the Internet. Indeed such a rule, when applied to online student media, can easily result in the inaccurate identification of indi viduals, which is not just bad journalism, but, legally, quite risky.
the phrase “In my opinion” (for ex ample, “In my opinion the principal illegally used school buses for a family vacation”) does not create an automatic shield to libel. Neither does simply reprinting what someone else has said. (For example, “The principal used school buses for a family vaca tion," said John Doe.)
9. Students are legally responsible for everything they publish. Being a minor is no automatic shield from 10.liability.Public
3.material.Including
11. Material on the Internet is not free for the taking. The same copyright rules that protect printed material also protect images, graphics, sounds and text pub lished online.
1.court.Yes,
8. Journalists do not have a special license to violate the law, even when investigating important news sto ries. For example, underage reporters that participate in a “sting” operation to see if local stores sell alcohol/ cigarettes to minors or photographers who trespass on private property to take a photo run the risk of being prosecuted for breaking the law.
school officials cannot ban in-school dis tribution of all underground or independent student publications. Such publications are entitled to signifi cant First Amendment protection.
12. There is no church/state conflict when students alone create and make the decision to publish sto ries about religious activities or beliefs in the student media.
The U.S. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a law ensuring public access to U.S. government records. FOIA carries a presumption of disclosure; the bur den is on the government - not the public - to sub stantiate why information may not be released. Upon written request, agencies of the United States govern ment are required to disclose those records, unless they can be lawfully withheld from disclosure under one of nine specific exemptions in the FOIA. This right of access is ultimately enforceable in federal
26 ODYSSEY Media Group Handbook
2. No, giving a copyright owner credit (for example, “Courtesy of Newsweek) is no substitute for actually getting the copyright owner’s permission to use the
6. Material that does not have a copyright notice on it (for example, Copyright © 2006 Student Press Law Center) is often still protected by copyright law.
Departments
• ODYSSEY is in the font Harriet Display in all caps.
• All acronyms must be spelled out for first reference.
- counseling department
• In headlines and decks, only the abbreviations CCHS and CCSD may be used to increase readability.
• When referring to only the magazine, always write it as “the ODYSSEY Newsmagazine”.
- Capitalize Advanced Placement classes
Clarke Central High School 350 S. Milledge Ave. Athens, GA 30605
Example: The first time our school is mentioned in a story, spell out the entire title, “Clarke Central High School.” For the rest of the story, simply write “CCHS.” Another example is referring to AP classes as “Ad vanced Placement” upon first reference, but using “AP” for the rest of the story.
Enrollmentis1880,always.
• When referring to only the website, always write it as ODYSSEY Online.
- fine arts department
Example: “OK, I have an awesome story to tell you guys," social studies department teacher Drew Wheeler said.
27ODYSSEY Media Group Handbook
- science department
- JROTC department (Always use initialism when referencing JROTC because it is com monly known)
ODYSSEY AND AP STYLE
- special education department
- math department
Acronyms/Initialisms
Address
- social studies department
- English to Speakers of Other Languages de partment (ESOL)
- physical education department
• Unless it’s not obvious what school you are talking about, once introduced, you don’t need to continue using CCHS (i.e., if you’re writing about the football team, you don’t need to keep writing CCHS football team.)
- English department
Neither the subject nor the word “department” is capitalized, unless the subject is English, French, Latin or Spanish. However, you do not capitalize “foreign language department”.
ODYSSEY
**For any other title or name in question relative to the Clarke County School District, visit the CCSD website. This also includes a link to pages for CCHS where you can find the spell ings of teacher names and other programs.**
- Career Technical and Agricultural Education department (CTAE)
• Place a teacher’s department in front of their name as their title.
• The iliad Literary-Art Magazine is the sister publication of the ODYSSEY and is under the umbrella of the OMG. The club and maga zine should always be lowercase and written in italics.
• When referring to the Media Group as a whole, always write it as “the ODYSSEY Me dia Group.”
- foreign language department
• Capitalize formal titles. Formal titles generally denote authority, professional or academic activity. Example: President Joe Biden, Principal Dr. Swade Huff, Interim Superintendent Dr. Xernona Thomas, former Director of Bands Robert
not capitalized when they are not used with an individual’s name. Example: The principal did all she could to prevent the new dress code from being passed.
• Do not capitalize informal titles. Informal titles are generally occupational descriptions. Example: government official Duke Peabody
• Miller W. Jordan Memorial Food Court is the formal name of the cafeteria
• James M. Crawford Memorial Arena
• E.B. Mell Lobby and Auditorium are the formal names of the lobby and performing space
• Class capitalization: Names of specific classes are capitalized, Advanced Physics, Environmental Science, Accelerat ed Geometry, Advanced Composition, JROTC IV; when sources or writers are referring to a generic class, lowercase should be applied, e.g., literature classes, math classes, gym classes, etc.
referringCapitalizationtorace
The use of Black is a recognition and acknowledgment not only of the cultural bonds and historical expe riences shared by people of African heritage, but also the shared struggles of the descendants of enslaved people, families who immigrated generations ago and more recent immigrants from Africa, the Caribbean and other corners of the world.
In addition to the use of the uppercase B for Black, post coverage recognizes there are individuals who prefer not to confine themselves to identity based solely on the color of their skin. Just as the U.S. Census asks individuals to categorize themselves by race, ethnicity and nationality, in our journalism, people will have the opportunity to identify as Black, African American and biracial, or something more ethnically specific, such as Afro-Latino, Ethiopian American or other national identifiers, a reflection of the many cultures and backgrounds that constitute this vast community.
28 ODYSSEY Media Group Handbook
Formal titles should always be used in articles. When a new person is introduced, it is imperative that they have a title written by their name to identify who they are. Otherwise, they have no credibility and their purpose in the article is vague. If you are unsure about a title of a Clarke County School District stakehold er prior to securing an interview, check the CCSD website. As shown in OMG interviewing presentations, reporters must clarify titles after confirming spelling of source names at the beginning of any interview.
FORMAL TITLES
• Media Center is capitalized
•Lawrence.Titlesare
Use Black when referring to something that applies to the general race of people, to ensure inclusivity, and African American when specifically referring to someone of direct African descent in America. If the person was born in another country, is of Black race and now lives in America, ask what they identify as.
• ODYSSEY Style will capitalize Civil Rights Movement even though it is not formally capitalized in AP Style
• “Sen.” or “Rep.” Then, say their party (and county if they are a state congressman.)
of the ODYSSEY Media Group are always referred to with their grade level, along with whatever makes them relevant to the story. If they poses a specific title put the title before the grade. Example: “I like theater,” Drama Club president Bobby Smith, a senior said.
• Titles should be placed before the person’s name. Example: “It really doesn’t matter what she says here,” Principal Marie Yuran said.
• For military titles and other specific titles, refer to the AP Stylebook.
• Ex: If national, “U.S. Rep. John Lewis, D - Ga.”
CCHS administrators are written as Principal Dr. Swade Huff, Associate Principal Dr. Summer Smith, Associate Principal Dr. Cindi Lowe, Assistant Principal Latinda Dean and Assistant Principal Tamika StudentsHenson.outside
• Alumni - multiple people who identify as male or mixed gender
Structure
• Alumna - one person who identifies as female
• Alumnus - one person who identifies as male
• Alums - multiple gender neutral people
• For congressmen, never fully write their title. Write...
• Freshman, sophomore, junior and senior are only capitalized at the beginning of sentences. Other wise, they are lowercase.
• When titling a CCHS alumnus (someone who identifies as male): Clarke Central High School (or CCHS) Class of (insert year here) alumnus (name)
Example: Clarke Central High School Class of 2004 alumnus Bill Louder was honored.
• Ex: "Varsity basketball point guard Cameron Stokes, a senior, boxed out …”
• Alum - one person who identifies as gender neutral
• Alumnae - multiple people who identify as female
Specifics
• If the title is extremely long, list the name and then a comma followed by the title and another comma, followed by the rest of the sentence. Example: “These shows are in many ways constructed and edited,” Horace Newcomb, Director of the George Foster Peabody Awards and professor in the department of Telecommunications at the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication of Georgia, said.
29ODYSSEY Media Group Handbook
• Ex: “Georgia state Sen. Frank Ginn, R - Danielsville.”
Except: when titling a student athlete...
• If a source has not yet been introduced, write the title of the person, their full name and “said.” (TITLE PERSON SAID)
When quoting people interviewed in articles:
Example: “I love being an ESOL teacher,” Smith said. BECOMES “I love being an (English to Speakers of Other Languages) teacher,” Smith said.
Double check the spelling of every name you quote. It is embarrassing to misspell someone's name and the person with the misspelled name will not be happy.
Example: “To say that all of the Department of Homeland Security is incompetent because Federal Emergen cy Management Agency didn’t handle the Katrina response as well as we would have liked to is not fair and doesn’t do the country service,” Lee said. “There are also people who don’t like this particular administration and distrust anything that it wants to do.”
• If someone uses an acronym when referring to some thing not yet mentioned in the story, replace the acronym with its full spelling in parentheses.
• If a source has already been introduced, they are referred to only by their last name. Never “he or “she.” Example: “Quote,” Westrich said.
• If they speak using contractions, slang or informal lan guage, LEAVE THEM. They said it.
When a quote is long (more than 30 words), you can break it up by placing the source attribution in the mid dle of the block - include the break between sentences, not phrases, thoughts or ideas.
Example: “Quote,” ODYSSEY Media Group Variety Editor Isabella Westrich, a junior said.
When quoting people interviewed in articles:
Example: “He is an extremely hard worker,” Branch said. BECOMES “(Henderson) is an extremely hard worker,” Branch said.
What to do with long quotes:
Example: "Look ‘em in they eye," Pavlic said.
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• If someone is referring to something using a pronoun and it is unclear in the text what they are referring to, re place the pronoun with the thing in parentheses.
QUOTES
When a source's quote isn't clear...
• In general, use the semicolon to indicate a greater separation of thought and information than a comma can convey, but less than the separation that a period implies. Avoid usage.
that the semicolon is used before the final “and” in such a series.
Semicolon ( ; )
To link independent clauses:
• Use a semicolon when a coordinating conjunction, such as ‘and,’ ‘but’ or ‘for’ is not present.
Ex: Aza Khan's plane was scheduled to arrive yesterday; she arrived today.
• When referring to something that belongs to the school, use CCHS’.
• The most frequent use of a colon is at the end of a sentence to introduce lists.
• Dramatic emphasis: The colon often can be effective in giving emphasis.
Ex: McCage had only one hobby: petting her cats.
• If a coordinating conjunction is present, use a semicolon before it only if extensive punctuation also is required in one or more of the individual clauses.
• Unless a particular literary effect is desired, however, the better approach in these circumstanc es is to break the independent clauses into separate sentences.
Placement with quotes:
• Place semicolons outside quotations.
• The only section allowed to use contractions is Viewpoints. In any other section, spell the two words out.
• For words ending in “s,” no additional “s” is needed after the apostrophe, e.g, spiders' web, not spider's web
• Used in place of omitted letters or in conjunctions to signify possession.
Ex: Harwell wanted to cover a CCSD Board of Education meeting; she wanted to study for her AP exam.
Ex: They pulled their boats from the water, sandbagged the retaining walls and boarded up the windows; but even with these precautions, the island was hard hit by the hurricane.
• The first word after the colon is capitalized only if it begins a complete sentence or the first word is a proper noun.
• Try to avoid using colons in an article.
Apostrophe ( ’ )
PUNCTUATION
To clarify a series:
31ODYSSEY Media Group Handbook
•ka.Note
Colon ( : )
• Use semicolons to separate elements of a series when the items in the series are long or when individual segments contain material that also must be set off by commas. He is survived by a son, John Smith, of Chicago; three daughters, Jane Smith, of Wichita, Kansas, Mary Smith of Denver, Colorado and Susan, of Boston, Massachussets; and a sister, Martha, of Omaha, Nebras
Ex: a cheap fur coat (the noun phrase is fur coat); the old oaken bucket; a new, blue spring bonnet.
Ex: We are visiting Spain, and we are also planning a side trip to Madrid. We visited Barcelona, where our guide greeted us.
Ex: “Why are you putting me in the handbook?” Meyer said.
• Use a comma instead of a period at the end of a quote that is followed by attribution.
Ex: “SIPA was super fun,” St.Onge said.
• Use commas to separate a series of adjectives.
Ex: Emma was glad she had made an A on her final, for the end of the semester was only days away.
Ex: The class said that the trip “opened their eyes to the world of Spanish culture.”
• If the commas could be replaced by the word and without changing the sense, the adjectives are equal.
• When a conjunction such as “and”, “but” or “for” links two clauses that could stand alone as separate sentences, use a comma before the conjunction.
Ex: When Johanna entered the lab, she decided to play Dirty South trap music.
• If the quoted statement ends with a question mark or exclamation point, replace the comma with the correct punctu ation.
Before attribution:
Ex: a thoughtful, precise manner; a dark, dangerous street
With introductory clauses and phrases:
In a series:
Ex: In Room 231, the curious staffers gathered.
With conjunctions:
• But no comma when the subject of the two clauses is the same and is not repeated in the second.
Ex: We are visiting Burgos and plan to see the statue of El Cid.
• Use a comma also before the concluding conjunction in a complex series of phrases. The main points to consider are whether the athletes are skillful enough to compete, whether they have the stamina to endure the training and whether they have the proper mental attitude.
• Use no comma when the last adjective before a noun outranks its predecessors because it is an integral element of a noun phrase, which is the equivalent of a single noun.
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• A comma is used to separate an introductory clause or phrase from the main clause.
NO OXFORD COMMAS!!!
With equal adjectives:
• Use commas to separate elements in a series, but DO NOT put a comma before the conjunction in a simple series. David Ragsdale wears red, pink and green pants. (‘and’ is the conjunction, so no comma is necessary)
• Use the comma if its omission would slow comprehension.
• Do not use a comma at the start of an indirect or partial quotation.
COMMA RULES
• As a rule of thumb, use a comma if the subject of each clause is expressly stated.
• Always use the dol lar symbol when writing out amounts of money. Use decimals for change.
Ex: The five-year-old child cried.
Party affiliation:
HYPHENS:
Lucas Donnelly's journey will take him from Krk, Croatia, to Madison, Wisconsin and back.
SEPARATING SIMILAR WORDS:
COMMA RULES
Ex: It has been an incredible, awesome day.
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Use a comma for most figures greater than 999. The major exceptions are street addresses (1234 Broad St.), broadcast frequencies (1460 kilohertz), room numbers, serial numbers, telephone numbers and years (1991).
NAMES OF STATES AND NATIONS WITH CITY NAMES:
*We do not use Georgia in conjunction with Athens or Atlanta because it is assumed that our readership isOnlylocal.*abbreviate state names when writing a politician's title and in a caption. See AP Style.
Hyphens are used to join compound words. They are used in prefix es, suffixes and numbers.
DASHES:
Use a comma to set off an individual’s hometown when it is placed in apposition to a name (whether it is used or Davidnot). Ragsdale, Panama City Beach, Florida, and Maya Clement, Athens, were there.
Academic degrees:
If an individual’s age is used, set it off by commas. Anna Shaikun, 16, was present.
•($11.43)Usethe percent symbol
Ex: Junior Cadence Schapker, democrat, believes national change is necessary.
There are two types of dashes, an em dash and an en dash.
WITH HOMETOWNS, ages, PARTY AFFILIATION, ACADEMIC DEGREES and RELIGIOUS AFFILIATIONS:
Use a comma to separate duplicated words that otherwise would be confusing.
Ex: University of Georgia professor Dr. Scott Nesbit, PhD in history from the University of Virginia, spoke at the Ex:Religiousconference.affiliation:JaneDoe,Catholic, attended the religious gathering.
Ex: They lived in Athens from 2007-2018.
(%) when in conjunction with a number.
Em dashes: Can be used to replace punctuation and create a break in a sentence.Ex: Sally was mad - angry, really - but she couldn't show it. En dashes: Indicates time or range
Ex: Along with the typical insecurities of most 13-year-olds, I grew to hate my height.
Dimensions
Ex: The Student Government Association set up the annual event, which took place on Oct. 13.
Ex: I am taller than my 15-year-old brother.
• However, for inanimates, numbers <10 are spelled out.
• Abbreviate the months when used with a specific date. Only Jan., Feb., Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov. and Dec. are abbreviated. March, April, May, June and July are spelled out. Tip: If the month is more than five let ters, it is abbreviated.
Ex: “I entered CCHS a scared freshman, knowing that I would stand out in comparison to my 5-foot2-inch friends.”
• However, if a number is at the beginning of a sentence, then it is ALWAYS spelled out.
• Numbers smaller than 10 are spelled out: (one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine)
• Spell out the dimensions (inches, feet, yards, etc.)
• Hyphens are used for ages if the age functions as an adjective before a noun or functions as a noun.
Ex: He was born in December 1945 and died recently in January.
• Do not hyphenate the phrase if it is used without a noun.
Ex: The law is eight years old.
• Only include the year if the event happened outside of the planned publishing year.
Ex: She was 13 years old at the time.
• Always capitalize months.
Times
• Only use hyphens when the dimension is function ing as an adjective before a noun
Dates
Age
• The use of “o'clock” is acceptable, but not preferred.
Ex: The event took place from 3:45 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Distinguish between morning and afternoon by using “a.m.” and “p.m.”
• Only use apostrophes to indicate inches in very technical contexts
• Use numerical figures
Ex: “At 6 feet even, I am not your average girl.”
• Spell the months out when they are used alone or only in conjunction with a year.
Numbers
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Ex: Maya Clement is 16 years old. Molly Harwell was 3 years old in 2009. (This is an exception to the num bers <10 being spelled out.)
• Figures are always used for people and animals.
• Numbers 10 and larger are simply written as numerals. (10, 11, 12, etc.)
• Use numerical figures except for “noon” and “mid •night.”Usea colon to separate hours from minutes.
NUMBERS AND TIME
Do not abbreviate. Capitalize.
• Some common nouns receive proper noun status when they are used as the name of a particular entity.
Proper nouns:
• Lowercase the common noun elements of names in all plural uses.
Ex: Georgia, Clarke Central High School, John, Mary
Ex: Everyday troubles prevented her from doing other things. (“Everyday” is describing “troubles.”)
Seasons
Proper names:
Ex: Democratic Party, Oconee River, Broad Street, West Side.
• Capitalize nouns that constitute the unique identification for a specific person, place or thing.
• “Every day” is used for all other times and is always two
Ex:words.“Iwould go to the field every day.”
Lowercase all seasons unless they are part of a formal title.
COPY EDITING TIPS
Everyday vs. every day
• Lowercase these common nouns when they stand alone in subsequent references.
OK is always “OK,” never “O.K.,” “ok,” or “o.k.”
• Capitalize common nouns such as party, river, street and west when they are an integral part of the full name for a person, place or thing.
Ex: the Democratic and Republican parties, Broad and Baxter streets, lakes Lanier and Hartwell
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Days of the week
• “Everyday” is written as one word only when functioning as an adjective.
CapitalizationOK
Ex: the party, the river, the street, to the west
Ex: Jittery Joes, Taco Stand
BASIC WRITING TIPS
• Are there stakeholders who can be inter viewed on the issue?
2. Pitches
• Will the issue still be timely and relevant at the time the newsmagazine is published?
6.ityWrite rough draft
• Does the issue relate to campus, regional or national news issues?
Steps of journalistic writing:
Gathering facts is vital when starting any story and involves researching your topic in terms of the 5Ws and H. You should start conducting research as soon as you get your story assign ment and it is a good way to gather a better understanding of what sources are necessary for your story. You should do this before conducting interviews as you can ask more educated ques tions and start out with a better understanding of your topic. Keep in mind that you should use different sources to ensure your information is accurate. Make sure to use a mix of internet re search, personal accounts, library resources and other relevant resources such as documents and books.
• Will the article be informative and educational for our community? Is it “fluff?”
• News values must be prevalent in each story. These include: relevance, proximity, promi nence, consequence, conflict, timeliness and human interest.
This section will give you basic knowledge on the ODYSSEY Media Group writing process and ways to better organize your writing. It will also help you better understand the idea of pitches, angles, the interviewing process and the 5Ws and H. It will discuss the importance of gathering information about your topic and ways to help implement that when interviewing and writing interview ques tions. You will be expected to understand and implement everything you learn while on the ODYS SEY Media Group staff.
• Why do you want to tell this story?
7. Section editors edit RDs before submission
4. Interview
• Are there illustrations or visuals that can be included to create a strong story?
8. LCE edits RDs and gives feedback
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Checklist for choosing an article:
ConductingOverview: research:
• Are there people in the CCHS or Athens community that are involved or affected by an issue?
8. Make edits after conference with LCE
10. Finalize draft
1. Brainstorm
9. LCE and EIC edit final drafts
5. Transcribe interviews thoroughly/with fidel
11. Final copy edits
3. Arrange interviews and research more infor mation on topic
Visuals are important to give the Visuals Team an idea of the kinds of photos to take or illustra tions to create. Graphs and charts are also important elements to stories, so keep in mind what you are going to need to help get your story across.
WHO are going to be those that are involved? Who was the leader? Who was the first to act? Who was responsible? Who was affected? Who was helped most? Who was harmed most? Who would thisWHATinterest?isthe
STAKEHOLDERS
Pitches
WHY
PLATFORMCROSS-
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Here is the format that your pitches should look like:
If you submit a thorough and strong pitch, it will be considered. You are not guranteed to be assigned a story that you pitch. Every cycle, the Cabinet and Mr. Ragsdale have other important stories in mind that must be assigned.
Pitches are fully articulated brainstorms. They are important for organizing information about a potential writing topic and allow you to get a grasp of where your writing is headed. You must complete two pitches each cycle. When writ ing a pitch, you are to address the who, what, when, where, why, how, stakeholders, visuals and cross-platform elements. Pitches will be submit ted to the Cabinet to be vetted and staffers will receive story assignments.
BrainstormsANGLE
happen? How can the issue be resolved? How did this affect you (blog)? How did it affect others?
WHERE is all about location. For the most part, stories are going to take place at CCHS, but if they aren’t, location is very important. How does setting mold the story? What level: national, state, HOWlocal?didit
WHY is this important? Why should you write about this? Why is relevant? Why does the public need to be informed? Why did the sequence of event occur? Why did the event happen?
Stakeholders are those people whose voices you need. These can be vague in the sense that you just need a student voice or these can be specific people whose voices are critical to your story. Be as specific as possible.
story about? What happened? What is the purpose? What will the result be?
Angle is the most important part of your story. The angle is basically what the story is going to focus on. For example, if you are writing about construction in the school building an angle might be: how is the construction affecting students’ learning? You are taking a big picture idea and tai loring it to a specific cause or effect.
are conducted at the beginning of each cycle. Students will compile a list of 10 story ideas that could be pursued by staffers. These ideas can cover all aspects of the magazine and do not have to be fully articulated. With this be ing said, brainstorms should give enough detail that the idea of the story is accurately conveyed. Students are recommended to discuss and brain storm ideas with their staff and the entire class. Brainstorms should be realistic and fit to the amount of time available to complete the story.
Brainstorms
WHEN is this happening? This can depend if the story is time sensitive or you are unsure about the time of events. If you’re unsure, ask a source. Magazine stories should be timeless.
WHEREWHENWHATWHOHOW
VISUALS
Cross-platform is how you plan to make this story viable for both print and web, whether this be shorter versions, multimedia elements or making a spread in InDesign.
Transition: Concluding, brings all of the ideas together and sets up the quote
Quote: Kicker quote; from the new Superintendent from the press release; about how he feels and the work he hopes to do in the future
• Active voice
• Outline your story before writing.
• Tell a story. Your article should generally flow in the order you would tell the story verbally. Inverted pyramid stories or chronological stories are the most common sense approach.
ADVANCED STORY WRITING TIPS
• Displays two or more news values
• Avoid creative or flowery descriptions
• Use humor when appropriate
• A different, engaging angle
Quote: From press release about the new Superintendent's skills and experience that will contribute to the position
• Has feeling, voice
• A relatable topic
Transition: Go further in on the new Superintendent's accomplishments and previous work in the district
• Use logical/emotional appeal
Reader appeal factors:
• Try different angles to make mature issues
• Beware of adverbs
OUTLINE
Lede: Introduce the new Superintendent and why he is the new Superintendent
Organization
• Snappy leads
• Before you begin writing, organize your quotes into broad categories.
• Logical and effective organization
Ex: If you’re writing a profile on head football coach David Perno, you might organize your quotes into categories such as “childhood,” “beginning to coach,” “challenges he has faced” and “student reactions.”
• Writing should be true to life
• Direct and to the point
Quote: Reaction quote from someone who previously worked with the new Superintendent
• Descriptive words that show, don’t tell
• Explain to yourself why each paragraph falls naturally in the order it does. If you can’t think of a reason, you probably need to reorganize.
Writing style factors:
•accessibleAvoidclichés – explain using your own voice
Read your entire draft aloud. Self-edit as you go and make sure the story flows. If a transition or paragraph doesn’t sound right, rewrite it.
Nutgraph: Give more background information about his previous positions and accomplishments
38 ODYSSEY Media Group Handbook
Should answer several, but not all, of the basic questions: who, what, when, where, and why, plus how and so
THE PURPOSE OF A LEDE:
This stresses breaking-news as if the readers are hearing the news for the first time.
HARD NEWS V. SOFT NEWS LEDES
Summary Lede:
Basic ledes:
• The most important part of an article.
WRITING LEDES
Narrative ledes: Tells a story with enough dramatic action so readers can feel as if they are witnessing the event. Includes dialogue, scene setting and foreshadowing—giving the reader clues on what will happen.
Hard-news Ledes
• Includes the 5W's and 1H
Starts with a story about a person or event.
39ODYSSEY Media Group Handbook
Soft ledes
Impact Explainsledes:how the reader and viewers will be affected by an issue.
Describes the person, place or event. It doesn’t have to focus on a person who is one of many.
Anecdotal ledes:
ledes:
Descriptive ledes:
• To grab the reader's attention.
Updatedwhat.
• If the lede isn't good, you risk losing the reader.
• When writing ledes, always give the "what" and then any of the additional four W's and H.
Avoid cliches and stereotypes when writing ledes! Don't generalize or use stereotypes and avoid overused phrases. Example: It was a dark and stormy night...
• Before you start recording, always ask your source if it’s OK to record the interview, especially if it’s over the phone before recording.
2. Have a wide variety of questions prepared -- Even if you think you know where you want your story to go, have a wide variety of questions covering several different angles; you might be surprised with the answers you get.
3. Don’t be predictable -- Obviously, you need the basic information, but don’t ask predictable questions. Think of unique angles you could take and formulate questions accordingly. A bland interview will result in a bland article. As they answer your questions, consider follow-ups that might benefit your story.
1.sible.Condense your questions -- Phone interviews are generally shorter, so you will probably want to narrow your list to the 10 most important questions.
40 ODYSSEY Media Group Handbook
INTERVIEWING TIPS
Phone Interview
Traditionally, the OMG prefers in-person interviews. However, with some stakeholders this will not be pos
• If you’re using a mobile phone or laptop, make sure it’s charged or that your charger is accessible.
2. Be personable -- It’s harder to convey courtesy over the phone, so be sure you are audibly polite and en gaged. Thank your subject before and after the interview.
• Rehearse what you’re going to say before you dial the number, make the Zoom/FaceTime/Google Meeting call or meet them in person.
Beating the nerves
3. Use speaker phone -- If possible, use a speaker phone so you can record your interview with another de vice, or use a call recorder app. As always, record your notes by hand for back up.
1. Start with the basics -- Ask the person for the spelling and pronunciation of their name, as well as their pronouns. What is the person’s title and what does that job entail? What makes them qualified to speak on this matter? How long have they worked in their field? If it is relevant and important to the story, ask about their race. Even if you’ve done the research, confirm these facts for accuracy.
With the exception of critical reviews and some blogs, OMG articles require some sort of interview. How do you conduct a successful interview? Keep these tips in mind as you prepare for such assignments.
Tips for brainstorming interview Concepts:
4. Throw in a couple of hypothetical questions -- These questions should be related to the topic you are cov ering, but they may evoke the best responses you get in the interview. Also, ask questions you may already know the answer to. Your interviewee may provide a different perspective.
4. Get his/her address -- At the end of the interview, get the subject’s address and send them a thank you note.
Recording
• Dial on a landline/school phone on speaker phone and then use your phone, a computer or a recorder to record the interview.
• Look over your questions enough so you are comfortable asking them out loud.
• Make sure you’re in a quiet place where you won’t be distracted.
2. Transcriptions should be done slowly and precisely with fidelity.
3. Prepare your list of questions for the interview.
3. Write them a thank you note. Take these 4.seriously.Whenyour story is published, online or in the magazine, ALWAYS share it with the people you interviewed.
1. Transcribe the entire interview word-forword like a script immediately after.
After the interview
41ODYSSEY Media Group Handbook
1. Contact the person, introduce yourself properly, state the reason for the request and arrange a convenient time (for them, not you) to meet for the interview.
6. Make sure you have a pen and paper to take notes with when important ideas were expressed. Take down the minute mark in which this happened in your notes. Additionally, you should be taking notes with fidelity, as technology is not always reliable and recorded interviews can be lost; in these cases, you will need to vet your notes with the appropriate Cabinet Member and Mr. Ragsdale for authenticity and viability.
4. Make sure you ask your subject before the interview if you have their permission to record the interview.
2. Do some background research on your subject before your interview.
3. Allow for some flexibility in the interviewing process. You may ask your subject a question and in the process of their answer, they may answer another one of your questions, so don’t be redundant – skip the other question. Also, if they interject with additional interesting information, take down those notes as the subject feels that what they are adding is important.
5. Send a reminder to your sources about the interview (time and date, meeting place if it is in-person).
During the interview
6. Ask the person if you may contact him/her if you have any follow-up questions as you begin to write the story and for their address if you will need to mail their thank you note.
2. Start with the more broad questions and then get more specific as the interview goes on.
5. Thank the person for his or her time when the interview is concluded and ask if they have anything else that they would like to add before the interview is concluded.
4. Remember it is your responsibility to keep the interview focused.
Before the interview
1. Greet your subject cordially. Reintroduce yourself and the nature of your meeting. BE POLITE at all times. Ask to record the interview.
Menu items are meant to be not only an opportunity for writers to expand their portfolio and try out new styles of writing, but they should also be a challenge. It is expected that Menu items be as engaging and informative as any other story published within the ODYSSEY Media Group. Each option should cover the 5W's and H, have a clear purpose and audience.
"Mental renaissance" by Antonio Starks
Staffers are NOT allowed to write a menu that correlates with their section. For example, someone on Viewpoints Staff cannot write an editorial, satire or blog.
Menus are monthly assignments, which can be chosen from a list of fifteen options. Each person on staff must complete a different option each monthy.
MENU ITEMS
"I'll miss you, little one" by Aza Khan
Unlike Feature story deadlines, only final draft submissions will be accepted for menu items. After submitting their draft, staffers will receive edits to revise, but staffers will not be able to submit edited drafts for additional credit. Completing edits will enhance staffers’ chances of publication. Menu due dates are posted in advance and are standing deadlines.
A 275-300-word conversational, opinion-based or personal experience story, written in first person and accompanied by a visual element and caption. This can be an argument of a political issue that interests you, commentary on a development at CCHS or an entertaining/humorous/thought-pro voking anecdote or story from your personal life. If you choose to write about a personal experience, it must appeal to readers and be relatable.
BLOG
Scenes should be wellselected and thought out and the photo should be in context of the story and quote. For example, a scene about a student who loves soccer should feature a photo of the student playing soccer. The photo should also be attractive, professional and taken in landscape mode. For inspiration, see Humans of New York or the InstagramODYSSEYpage.ScenebyAzaKhan
SCENEs
Staffers will need to submit THREE quality scenes for credit. This can be a photo or a short video of one CCHS person, person of importance in the CCSD community or group of people (student, teacher, staff, etc.) that captures something unique about that person and their story. Accompanying the photo should be a brief ODYSSEY style caption that gives context to the photo and a short (150 word max) quote that encapsulates the subject’s story.
'OK Human'
"Review: 'Never Have I Ever:' Season 3" by Janie Ripps
ok"
REVIEW
"Review: is better than by Anna Shaikun
This option is a 275-300-word critical review of a timely movie, TV show, restaurant, product, album or other relevant addition to national or local culture, and should be accompanied by a visual ele ment and caption. You must insert your own opinions in a professional way without using personal pronouns (I, you, etc). Instead, use words like "viewer” or “reader.” Depending on the quality and timeliness of your review, it may be published in Cultural Buzz or on the website.
Q&A
"Review: 'OK Human' is better than ok" by Anna Shaikun
A Q&A features one subject that is knowledgeable about a topic newsworthy to the CCHS commu nity or that can speak on their own life and experiences. The story should follow a traditional Q&A format, written like a script/transcription, and the final draft should include 8-12 questions with lengthy, meaningful responses that give insight into the topic your subject is speaking on. Howev er, you should ask the subject more than 12 questions. Q&As must also be submitted with a photo, caption and deck.
"Review: 'Never Have I Ever:' Season 3" by Janie Ripps
300 WORD STORY
A 300 word story is a highly stylized profile that gives a brief window into the life of your subject. It is accompanied by a photo and caption. This will require an in-depth interview of some kind and is meant to force you as a writer to find the most important “nugget” about one person or story. It need to communicate that "nugget" effectively in 300 words or less. This option requires observational, subjective journalistic style that tells the subject’s story from the perspective of the writer with little reliance on quotes.
"Transformation through speech" by SchliekelmanNatalie
46 ODYSSEY Media Group Handbook
"Moving others upward" by Anna Shaikun
This option is a 300 word coverage story about a newsworthy event. This can be coverage of a sports game, community meeting, panel discussion or other relevant event. These must answer the 5W’s and H and follow general news writing rules, should include three or more sources and can be writ ten in either the inverted pyramid style or chronologically, depending on the event. These stories should be turned in less than 24 hours after the event begins. Communication between you, the Lead Copy Editor and the Digital Editor is vital as you write in order to post the story in a timely manner.
Handbook
"CCHS v. NOHS Game Coverage" by Wyatt Meyer, photo by Lucas Donnelly
47
EVENT COVERAGE
ODYSSEY Media Group
48 ODYSSEY Media Group Handbook
"This I Believe: Antonio Starks" by Antonio Starks
BROADCAST OR PODCAST
"Revisiting gaps between Glads" by Gretchen Hinger
If you choose to create a broadcast video, you have a few options: news video, vlog or PSA, and all options should be approximately 1:30 minutes in length. These videos should include interview clips as well as b-roll shots shown during a voiceover that add value to the video. Alternatively, you may create a podcast with a guest, or a personal podcast, such as a "Letter to My Younger Self" or a "This I Believe." Both options should include an intro, outro and appropriate credits. When checking out equipment, you must follow ODYSSEY protocol (see appropriate section of staff manual).
hot topic
49ODYSSEY Media Group Handbook
Infogram."Fiveartists
to watch in 2018" by Everett Vereen
A Hot Topic is an original list covering the month’s “Hot Topics” of any subject matter that interests you. This could be a collection of popular songs of the month, new restaurants in Athens, a world ly news update, app releases, etc. Hot Topics will typically be presented in infographics. Use your creativity! The infographic must be visually appealing and engaging, and inform your viewer of something relevant to that month. Writers are responsible for following ODYSSEY style for all text. Programs for creating infographics include Canva, Piktochart and
50 ODYSSEY Media Group Handbook
Photo by Lucas Donnelly
photo gallery
A photo gallery is comprised of 50 to 200 photos of a school or community event that capture its scene and emotion. When shooting a photo gallery, you should end up with a memory card full of photos. That doesn’t mean they should all end up in the gallery. Galleries need to be a curated se lection of photos from an event that are well-shot and cover it completely from beginning to end. Photos should always be taken with a digital camera. Cameras and other relevant equipment can be checked out through the Visuals Coordinator and Mr. Ragsdale.
51
Hype videos are 1:30 minute videos promoting an upcoming CCHS sporting event. Hype videos should be exciting and compelling, with appropriate music and editing and should have a mixture of a-roll and b-roll, with game/practice footage and interviews with coaches and/or players. They must be submitted at least three days prior to the event it is promoting, and should be cleanly edited with attention to detail.
Handbook
Hype video
Video by Lucas Donnelly
ODYSSEY Media Group
Video by Krista Schumaker
by Antonio Starks
"Letter from the Editor" by Audrey Enghauser
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"Diagnosedargument.withignorance"
An editorial/satire addresses a timely and relevant issue and expresses an opinion on it. They should be 400-500 words long with a visual element (photo or illustration) and caption. Editorials/social commentaries should have a clear and defensible claim and be backed up with evidence and sources. The claim should be developed and built upon throughout the article. Editorials/social commen taries should avoid use of personal pronouns. Satires use exaggeration, ridicule and/or sarcasm to criticize and bring attention to an issue, and should have a clear purpose and
editorial/satire
profile
"M'Aiken connections" by Cadence Schapker, photo by Aza Khan
A profile tells the story of a subject with prominence or relevance to the CCHS/Athens community. They should be 400-500 words long and should tell a compelling story, appeal to the audience and accurately portray the subject. Profiles must have an in-depth interview with the subject, with audio and transcriptions for all interviews in the folder. They include quotes from the subject, the subject’s family/friends and teachers/coaches of the subject (if applicable). Profiles have at least three visual elements: one feature photo and two subordinate photos.
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ODYSSEY Media Group
Handbook
news story
"Desensitized to danger" by Emily Couch and Audrey Enghauser, photo by Lucas Donnelly
A hard news story should have a newsworthy angle, focusing on something at CCHS or in the great er Athens community. They are 500 words or more and should be fair, balanced and accurate, and contain the newsworthy elements of a news story such as timeliness and relevance. Hard news sto ries should also follow a quote-transition-quote format and display a logical structure and the invert ed pyramid. All information should be fact-checked and backed up with a source, avoiding “voice of god.” These should include feature and subordinate visuals and captions.
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ODYSSEY
breaking news/news brief
"Welcoming Hooker home" by Riley Ramsey, photo by Aza Khan
Breaking news should be written on a timely piece of news and submitted within 12 hours of the event/development. News briefs should preview upcoming events. Each story should each be 275350 words long and accompanied by a feature photo and a subordinate photo. All information should be fact-checked and backed with a source, avoiding “voice of god.” The story should be struc tured logically, and answer all reader questions. In order to get credit for this assignment, the story needs to be DONE and POSTED to the website, in a timely manner. “It ain’t news if it ain’t new.”
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How to make a Google Map: http://bit.ly/1NqDMSn
How to use SoundCite: http://bit.ly/1ixZas2
• What will make the story more attractive to readers?
• No previous experience is needed.
• Easy to use
The best multimedia stories are:
MULTIMEDIA
How to make an infographic: http://bit.ly/1QpmhAk
Google Maps:
is that it is time consuming.
• Multi-dimensional and keep readers engaged in the article
How to use Storify: http://bit.ly/1JV4vAp
•Infogr.am:Thesite offers free templates that are sleek and easy to use.
• Add different perspective on the content of the article
•Timelines:Aquick synopsis of the article and provides more information that may not be in the story.
• The reader should be able to place the event or story in relation to a landmark.
The changing digital media landscape requires a new skill set in multimedia content production. A multime dia story is some combination of text, still photographs, video clips, audio, graphics and interactivity.
• Try and be creative when making a timeline.
• They are quick and easy to make.
• They are appealing and easy to understand.
•SoundCiteInterviews can be more interesting and can be more interactive than pull-quotes.
• What will increase the story's accessibility?
•Canva:visual.Offers free customizable templates
• Timeline JS, Dipity, read write think and timetoast are all free timeline generators.
How to use Timeline JS: http://bit.ly/1QpmiEb
AInfographics:application.combinationof
graphics, pictures, interactive maps, charts, etc. in order to make an interesting and helpful
• Visual and help break up text
• Static photos can become interactive.
StellerSteller:is a new way of storytelling. It’s more dynamic with video and pictures. The only downside is that it is not fully integrated for the web and is primarily a mobile
• Both platforms are free and easy to use.
• Maps are compatible with most articles, but not all.
• How can I connect the story to social media?
• No previous experience needed.
•••Piktochart:VerycustomizableEasytouseHowever,adownside
• SoundCite and/or SoundByte can be used on other platforms.
Questions to ask yourself while making
• Other types of multimedia can be embedded within the timeline.
• Is there another perspective that can be shown through multimedia?
•multimedia:Whatwill best convey the story?
ONLINE PRESENCE
Instagram serves as the ODYSSEY’s way of connecting directly with students through images. Images posted are primarily of students in the form of Scenes at Central. It is imperative for staff members to obtain quality photos and Instagram handles from stakeholders when conducting interviews. Other Instagram postings include breaking news teasers accompanied by a photograph, infographics of rele vance, short promotional videos, IGTV videos, photos of ODYSSEY staff members interacting, the announcement of major articles published and community event coverage. It is expected that ODYSSEY staff members follow the account and inter act with it. As of the writing of this staff manual, there are 2,429 followers on this account.
Facebook creates a fast connection between the OMG and our local community audience, namely the alumni and parents of Clarke Central High School. Through the website, we are able to post news about our staff, publication and school, which will then be shared on Facebook to garner greater readership. In addition, be sure to ask family members to “like” the ODYSSEY on Facebook. As of the writing of this staff manual, there are 2,064 followers on this account.
In recent years, Twitter has not been utilized to the fullest extent. It is the fastest way for the ODYSSEY staff to disseminate breaking news and updates about our publi cation and sports scores throughout the ODYSSEY’s audience. In the professional sphere, Twitter is a resource for journalists that, when utilized, can be for ODYSSEY students as well. It is expected that staff members follow the ODYSSEY’s Twitter ac count (@OdysseyNewsmag) and interact with the content posted. As of the writing of this manual, there are 1,129 followers on this account.
Facebook (meta)
WordPress
The ODYSSEY Media Group's website is hosted through WordPress, a blog and web-hosting content man agement system (CMS). We are able to publish articles from each issue as well as exclusive and more timely content on the website. The OMG has maintained a web presence since 2007.
• Washington Post
News Publication Apps:
• Wall Street Journal
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Social Media Apps:
Other apps:
• Anchor
Staffers should stay up to date with current news. It is also critical to consume news from a variety of sources and perspectives. These accounts/apps can help students stay up to date. Staffers may be quizzed on current events at any time.
• New York Times (Free with CCSD Gmail account)
• ESPN
Multimedia Apps:
These can be used for easy access to create multimedia for Feature stories, section stories and menus:
• SoundCloud
Each ODYSSEY staffer is encouraged to have a Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to establish a pres ence as a journalist within our community and to promote the ODYSSEY Media Group’s publica tions and posts, as well as engage with content posted on our accounts.
• Canva
• Bleacher Report
• BBC News
These are apps each ODYSSEY member should consider downloading to stay informed with current events, social media and to remain a well-rounded journalist.
Bit.ly Google Docs Google Drive
• Steller
APPS
• Adobe Spark
• If you could time travel to any event, where would you go? That’s the question 93 students will answer tomorrow
• Wording should be clear/grammatically correct.
• Develop an online personality (like @weatherbird or @ rembert) - Find good people and mimic what they do.
• Tag others in posts when you can.
• Be conversational in your posts. Stay away from saying things like “Check out this article...” People don’t like to be told what to do.
• Always double check posts before sending. Make sure you are sending from the correct account, make sure grammar is correct and make sure facts/dates/names are
• Dates need to be correct.
•night.Remember, you represent the ODYSSEY when you are posting online. Whether it is from our account or your own personal account - what you put out there can’t be taken back.
Style and tips for posting
SOCIAL MEDIA
• Be kind; never act acidly or unprofessionally
• Be an expert on all things ODYSSEY.
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• Link in bio when you can.
• Be interested in others, and be interesting to others.
WHEN USING THE ODYSSEY SOCIAL MEDIA:
• Check analytics when possible.
• Posting on any form of social media is still publishing. You would not send the paper to print without editing it first, so why would you post without editing? All rules that apply to the magazine or a story for the web, apply to social media.
•verified.Stayconsistent on Instagram with stylized posts (same fonts and formats for most posts)
• Example of being conversational: Prom Fashion Show features 35 juniors and seniors as well as Darlene Jones and other surprise guests.
• Make sure AP and ODYSSEY style is followed.
BASIC CODE
ALL ARTICLES) <a<strong<h6><strong>CAPTION</strong></h6>style="color:#b43232;">DECK</strong>href="http://www.odysseynewsmagazine.net/author/USERNAME/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">More from FIRST LAST</a> How to http://bit.ly/1O2j4Iphttp://bit.ly/1iy0I59post:Postingcodes: *Posting codes are in an official web formatting guide. Talk to the Digital Editor or Webmaster if interested in learning how to post.
CODING (FOR
1. Brainstorm photo/graphic/cartoon ideas and discuss with Section Editor.
• Bring the writer along with you whenever possible.
2. Meet with the photographer and discuss what the angle of your article will be to give them a better idea of what kind of pictures to take.
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3. Reach out to the person you need photos of and get their permission.
PHOTOGRAPHY
• Rule of thirds.
• Fill the frame of the camera.
• Control the background.
Photography for Writers
• Photographers won’t always be available. If you check out a camera to take pictures, reach out to the Visuals Coordinator and Mr. Rags dale multiple days before you need to use the equipment. By all means do this. Though Photographers have to teach you how to use the ODYSSEY camera.
• Use good pictures. Talk to the pho tographer about your article. Discuss and brainstorm what kind of photo it needs. If you have time, go with the photographer and help them out.
Whenever possible, it’s ideal for the writer to accompany the photographer on a photoshoot. This will relax the subject and provide a greater context during caption writing. Besides, the writer knows the story best.
Photography for photographers
• Every article needs its own visual element. (The majority are photos.)
• Make the subject feel comfortable.
• Know the story you’re taking pictures for. Discuss the story with the author and your editor before shooting.
Steps to requesting a photo:
3. Check-in on the status of your photos periodically, but don’t harass the photographer. Your story is not their only responsibility.
• You and your editor should be in constant communication with the Visual Staff about your visuals status.
• Take both vertical and horizontal photos always.
You focus the camera by twisting the rings around the front of the lens. This mode is ideal when filming, but with photography, automatic mode is more convenient Automatic(usually).
CAMERA BASICS
Manual mode:
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Aperture, Shutter speed, ISO - the “Exposure Triangle”
Aperture is a hole in the lens of your camera which determines how much light passes to the camera sen sor. Aperture controls the depth of field, which is the portion of a scene that appears to be sharp. In simpler words, it is what makes the point of focus either super in-focus compared to the very blurry background or just as focused as the rest of the frame.
mode: The camera determines the focus point for you.
under Fair Use guidelines.
Focusing
ISO is the level of sensitivity of your camera to the light coming through the lens. It is typically measured in numbers. A lower number represents lower sensitivity to available light, while higher numbers mean more sensitivity. As the ISO increases, so does the grain/noise in the images. So typically, the lower the ISO, the better.
If the aperture is small, the depth of field is large (more appears to be in focus), while if the aperture is large (less appears to be in focus), the depth of field is small. Ap erture is expressed in “f” numbers, which explains why aperture is commonly referred to as f-stop.
Shutter speed is “the length of time a camera shutter is open to expose light into the camera sensor.” Shutter speed is measured in fractions of a second. Slow shutter speeds allow more light into the camera sensor and are used for low-light and night settings because they allow more light into the picture. The ideal camera setting for filming would be low ISO and a higher shutter speed to allow more light. This is different in photography. Fast shutter speeds help to freeze motion (which is what is used for action photography).
Photo
• A script is necessary before filming a video
• Add music, but not so loud that you can't hear the person speaking
• Shots must be at least 720p; preferably 1080P
BROADCAST
All videos must abide by their domain qualifications to be approved. Professional environmental wrap arounds are prefera ble, but not required for all videos. Video credits should be included. All videos must be approved by Mr. Ragsdale, the Vi suals Coordinator and the Digital Editor before being published.
• Plan these out ahead of time with a shot list
• Generally speaking, use a variety of shots to create balance
• Be prepared with external microphone, tripod, extra SD card and full camera battery
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Broadcast 101:
Video components play a more than sig nificant role in convergence media. There are many ways to include video compo nents in a package, some of which include video clips of the interview embedded in the text, a standard 1:30 A-roll/B-roll vid eo and a more lengthy feature video (no longer than 3:00).
Video basics:
Stories must be filmed, edited and up loaded in a very timely manner. News and sports coverage become irrelevant to the audience if they are not posted within one to three days (max) of an event. Fea ture stories are generally timeless, but all types of stories are more relevant if they're posted as a companion to a timely event. Irrespective of the package, all broadcast pieces must be vetted and approved to meet OMG standards before posting.
• Get plenty of B-roll
Video Components:
• Film several interviews, as well as any thing and everything that is visually pleasing
• Interview questions
Style:
• Clear, quiet background when record ing (don't record somewhere windy or loud)
• Have a plan before you go shoot
wraparounds: the reporter introducing the video on the camera and closing the vid eo on camera (located at the setting where the video takes place)
• Hold the iPhone horizontally (never shoot vertical video!)
BROADCAST TERMINOLOGY
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Man on the street: a video made through the process of a traveling camera crew/set asking a variety of people the same/similar questions.
You can always use your iPhone to recover from an equipment mishap or a short notice assignment. Features like the built-in stabilization and iMovie make this a simple Tipstask.
• Use the AE/AF Lock on your camera screen to help with focus and lighting
• Be patient with iMovie - it will be a tedious process on small screen if you choose to edit this way
iPhone recovery
Sign off: this term is used only when the video does not include a wrap-around, the sign off will take place over voice-over (ex: Lucas Donnelly reporting for ODTV)
Say it, show it rule: when the interviewee mentions something or the reporter is transitioning, B-roll of what is being talked about must be shown.
• Brace yourself against an object or use the t-rex stance to ensure stable footage
T-rex stance: stance for camera person not using a tripod (arms bent and holding the camera/phone at chest level using the abdomen/torso to steady the equipment)
A-roll: Action Roll, the interview portion of the video (the subject voice)
B-roll: Background Roll, the footage located between A-roll, showing what the source is talking Environmentalabout
for taking a photo with your iphone:
• The Loran Smith Center provides an outlet for cancer patients.
• MLK event at the Lyndon House features community speakers and a kids’ learning day.
Soft news (human interest): News that focuses on a community event or a feel-good angle. When cover ing stories like this, it is important to put a face on the event.
• Videos#Beatnorthoconee.onthefly:As
• Break-in’s
• Clarke Central musical set to pull back the curtain.
TYPES OF VIDEOS
• Fire at local Department
• The iliad Literary-Art Magazine hosts a creative writing celebration.
• An alleged SA case within the school district
Issues News: (1:30 mins)
• Classic City Championship Trivia.
Features: These videos may included, but are not limited to an in-depth look at an issue or a video profile.
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• Family opens a small business to feed the community.
• Soccer coverage with a sideline reporter on site.
• David Perno and Leroy Ryals talk about the Classic City Championship.
Entertainment/Vlogs/Hype/Public Service Announcement: These videos include person on the street, trivia, hype videos and vlogs/short stories. The intent of these is to provide entertainment, to build ex citement or provide insight to a personalized issue. Again, these videos should show the audience, not just tell. Run time depends on the specific purpose of the video, but should not exceed three (3) minutes.
News: All news videos should stick to the standard 1:30 time rule. They will follow the a-roll/b-roll/a-roll/broll….formula strictly. The video must include at least two sources that are either (expert, pro, con or neu tral).Hard
This is breaking news.
News: (1:30 mins)
Sports: All sports videos must abide by the 1:30 time rule, but are allowed to go under 1:30. No matter the circumstances, all sports videos must include a professional environmental wrap around. Depending on the nature of the sports video, it will need to include two sources, that are either (expert/coach, player, spectator).
• When covering stories like this, it is important to tackle the issue, not the person.
• Library holds tech week
journalists, we have to be prepared for all situations. When it comes to broadcast, there are many sticky situations to get into, but a lack of fancy equipment is not one of those sticky situations to worry about.
• The importance of consent.
Just normal little everyday •storiesCollege
News that is urgent and serious
• A short clip of a random event is always a welcome addition. For example, if one was writing a story on a skateboarder, a video of them doing tricks would be an easy on the fly video.
Just News: (1:30 mins)
fair comes to Athens
Typically, dependent on quality b-roll and interviews, these videos should be three minutes including credits and support a Features article. It is critical that these videos not only tell the audience, but show the audience.
• Discovering dyslexia.
EXTRA
Studio lighting and remote lighting can differ in size and portability. If you are looking for on-location interview lighting then consider on-camera LED kits with battery power.
2. Tripods provide stability to a shot, whether a pho tograph or a video recording. Tripods are essential in filming as it makes the shot flow smoothly and more professionally.
3. Handheld Microphones can be plugged directly into a stereo input on a DSLR camera with an adapter. Most handheld microphones have an XLR output cable that needs to be converted to a ⅛ inch input. These micro phones often reduce the background noise and also come in more expensive wireless versions. These work great for a “Man on the Street” type interview where the reporter and the subject are both in the shot.
LIGHTING
4. Shotgun Microphones can be attached to cameras or digital recorders and record sound in an area. Shotgun microphones are good for interviews on the fly and whenever you do not have the ability to get a micro phone on your source. These microphones are often mounted on top of a DSLR (hot shoe mount).
CAMERAS
1. SD cards are the flash memory cards used to store and provide a high-capacity memory for cameras, audio recorders, computers, phones and other digital devices. SD cards, depending on the size, can easily and quickly fill with too many files. Before going on a shoot, make sure the SD card has enough space and if possi ble, bring an extra.
EQUIPMENT
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1. Digital Recorders like the Zoom H4N and Zoom H1 are great for anything audio related. They record very clear sound through built-in stereo micro phones and they have stereo inputs for 2 XLR micro phones and 1 ⅛ input. It records to an SD card and can also be used as an audio interface for computers.
2. Lavalier Microphones that plug directly into stereo inputs (digital recorders or a camera input) are a must-have. These mics should be used while record ing voices in interviews. The subject should have the mic clipped to the collar of their shirt and the cord of the mic should be run under their shirt so it is not visible.
2. DSLRs are optimal for recording in the highest quality HD video. The difference in quality comes with large light sensors to capture greater colors, the ability to change lenses and the highly dynamic aper ture. These cameras are very affordable compared to professional video equipment, but are certainly still an expensive option.
If you must use a camera without a microphone input, an external handheld microphone (see audio equipment below) provides a high-quality solution.
AUDIO
1. Consumer video cameras for the most part record in full HD and most have external audio inputs. The majority of these camcorders record on SD cards, which makes it easy to upload and edit footage. Make sure any camera that you consider purchasing has a microphone input. Built-in microphones will not record anywhere close to the high-quality audio that is required for ODYSSEY content.
After you have decided what kind of broadcast video you would like to make, the next step is to write a solid script that follows these four rules:
but use language you would normally use to speak every day. Leave out superfluous information. The idea in each paragraph should be simple and easy to grasp.
We should remember that we are not writing a piece of written literature. You should be natural and use words that are a part of your spoken vocabulary. Scripts are meant for you. You need to ensure that they adhere to a set of rules. Remember: a bad script leads to a bad video. Make sure that every script is reviewed by the Digital Editor and Visuals Coordinator.
4. Explain 5Ws and H
3. Be clear
1. Scripts are not articles
Writing for radio and television must be informal. You should sound educated,
SCRIPT WRITING
Do not use vague or ambiguous language in script writing. Viewers need to be able to grasp what you are saying without confusion.
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Your voice over and your script is what offers the facts. Get straight to the point.
2. We are speaking to our viewers, not reading to them.
Even if you have a great microphone, back ground noise will forever be picked up. Un less you want the interview to feel like a busy scene, quiet settings always make for better quality audio. If you’re recording your own voice over, try recording in a quiet room without a vaulted ceiling, such as a car, a clos et or the ODYSSEY back room.
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If you are trying to do a run and gun inter view, you need to use a handheld micro phone that you can hold close to the subject's face. The handheld reduces background noise and lets the reporter control where the mi crophone is pointing. A great option for this scenario is the Zoom H1 or Zoom H4N.
Recording audio can often be the most difficult part to getting great video stories. Here are five simple tips to get the most out of your audio.
AUDIO BASICS
1. Know your audio equipment, and when and where to use it.
3. never rely on the onboard microphone of your camera.
4. Find a quiet space.
If you are outside, there are a number of natural elements that can interfere with the quality of your recording. If it is windy look for something to block the wind – standing next to a building or a wall could do just the trick. Some everyday items to help with mut ing excess noise that can be used as micro phone coverings can be: eraser tips or a piece of cloth or clothing item, such as a sock.
2. Double-check your equipment.
Always check your battery before you leave the room for an interview. Never ever use a worn-down battery either, due to the fact that as the battery gets lower on power, a cracking or dropping out of the sound could interfere with the level you want to achieve.
Most DSLR and camcorders have a small area that looks like three to four pinhole dots for the onboard microphone. This stock micro phone will produce nearly inaudible audio, and render even the most elegant shots use less.
5. Be mindful of Mother Nature.
Watch your level, not your volume. When recording you should be concerned with the level of audio. When you are listening you are concerned with the volume level. They are two different readings. Your recording level should always be between -12 and -24 dB.
• Always take the microphone/recorder. If you don’t have access to this, use your phone. You never know when the audio on your camera will fail you and in general, camera microphones are worse than separate ones.
Types of shots
Get plenty of b-roll no matter what the circumstance; more than you think you need.
Filming
FILMING PROCESS
The interview
• Film several interviews with several sources. For example, if you are doing a story about a restau rant, make sure to talk to customers and employ ees about the restaurant. Even if the interview is unplanned, you need their voice in your story, not just your expert sources.
• Know your camera. Know how to adjust the settings on your camera. Use aperture, ISO and shutter speed to make your shot look as good as it can.
• Like in photography, don’t be afraid to get cool and unique angles. Use what you learned with photojournalism and apply it to filming.
• Action Medium- MS - zoom with your feet to introduce your character
• Reaction Wide
Film in sequences: tight shots, medium shots and wide Everyshotsaction has a reaction. For every action shot, you have to have a reaction shot: no exceptions. The REACTION evokes the emotion.
• Edit these shots together in sequences to help tell the story.
• Framing is key. Use the rule of thirds in all inter views to create balance.
• Most importantly: TAKE ALL THE TIME YOU NEED TO SET UP THE CAMERA FOR THE INTERVIEW. Never feel rushed. Make a conver sation while you are setting up the camera. Ask your source to please excuse you or, if you can, get to the location early.
• Reaction Medium
• Just like when going on interviews, you need to have a plan when you go shoot b-roll. Go back to the location as many times as you need.
• Action Tight - T or CU - show what the charac ter is doing
• Make your source feel comfortable. The interview should be a conversation, not an interrogation.
• Action Wide - WS - establish the scene
• Reaction Tight
Good interviews are crucial in a good video package. You don’t have the luxury of correcting your sources' mistakes through parentheses.
B-roll stands for background roll or the footage your video shows over the voice over. Your b-roll should relate directly to what is being said by the reporter or by the source.
• Introduce your characters but “tease” your audience. This will keep them engaged.
Begin with natural sound and end with natural sound.
Informally introduce your subject. This allows for a smoother transition.
Ex: [wide shot of tiny boy walking through the hallway using telekinesis] [cut to interview of boy]
• Your audience won’t necessarily remember what you tell them, but they’ll remember what they felt.
Set the location of the story before you dive into it. This allows for the viewer to men tally visualize “where they are”
VO: “Although many efforts are trying to be made to keep Clarke Central safe, students feel otherwise.” Use a wide shot to set the scene: establishing shot.
• DON’T reveal the most important information or the “golden nuggets” immediate ly; reveal them at the point when they will be the most effective.
• Use natural sound and reaction shots to evoke emotion.
• If you say it, show it. If your source is talking about eating soup, show the audience the character eating soup.
Middle & end
Edit in sequencing. Sequencing is a series of shots one after another that help tell the story and show what the subject is doing. Typically, these shots are edited together in a WIDE-MEDIUM-TIGHT sequence. However, you can always change those shots around (tight - medium - wide).
VIDEO LAYOUT
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Ex: [panorama of front of CCHS]
Beginning
LITTLE TIMMY: “I’ve always felt left out because I’m... different.”
Adobe InDesign
The ODYSSEY uses Adobe Photoshop CS5, Adobe InDesign CS5 and Adobe Illustrator CS5 in the production of the magazine.
Selection tool: It’s the first tool in the tool palette (on the left side of the screen) and is a black arrow. Use this whenever you need to move something on the page.
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DESIGN PROGRAMS
surement. To change your standard default unit of mea •surement:Edit--> Preferences --> Units and Increments --> Pull the drop bar down on the vertical and horizontal selections and click inches.
How to set up Bleeds: • File --> Document Setup --> More Op tions --> Adjust your bleed to .125 inch es and make sure it’s linked (look at the small box on the lower left-hand side of the window. If a small chain link is intact, the image has been linked successfully).
This is used to put the magazine together and is where you’ll spend the vast majority of your time when designing your layout.
To place a photo in InDesign, hit Ctrl + D and it will open a menu. Find your photo in the drop box and select it.
How to switch from picas to inches in InDesign: A pica is 1/6 of an inch, and in InDesign it is your default unit of mea
Text Tool: This is also in the tool palette and is the fourth tool from the top. It’s the “T” for text. Use this to create a new text box, which then functions similar to a word document. Also, click this if you want to edit text already on the page or modify it in any way. Note that when you have this selected, the palette at the top of the page changes where you can modify the text (make it italicized, underline it, change the font, etc.)
Bleeds: Bleeds are when a photo runs off the page (in the corners or on the sides). This means your photo must reach the pink line that sits off the page to ensure that there won’t be any white lining around the photo after printing. Check your bleeds!
Text Wrap: Cmd + Alt + W
Select multiple objects on a page by using the mouse: Shift + Left Click
2. Grayscale the image Image > Mode > Grayscale
3. Resize the Imageimage>Size
Add a page: Cmd + Shift + P Text frame options: Cmd + B
> Resolution: 300 + height and width should be the actual size in inches of your photo (ie. 5in by 8in)
Lasso Tool: These tools are located on the tool palette which, like InDesign, is on the left side of the screen. It is the second tool from the top on the far left column. If you hold down with your mouse over the icon, you will see there are three types of lasso
LockW an object in place on the page: Cmd + L Group multiple selected ob jects: Cmd + G
lasso is the one you will be using the most since it recognizes different shades of color on a photo. To add more to your selection after you’ve already gone over it once, hold down “shift” and this will allow you to add more of the picture to your selected area. By holding down “Alt” you can take away areas of your selection.
For non-color newsmagazine photos, these are the following steps to take for images:
This is where all the photos get edited, as well as where the majority of graphics are created. You can either open an existing photo or a new document.
Hide/Show grids and guides:
Select tool: V
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Linking Text Boxes:
Undo: Cmd + Z
4. Save photoFile> Save as > title document properly, save to proper folder, always save as TIFF
Place: Cmd + D
Thetools.magnetic
Show Baseline Grid: Cmd + Alt + ‘
Adobe Photoshop
1. Place desired image into Photoshop
Then, a trick to make the image crispers: Image --> Mode --> Adjustments --> Auto Contrast
InDesign Shortcuts
To find and open a file you start out by opening the “File” tab at the top of the screen. File --> Open --> Find the file in the drop boxes --> click open
If you have too much text for a text box to display, a small red plus sign will appear at the bottom of the text. If this is the case you will need to link this text box with anoth er to make the text fit. At the bottom right-hand corner of every text box is a linking tab. It’s a small blue box that’s about twice as big as the box that marks the dimensions of the box. To link a text box to another, simply click the box and click anywhere on the text box you’d like to link it to. The missing text will ap pear inside the newly linked text box.
After you select the area you want, right click inside the area with the lasso tool still selected and hit “select inverse”. This se lects every area on the picture except the area you used the lasso tool on. Then hit either “backspace” or “delete” and it’ll cut out the area you selected.
Helvetica Neue Lt. Com (37 Thin Condensed Oblique) has replaced Georgia as the second ary font in the magazine. This means decks, captions, bylines, photo credits, drop caps, pull quotes, etc. are in Helvetica Neue Lt. Com.
NameBYLINES--All Caps 7 pt. Helvetica Neue Lt. Com (37 Thin PositionCondensed)--8ptLeading (space between the lines)
Full page -- 18 pt. Helvetica Neue Lt. Com (37 Thin Condensed Oblique)
7 pt. Helvetica Neue Lt. Com (37 Thin Condensed)
CAPTIONS/PHOTOwrap CREDITS
9 pt. Apple Garamond, left-aligned
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Variety -BebasSUBHEADERMontfontsizedepends on context
Second header font, used for subheads and all head lines that aren't consistently in the magazine.
0p9 text
AdjustPHOTOScurves (typically lighten), adjust image size: 300 resolution, RESIZE (approximate in proportion to size in inches on page), save as TIFF file.
BODY TEXT
PULLQUOTES
ViewpointsHEADER -- Harriet Display (Bold Italic), All Caps, font size depends on News/Features/Sportscontext.--Bebas Neue
Attribution -- 11 pt. Helvetica Neue Lt. Com (37 Thin Name(ifQuoteVARIETYCondensed)13pt.Montneeded)-- 15 pt. Mont Attribution(if needed) -- 13 pt. Mont
DOCUMENT SETUP
STYLE PALETTE
HalfDECKSpage -- 14 pt. Helvetica Neue Lt. Com (37 Thin Condensed Oblique)
W:8.25in, H: 10.75in Set both pages and start # to 2 Columns: 6 Bleeds: 0.125in
10GHOSTpt.Harriet Display (Black italic) Color: d4d7d4 (hex code)
14VIEWPOINTSpt.HarrietDisplay (Bold Italic), size depends on context, color matched to drop cap, QuoteNEWS/FEATURES/SPORTScenter-justified.16pt.HelveticaNeueLt.Com (37 Thin NameCondensed)--19pt. Bebas Neue
GHOST: An image that is placed at the end of an article, letting the reader know that the article has ended. For the ODYSSEY, it’s a little O for… yah know, ODYSSEY.
TYPEFACE: The font style used consistently throughout a publication
WIDOW: When the last line of a paragraph is not able to fit at the bottom of a page or column. Instead, it sits at the top of the next page, looking out of place.
HEADLINE: The title of an article. A good headline draws readers in while providing information about the article. The headline should avoid sensationalizing or exaggerating the story.
DECK: This is a sub-headline. All articles have them, and they’re generally one-two sentences. They should be catchy and explain the article. Be sure to put your deck in italics.
Journalistic design is just as important as writing. The design of a page is what draws readers in. Without an eye-catching design, readers might overlook your story. To improve your design skills, study profes sional magazine layouts. Don’t be afraid to steal layout ideas from them. Professional magazines often have eye-catching yet easily recreatable elements. Make sure you sketch out your design before ever getting on a computer. A well-planned layout will make the process much easier and leaves you with a solid page.
HEADSHOT: We use these in the ODYSSEY for Question of the Month and editorials. They’re a picture of the article’s author or the person the quote is from.
MASTHEAD: The list of editor and staff positions at the start of the magazine.
MAGAZINE DESIGN
TOMBSTONING: Where the headline is centered on the page; NEVER do this.
BYLINE: The name and staff position of the writer.
Design terminology:
SPREAD: There is a difference between a spread and a layout. A spread is a story over two pages lying next to each other, such as p. 24 and 25. It’s important to package the spread and make sure the pages feed off of each other.
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COPY: Another word used for the main text of your article.
PULL QUOTE: A visual element that enlarges one quote from the copy for emphasis. Should draw attention to an important voice from the article.
LAYOUT: The design of an article’s page(s). Includes copy (byline, deck, headline, caption, credits, pull quotes) and visual elements (graphics, photos, cartoons, infographics).
CAPTION: The text that accompanies visual elements. Captions are generally next to the photo. Make sure they aren’t craptions (terrible, horribly awful captions) and that they are three sentences long. Captions must include a quote that is not already in the article.
White space is actually a part of the elements of design. Professional de signers know how to use white space to clean up a messy page and allow the reader to breathe. It’s not always best to cram as much as possible onto trapped white space.
This is an orphan. When a single word jumps to the next line and is iso lated alone on a line, it distracts the readers eye and is a negative effect for your page. Kill all orphans by changing the size and location of text boxes or removing useless words in the text.
2. Vertical – balances on a center axis; avoid because it creates tombstoning
3. Diagonal balances on a center axis; best because it follows eye patterns
Readers look at pages and read them in certain ways. We read from left to right, starting at the top of the page. The three terms below should help explain how people view
Mechanicalpages.
Optical Center: Where the readers eyes go first (top lefthand corner of the page)
“A pull quote can be easily used to draw your reader in, add to layout appeal or break up big blocks of text. Be careful when choosing the quote.”
You don’t need to worry about kerning, tracking or leading too much. They are already included in the ODYSSEY style templates in InDesign. However, do not track or kern to fill up leftover space or to make it all fit on a page. It is noticeable, tacky and obvious you didn’t meet your word count.
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TRACKING: Spacing between words
Dominant Element:
Design concepts:
LEADING: Spacing between lines
center: Reflects the actual center of the page (middle of the page)
DESIGN TERMINOLOGY CONTD.
Lazy S: The invisible line people follow when they scan a page. Imagine a backwards S spread across the page starting in the top left-hand corner
WhereBALANCEwechoose put the heaviest ele
to
KERNING: Spacing between letters
The dominant element is the largest visual element on the page. You want each page to have only one dominant element. It should be at least 33% bigger than any other visual element on the page. If you make two or three similar sized photos, none of them are dominant. A page of similar sized photos isn’t pleasing to the eye, so choose the best one and blow it up to add some flair to page.your
1.mentsHorizontal – balance on a center axis
–
BASELINE: The blue baseline grid lines in InDesign. STAND-OFF/SPACING: The spacing between all elements. It should always be at least 1/6 of an inch or one pica.
• DO use sharp, colorful graphics.
• DON’T use over-complicated charts or graphs, or confusing graphics.
• DO break up big sections of text with items such as pull quotes.
• When carrying text over to the next column, be cer tain not to duplicate lines or chop off the very end of a story (especially if it spills over onto another page).
• Text wrap may create gaps and awkward spaces. Be careful using this tool and watch out for orphans.
Designing for reader friendliness:
• Place the most important stories on the right pages (eyes "catch" right pages first).
• DON’T reinvent the wheel. Sometimes a simple layout is best.
Working with Text:
• DO have a dominant element on a page and preferably 2-3 graphical elements.
• DO design for eye appeal.
• Do not stretch copy across too wide a space (across more than three columns of a five-column, tabloid-sized page). Try to keep it to two or three columns of text per •page.Avoid
• Don't crowd pages with stories. Leave ample white space. White space is your friend and can be a powerful design element.
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• DON’T create a page that is overwhelmingly text-heavy.
crowding type against column rules or text/ graphic boxes.
• Every graphical element and text box should be at least one line in InDesign, or one pica (1/6 of an inch), away from other elements on the page.
• DO use “readable” graphs such as bar or pie charts.
Standardize the number of columns. The more columns the better. Whenever setting up a page layout, start with 3 columns.
• Paragraph indentations should be 0.125 inches.
• Make sure headlines catch readers' attention and are directly tied to the story's lede.
Do's and Don'ts
• DON’T make pages look like jigsaw puzzles.
Creating Text Boxes:
• The fire principle: If someone set a fire on the center of your page, every element should have a way to escape. You don’t want to trap any elements on your page and have it be too busy.
• Allow sufficient contrast when re versing type to white against a dark background or black over a shaded or colored background.
Photograph: Taken by a camera or phone and then uploaded to the computer.
Working with Images:
• Remember to group (right click > group) multiple graphical elements to make it easier to move them around a page. The more you work with the program, the better you’ll be.
Resizing Photos or Other Artwork:Visual Elements:
• Adjust the photo or graphic in Photoshop, not in InDesign.
• All images must be properly sized in Photoshop so as to not increase the size of the master once they are placed into layout. Check the dimensions of your photo in layout and then apply the size under image > image size.
Graphic: Something created in Photoshop or Illustrator, usually using another photo. Infographic: A graphic displaying informa
Art:tion.Anything
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that isn’t a photo, graphic or infographic. Ex: drawings, cartoons, etc.
ODYSSEY
• Don't s t r e t c h a photo in InDesign. It will be pixelated in print. When resizing a frame in InDesign, hold down shift, as this will keep the frame proportional.
Media Group Handbook
• When you scan or resize a photo, always be sure to set the resolution at 300 dpi. Any less than this and the photo tends to be pixelated when it prints.
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MAP: Maps help people figure out where places in the article are located and gives the article more appeal be cause they give a better sense of the subject with a location.
POLL: A graphic made from information compiled in a survey of at least 300 students. Student opinion has a good deal of weight be hind it. Typically designed in Photo TIMELINE:shop.
When you are first assigned your article, consider using an infographic for your page. Infographics are a fun way to provide more information in the story through a creative graphic.
GLOSSARY:map.
DIAGRAM: Explains how something works, or it can even just be a way to give quick facts.
These are great for articles on the more scientific side.
QUOTE COLLECTION: A list of quotes, usually accompanied by head shots of sources, that display a wide range of views on a given topic.
FAST-FACT BOX: A type of infograph ic in the form of a box with facts. These are useful for topics that are hard to ex plain in an article without listing them.
Q&A: We use these mostly in sports. It takes quotes and presents them with a large visual element. Ex: recurring “5 Things” PUBLICspreads.OPINION
INFOGRAPHICS
These can be great repre sentations of a complicated life or story
a column in the magazine where an editor or staff writer writes an editorial intended to display the opinions of the entire staff. An editorial cartoon is usually placed with this column.
The Viewpoints section is responsible for expressing the views of Clarke Central High School students and faculty. Viewpoints topics range from school-related and community issues to personal issues to national issues. The Viewpoints section of the magazine consists of the Letters to the Editor, Corrections and Omissions, Our Take, Question of the Month, Thumbs and articles written by the Viewpoints staff in addition to guest articles by non-ODYSSEY CCHS students and faculty. On the website, the Viewpoints section consists of blogs, columns and opinions/editorial pieces, which can also be written by non-ODYSSEY CCHS students and faculty.
VIEWPOINTS
• Each issue must include at least 4-5 Letters to the Editor -- again, from a group of students from different grade levels, of different genders and of different cultural back
• Try and get an article from each section of the magazine so all of the sections are covered.
Our FreshtakeVoice
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is the section of the magazine where the ODYSSEY staff gives their opinion on articles from each section. Thumbs should give a brief explana tion of what the article is about and should be witty and catchy.
Letters to the editor
The Fresh Voice section is a column where freshmen on and off the ODYSSEY Media Group can express their opinions in the magazine and on the website. Fresh Voice articles are generally short editorials of about 300 words that take up a half-page in the
Thumbsgrounds.
• Hand out the articles to classes and students and ask them to read the article and write a letter. Make sure to ask a variety of students to write letters in order to add diversity. Ask them for their contact information to follow up with them later.
Ourmagazine.Takeis
Steps to getting Letters to the Editor:
Letters to the Editor is the section in the magazine where the student body is able to express their opinions on the articles written in the last issue. However, hundreds of Letters to the Editor do not magically appear in the OD YSSEY mail box, so here are some tips.
The Viewpoints Staff will need to leave the classroom to get quotes, letters and pictures for Question of the Month and Letters to the Editor.
• Don’t leave assignments for the last minute! It will only bring unneeded stress and will put the View points section and magazine behind schedule.
• Be fair – you must give the opposing point of view along with your own view.
• Have fun. Enjoy what you’re writing about.
About editorials
•If taking a student out of class, you MUST have emailed the teacher to gain permission beforehand.
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Corrections and omissions
Question of the Month is the section in the magazine where students and teachers at CCHS respond to a question that is asked by the ODYSSEY staff. The Viewpoints Staff is responsible for coming up with the question and finding people to answer the ques tion. The Viewpoints Staff must also get a headshot of each person answering the question. Question of the Month needs to represent the diversity of the stu dent body. Question of the Month must include one teacher and one students from each grade level and from different backgrounds, one from each grade level.This should not be left for the last minute and everyone on the Viewpoints Staff is responsible for compiling the questions and answers for this section. Be sure to have a variety of answers and a variety of people asked so you can choose from the best.
Corrections and Omissions is a facet of the print publication in which the ODYSSEY Media Group corrects the mistakes that it made in the last magazine, such as incorrect spellings of names, a lack of photo captions or credits for pictures and graphics, etc. Corrections and Omissions are found by the ODYSSEY staff mem bers and the Lead Copy Editor and are documented in the Corrections and Omissions box on the Letters to the Editor page. Corrections and Omissions can also be found in a separate tab on the ODYSSEY website.
• Cover all the issues, use specific examples and always double-check your facts.
• Always make sure that you attack the issue, not the person.
• When you do this, make sure to always remain polite and courteous.
• Base all of your editorials in facts using quotes, news, etc. No baseless accusations or libelous statements.
• Do not freak out at people who tell you no and respect their decision.
• Be on time to class. No excuses.
• Think of all the angles to your article, especially the opposing view.
• Be subtle, logical, reasonable and restrained when writing your article.
When you're out and about:
Tips for writing a viewpoints article
Question of the month
An editorial is not an excuse to rant with no factual base. Do not write your article in first person unless the article is about you. The article should not be a rewritten news story, either. Use facts that you collect or are presented with from different sources to form an opinion on the topic, then construct an argument based on the knowledge that you gained.
• Always present yourself in a professional manner.
NOTE: Most Viewpoints layouts will require a cartoon or photo illustration. It is imperative that the Viewpoints Editor make sure illustrators are notified by the ROUGH DRAFT DEADLINE.
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VIEWPOINTS LAYOUTS
Half page
Keep your text short and to the point in order to fit a headline, a deck, a byline, a photo and a photo caption. Make half of the page one column the other half two columns to break up the text. If there is room, a pull quote is also a good way to break up the text, so your readers aren’t overwhelmed by the amount of text. If there is an imbalance of ink, try giving your half page layout a 20% grey background.
Find one dominant photo and use it. Using two or three columns helps break up the text. Add a pull quote to draw the reader's eye in.
Full page
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Proposal: If you discuss a problem, ALWAYS propose a solution. Don’t be the person who vetoes everybody’s restaurant picks and doesn’t give any suggestions.
Conclusion: Bring home your blog by explaining what you took away from the experience.
Here's the basic structure of a good persuasive editorial:
Blog Template:
Lede (hook): Like a persuasive editorial, the lede to a blog should be short and catchy, and it serves as a reader’s first introduction into the story you're telling them.
Editorial Template:
argument: To balance out your point and strengthen your piece overall, acknowledge the other side’s arguments and disprove them with counter-arguments.
Supporting details: Appeal to your readers’ pathos, ethos and logos -- their emotions, their sense of credibility and their logic.
details: These are very important -- the backbone of your editorial, these are what will give your words credibility. You should have evidence, anecdotal and numerical, to support your Counterpoint.
Supporting details: Make the reader feel they are there with you. Explain how you felt during the experience or at the time, how you have changed, who supported you, etc.
Thesis statement: The main idea of your piece should be a clear and concise description of your posi Supportingtion.
Lede (hook): Your piece’s introduction should be catchy, short (no more than 30 words) and grab the reader’s attention.
Blogs are a little bit different. Unlike persuasive editorials, blogs are usually told from a first-person perspective and recount a personal experience. Here's the basic structure of a good blog:
Thesis: Here's where you introduce the “big idea” of your blog. You zoom out from your personal experience and explain why this is important to you and why it matters.
Conclusion: Finish strong. There is no “right” way to go with this, but an option is always to restate your point in other words or to give a supporting statement for your solution. You want to leave your readers thinking.
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Students outside of the ODYSSEY staff are allowed to submit to the publication as guest writers. Submit ted materials and pitches will be reviewed by the Cabinet and Mr. Ragsdale for verification. The writing must be the original work of the writer and not previously published in any other publication. Guest writers typically contribute to the Viewpoints section of the magazine.
Guest writers are not a part of the Production or J1 class, so editors will have to work with the writer to coordinate conferences and meetings. Guest writers will be expected to complete their story and make edits in a timely manner to allow the magazine cycle to continue as normal.
GUEST WRITERS
Subjective: In an emotional goodbye to the school year, the Clarke Central High School orchestra will perform a beautiful set for their final concert of the year.
Must-have's (at least two per story)
Relevance: It is important that your story's focus is relevant to the Clarke Central High School student body as well as the Clarke County School District or Athens community.
NEWS
News is characterized by its objective telling of events. It has no subjectivity. It is straightforward and bal ances what the reader wants to know and what the reader needs to know. If it is not new, it cannot be news. News also has to be significant. If people need to know about it, then the article needs to be written. Writers think about these things to help them determine what events are news article material.
novelty story is suprising or shocking and is about something unlikely or abnormal.
Proximity: Our readership consists of students and people within the Athens community. We do not write news stories about national and international events unless they have some kind of direct tie to/impact on the CCHS or Athens community.
• The sentence above is subjective and should only be used in the Viewpoints section.
Consequence: People want to know in what ways events, policies, etc. are going to affect them. Within news articles, the effects need to be covered.
• It is simply stated and it does not bring in the writer’s opinion
Conflict: People also want to know about issues and debates within their community. Writers must cover all sides of a Prominence:story.People want to see things and people that are popular. They are going to interact more with people who have a larger awareness or following.
Human interest: News can be written about people's experiences that our audience might connect with. This emphasizes human elements such as personal growth and kindness and connects to the reader's interests or
• It is the writer’s opinion that it is “an emotional goodbye” or a “beautiful set.”
Objective: The Clarke Central High School orchestra will be performing in E.B Mell Auditorium on May 15 at 7 p.m. for its final concert of the year.
Novelty:emotions.A
Timeliness: News needs to be written quickly and efficiently, especially if the article is set to go online and not in print. If it is not new, it cannot be news.
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• When writing a lede```, try to find a way to grab the reader’s attention without slanting the article. Remember: in news writing, you shouldn’t be stating an opinion. People will read the article to get the entire story, not just your side of it.
Avoiding Fake News
Beginning
The ODYSSEY Media Group does not tolerate fake news. We do not publish sensational stories or stories without merit. We do not write click bait. Given our current political climate, reporting real and honest news is VERY important. To avoid reporting fake news, double-check everything. In terview multiple people to confirm information. Do research on your own. Never report something based on hearsay. If you have any doubts on what is true and what’s not, talk with your Section Edi tor, Lead Copy Editor and Editor-in-Chief.
• Again, stay objective. Avoid clichés and cutesy phrases: they do not belong in News.
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• Ledes should be 30 words or less.
Body
Writing a news story
• Sum everything up in your second to last paragraph. Your last paragraph should be a quote that captures the main idea of the article. Your quote should be every bit as interesting as your leading •quote.Donot slip opinions into your conclusion. You have to stay distanced from the topic through to the •end.Looks to the future.
• Go in an order that makes sense for your article. The inverted pyramid style of writing helps a lot with organization and is the main style that we use in ODYSSEY. Chronological order is a good example of an acceptable sequence. It confuses the reader if the information skips around a lot. Chronological order is only used in certain cases, however, so stick with inverted pyramid.
Whether the story will be featured on the website, in the magazine or both, these tips are true for all news stories. Keep in mind that stories that go online will need to be written much quicker than those that go in the magazine.
• You should have a nutgraph, a paragraph that explains the context and basics of the story without spoiling anything.
• You should have an interesting and informative quote directly following the nutgraph to draw the reader in and get the point of your article across.
• Before you start writing, make sure you know what the focus of your article will be. This does NOT mean what your take on the subject is. The focus or angle should be what interests and informs read ers the most.
Conclusion
• Choose quotes that show ALL sides of an issue. To only choose quotes from one side is editorializ ing. Get sources that showcase a variety of ages, ethnicities, genders, opinions, etc.
News platforms
Your headline should attract people's attention
articles: Articles that are not time less and need to go up as soon as possible to be fully understood.
What news articles go online:
- Timeless pieces: Articles about events with conse quences that will affect people for a long time and/or articles that people can read at any point in time and still understand, enjoy, get information from, etc.
- Breaking news: Important news that was released at most 24 hours before the article was written and
- Relativity timely pieces: Articles that will be timely when the magazine is published. Usually of a long term event or issue.
News layouts do not have to be fancy, but they do need to work well with the story. The font for news headlines should always be Bebas Neue. The layout and the visuals should reflect the story. However, you can still have fun moving all of the elements around and pulling a few subtle tricks here and there to create eye appeal. Visuals should always be photographs and not illustrations.
Where your article is published is just as important as the packaging of the story itself. The publication that the article is on e ffects who will read the article, when the article will be read, how the article will be designed and more.
News visuals
Do not restate your headline or your lede in the deck. Although the lede and deck contain similar in formation do not write them to be the exact same. The reader needs to get an idea of what the article is about while also being enticed to read it. DO NOT BE SUBJECTIVE.
What news articles go in print:
PACKAGING A NEWS STORY
Consider including infographics with photos and captions. They are a great trick for captur ing people’s attention and work well for the web site and the magazine. Make sure that they still provide crucial information. For them to work effectively, they need to be neat, appealing to the eye and actually informational.
-published.Timesensitive
NEWS BRIEFS
typically around 300 words and published on the website. You should always include quotes, preferably from both a student and a teacher.
You want to relate the brief to the students as much as possible in order to get more student names in the Newspublication.briefsare
News briefs should each be 275-350 words long accompaniedandby a feature photo and a subordinate photo. All readerandstructuredThegod.”avoidingwithcheckedshouldinformationbefact-andbackedasource,“voiceofstoryshouldbelogicallyanswerallquestions.
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A news brief is a short summary of an event, written in quote-transition-quote format, that relates to the school in some way. Preferably, students should be involved in the activity.
Writing a News Brief
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FEATURES
A Feature is... • A mix between News and Variety • Objective and informative, yet creative • Often controversial or dramatic; covering sensitive is sues • The most in-depth to write • Requires a lot of time and effort • Allows you to get to know your personal writing style better • Involves hard editing • Lengthy • Written in quote-transition-quote format
Preparation:
Feature articles are the longest in the magazine and focus on in-depth stories around Clarke Central High School and Athens-Clarke County. The issues are usually timeless profiles of a student or community figure. Every magazine will have a Feature story that is also the magazine cover story.
Because Feature articles are longer than others, being very organized and following the specific Feature story deadlines that are set in place is imperative. It is important not to procrastinate. Immediately after you get your article assignment, RESEARCH whatever you can about your topic. This will give you informed, detailed questions that will lead to better quotes. Because of their length and sensitivity, Features will require many in-depth interviews. Often times, you will find that many follow-up interviews with a central source are necessary.
Be very professional and sensitive in interviews. Make sure to explain what your article is about briefly to your source. Set up a time and location that’s convenient for your Interviewsource.asmany
Questions:
Outline
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FEATURES ORGANIZATION
Interviewing:
people as possible. A Feature story should have a variety of diverse voices offering different perspectives and opinions. Make sure that these interviews are very lengthy and in-depth in order to secure all information neccessary. Get all sides to the story.
You need to have A LOT of questions for each interview, beyond 20 or 25. Each new topic brought up should have filter questions and follow-ups. Freestyle fol low-ups if you can. Once you’ve asked all your questions, ask “Is there anything else you’d like to add?”
Always send your sources a thank-you card and a copy of the magazine or a link to the website when your piece comes out!
Once your interviewing and transcribing is done, create an outline to help you structure your article. The model of an outline can be mod ified to fit whatever is most useful for individual writers, however, the basic structure is a flowchart with the topics of paragraphs, and quotes that support the topics. These should be detailed as possible and completed prior to writing the rough draft.
Once your interviewing and transcribing is done, create an outline to help you structure your article. The model of an out line can be modified to fit whatever is most useful for individ ual writers however, the basic structure is a flowchart with the topics of paragraphs and quotes that support the topics. These should be as detailed as possible and completed prior to writing the rough draft.
Headline: Your headline should be intriguing and short and should include an action verb and relate directly to a theme or topic in your article. This can often be the hardest part, but thinking of possible headlines ahead of time will help.
lede is often the most important aspect in a Features article due to the article’s length. A lede should pull the reader in and make them want to know more about your topic. There are different leads for different types of articles.
"Retention rate crisis" by Nico Willman
Angle: An angle is an objective view to focus your article around. Often your angle will change with the more interviews and information you get, but it should be in your mind.
Consider the following questions when coming up with an angle: What is the most relat able side of this story? What are people really pointing towards in interviews? Is there an issue that could be confusing? How could you focus your story to clear all confusion for the
Conclusion:reader?
The conclusion should be built up throughout the article and be followed by your second most powerful quote. These look to the future.
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Deck: Briefly describe the article without giving too much away. It is only one - two sen Lede:tences.The
STRUCTURE OF FEATURES
Profiles should have many pictures of the person and what they do that you are focusing on (a club, family, job, etc.). Many times people will have pictures they can give you that would greatly enhance the way a reader relates to that person.
Issue-based stories: Often staged, dramatic pictures that play off shadows, darkness or a portrayed emotion. Must be tasteful and effective in your article or else they will not work.
FEATURES LAYOUTS
Photos
Layouts need to be interesting to keep the reader involved throughout the pages of your article. Usu ally, Features layouts are 4 pages. A dominant photo on the first page with little to no text is a popu lar design idea. Interesting pull-quotes keep the reader engaged.
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Variety is a section made up of Cultural Buzz, reviews, Quest for Athens Best and more alternative news stories. These stories must appeal to a wide range of the student body.
• Capitalize the articles "a," "an" and "the" if they are the first or last words in the title.
What is variety?
What is a blurb?
Cultural Buzz
• Two-page spread made of six 100-150 word blurbs, two 300-word reviews and photo •illustrationsShouldcover a diverse range of restaurants, movies, video games, apps and music along with other events that go on around Athens.
Blurbs are short reviews that make up the Cultural Buzz section. They should be about 100-150 words long. Make them as condensed and creative as possible. They should be factual accounts of what you are reviewing with your opinion embedded throughout. Since it is so short, you need to get straight to the point.
Titles of blurbs are in Bebas Neue (the font).
All blurb copy is 9pt Apple Garamond.
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VARIETY
AP STYLE IN Cultural Buzz
Reviewer's name and staff position is 9pt Helvetica Neue LT (37 Thin Condensed) one line below the blurb.
Put quotations around the titles of books, plays, computer games, poems, lectures, speeches, TV shows, movies, magazines, newspapers, gallery/museum exhibitions, al bums and songs.
When reviewing movies, games, restaurants, plays, poems, albums, songs, TV shows and works of art:
• Capitalize the principal words.
Your goal in writing a review is to inform and entertain readers who might want to try what you’re reviewing. Make your explanation entertaining to keep the reader engaged and give in teresting details that most wouldn’t usually think of. It is okay to write a negative review, but don’t rant. Reviews should be helpful tools for readers. Opinions are good, but an overbearing opinion can set off your reader.
• Pros and cons about the product; ideally with an equal amount of each.
• If the product features no pros, instead of trashing it, offer solutions and potential changes that would have made it better.
Intro: Give basic information about what you’re reviewing; should be about 45-60 words. Just because a review con sists of your opinion doesn’t mean that this part is not vital.
Review: This is the base of your article. Pick the positives and negatives of what you are reviewing and write at least two or three solid paragraphs about it.
• A review should have general infor mation about a product without giv ing away super specific details (per tinent to movies, TV shows, books, etc.). Remember: no spoilers!
• If the product features no cons, give reasons that justify your claim about why the product is so great. Never state an opinion that is not justified.
REVIEWS
93ODYSSEY Media Group Handbook
How to write a review:
Conclusion: Should be 30 words or less, like the lede. Needs to summarize brief ly your entire review and hit key points that the reader should have picked up. Avoid directly re-stating what was said in the review, but make sure the reader knows where your opinion lies.
Lede: Should be 30 words or less. Needs to attract your reader and set the tone for the rest of your review.
Review must have's:
Multimedia plays an important role in the success of an online article. If you want people to read it and enjoy it, it is important to make the packaging of an article appealing and accessible for online publication. Here are a few ideas for multimedia for Variety articles:
• Steller (digital storybook)
• Spotify playlist of the album you’re reviewing
• A cohesive spread that flows
• Google Map of business you’re highlighting
For Variety, design is very important. Layouts need to draw readers in -- creativity is key. Keep layouts new and don’t recycle old layouts from previous issues, except for reoccuring stories, such as QFAB and Cultural Buzz. The Variety section should be edgy. You need:
• A large, dominant photo or design element that draws the reader’s attention
Look at professional magazines and see what new designs they use. They can give you good layout ideas that are appealing to readers.
Important tips to remember about design:
• Timeline of important events/accomplishments of the subject/person you’re profiling
• Video of the interview(s) or edperience; good for QFAB
• Embed to the trailer of movie you’re reviewing
VARIETY DESIGN
Tips for getting layout ideas:
• Creative use of color
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• Creative text that matches the theme of the article
• SoundCite audiobite(s) of interview
Multimedia:
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Traditionally, there are four types of sports stories: profile, game coverage, editorials and news-based. Profile stories highlight a specific person in the local sports community. Game coverage shows results and key plays of games. News stories cover all aspects of the sports realm. Editorials opinionize and highlight sports-related issues and solutions.
Photography
ODYSSEY
SPORTS
Unlike a photographer that’s shooting an inanimate figure, a sports photographer is constantly monitoring his or her surroundings to capture any “moments.” A moment is described as any significant event related to the subject being photographed (a goal being scored, a fight breaking out, fan interaction, etc.). Game shots are always preferred over photos taken during practice.
Media Group Handbook
Introducing the issue -- Be a fan: Explain the issue. If you confuse readers or you are not clear, you will lose them. Use a quote from a professional if it adequately describes the situation. Readers are more likely to trust a professional’s word than yours.
Voice each side -- Let them talk:
Most important quote -- Find the emotion: It should hint at the issue at hand and give readers a taste of what the article is about. Be sure to tie the quote into the story in a relevant manner. You can say the facts yourself, but let the emotion come directly from the source.
The lede -- Don't bury it:
At this point in the article, you will need strong transitions to go from explaining what happened to getting into each sides opinion on the issue. Smooth transitions are key. Make sure to quote the most important people involved on each side. Be as clear and concise as possible. It will be much easier for your readers to figure out what’s going on in your story if you pay very careful attention to your use of pronouns.
HOW TO WRITE A SPORTS STORY
The lede can be one of the most difficult things to write because it must capture the reader's attention. Unless you have already thought of a lede, it is easier to write your lede after most, if not all, of your story is written. Your lede should be 30 words or less.
The conclusion -- End strong: The conclusion of your article has to give the reader a sense of closure on the issue. Using the second best quote to end the article is the most effective method. Your conclusion needs to look to the future.
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1. Find your angle -- the focus of your article.
Oftentimes,information.gettingmeaningful
quotes from players is the hard est part of interviewing. You may have to ask the same question you have already asked to get a better response.
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Interview all parties
8. A good sports article should read like the game is actually being played.
Interview questions
Make certain all facts and statistics in the story are 100% correct. Make sure you don’t have contradicting facts from different sources.
FactAthleticAdministratorsinvolved:DirectorStudentsTeachersAthletesCoachesParentsDoctorsTrainerscheck:
Sports story writing tips
If you were the reader, what would you want to know? Ask de tailed and specific questions pertaining to the topic or issue. The coaches and administrators at CCHS are very easy to work with, and as long as you are flexible with them, they will be happy to do an interview with you. You do want to stay in good stand ings with them because if you do, they will give you more than enough
Sporting events of all kinds are often covered live on Instagram stories and Twitter. From games to scrimmages to signings, the ODYSSEY strives to cover events through social media. The person videoing and taking pictures will do so from the ODYS SEY Instagram (@odysseynewsmag). They should log with an opening photo or video of the event, letting viewers know where they are and when the event is taking place. Key games to cover are senior nights, Cedar vs. Central games, special games (Eve Carson, Teacher Appreciation Night) playoff and region games and other events, such as Homecoming and Prom.
4. Use strong action verbs.
6. Don’t use cliché phrases.
2. Always interview the Athletic Director, head coach and athletes.
7. Refrain from any kind of “analysis” of the team, game or season.
3. Check all statistics that are included in the article.
5. Keep “discussion” of the sub-points of the article to a minimum. There is a clear distinction between reporting and editorializing.
Live coverage!
- state meet, state tournament, state competition or state champion
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InAPOSTROPHES:APStylethereis no apostrophe in the word "boys" or the word "girls." Write “the St. Gregory girls team” or “the St. Gregory boys team.”
TO WRITE SCORES: Scottsdale Christian over Greenfields 81–73. State the winning team first.
- Athletic Director Dr. Jon Ward and other titles
WORDS THAT ARE CAPITALIZED:
- 1A Central State Championship, or 1A Central Conference (proper names)
- JV team (an abbreviation after the first mention)
- freshman, sophomore, junior, senior
SPORTS STYLE GUIDE
- coach or captain
CCHS: NEVER refer to it as “Central”, “Clarke Central” or “CC”.
TO WRITE A TEAM RECORD: 11–6 (state # of wins first, # of losses second). Always specify if it’s total or only conference play.
WORDS THAT ARE NOT CAPITALIZED:
- varsity team or junior varsity team
WeABBREVIATIONS:onlyuseabbreviations for schools on second reference. (Ex: CSHS, NOHS)
6. First person
3. Avoid phrases such as "looks like they will be"
4. Do not express "congratulations" or "good luck"
NO: Judy or Jay (first names only) or Ms. Weller (use of titles) unless more than one source has the same last name or you’re writing a human interest
SPORTS STYLE GUIDE
Makestory.
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5.sentimentsNeverrefer to a CCHS team as "our team"
2. Never use "best" or "worst"
NAMES IN PRINT:
ABSOLUTELY NO:
Position, First name, Last Name: head varsity ten nis coach Stephen Hinson. In your first quote, use full name. After that, use only last name.
sure to use timely or timeless news for briefs. Examples of briefs are awards won, records set, future camps/games etc. Sports briefs typically appear on the website and are 300 words.
Sports briefs
1. Editorializing sports stories (unless it is a sports-related editorial/column)
—> example: first usage - Dr. John Menke —> subsequent usage – Menke
Star players
Slane GOLFslanee@clarke.k12.ga.us(boysandgirls):Stephen Howard howardst@clarke.k12.ga.us
ATHLETIC DIRECTOR: Jon Ward
To be a Star Player, an athlete has to have at least a 3.0 GPA, so keep that in mind when choosing star players. Make sure to have one girl and one boy from different sports, one varsity and one JV/C-team. Star Players goes at the end of the Sports section and includes a visual.
ATHLETICwardjo@clarke.k12.ga.usTRAINER:Taylor Cherwinski
VOLLEYBALL:passc@clarke.k12.ga.usStacey
johnsoncar@clarke.k12.ga.usBASKETBALLWinterjewelll@clarke.k12.ga.usBASKETBALLmcwhortert@clarke.k12.ga.usMcWhorterFOOTBALLlancew@clarke.k12.ga.usSOFTBALL:cascioe@clarke.k12.ga.usCROSSholmess@clarke.k12.ga.usScottCOUNTRY:EricaMandell-CascioWillLanceCHEERLEADING:TempesttCHEERLEADING:LaToyaJewellSports(girls):CarlaJohnson
BASKETBALL (boys): Stefan Smith SWIMMING/mccords@clarke.k12.ga.usWRESTLING:smiths@clarke.k12.ga.usShaneMcCordDIVING(boys and girls): Emily Hulse TENNISboatnerj@clarke.k12.ga.usBASEBALL:aikenc@clarke.k12.ga.usSOCCERbaxleyj@clarke.k12.ga.usSOCCERjonesju@clarke.k12.ga.usTRACK/FIELDSpringhulsee@clarke.k12.ga.usSports:JustinJones(girls):JacobBaxley(boys):ChrisAikenJerryBoatner(boysandgirls):Elliot
Coaching directory
GIRLSpernod@clarke.k12.ga.usFOOTBALL:Fallcherwinskit@clarke.k12.ga.usSportsDavidPernoFLAGFOOTBALL:Cherrelle Pass
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EXTRAS
Star Players - A segment in the Sports section that showcases two Clarke Central High School star ath letes each issue (one female and one male). These athletes are decided by their performance in their re spective sports and G.P.A. The segment consists of quotes from the athlete about their experience playing their sport and one quote from their coach.
Thumbsreader.
Timelines - Typically featured with a story. Timelines recap events chronologically and can explain what has happened relating to the story so far.
- A segment in the Viewpoints section of the Newsmagazine where the Viewpoints Staff and Print Cabinet compile a list of positive News going into the Newsmagazine and a list of negative News/is sues going into the Newsmagazine. The Viewpoints Staff then creates a new catchy headline and includes the deck to give the readers an idea of what the articles are about.
Question of the Month - In each issue, the Viewpoints Staff is responsible for making a question that re lates to the season, theme or current events happening when the issue is expected to be released. The staff then collects answers from the Clarke Central High School community (a student from each grade level and a faculty member).
Q&A - Can occur in the Variety or News sections of the Newsmagazine. Similar to reading the transcript of an interview, it allows the reader to see the conversation between a reporter and source.
Infographics - A graphic with facts and information attached.
By the numbers - Typically posted in the Sports section of the website. Can occur alone or as a part of a package. Key numbers of statistical-based stories are compiled into lists for simplicity and context. These can help with data visualization by presenting interesting, numerically-based bits of information to the
In Focus - A recurring segment in the Newsmagazine where an ODYSSEY staff photographer showcases a community-related photo that has no tie to an article in the magazine itself.
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5 things to know - A segment in the Sports section of the ODYSSEY Newsmagazine that showcases a sport that is not being represented in the current issue. A Sports Staffer will be assigned the job of in terviewing an athlete that can speak on five unique things people should know about that sport that the student body may find interesting. 5 things to know can also occur in the Variety Section of the News magazine where five interesting facts about a different topic are shared.
STORY LIST AND DEFINITONS
Brief: Short articles that normally range from 275 to 300 words. Briefs supply content for the website and provide readers with updates on school developments that have occurred between each Byline:issue.Aline
Blurbs: Blurbs are short articles that are 150 words. Blurbs are usually used in the Cultural Buzz segment of the Newsmagazine's Variety section in the forms of small reviews.
WeCapitalization:docapitalize: proper nouns, official class courses, athletic teams, Freshman Academy, Ad vanced Placement, JV and college degrees when abbreviated. ODYSSEY is always written in all capital letters, Media Group is capitalized, iliad is •lowercase.Wedonot capitalize: a.m./p.m., freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, seasons, sports, a player’s position or a team’s competitive level.
• Departments: We only capitalize the English department but we never capitalize the word “department” itself. Use “foriegn language de Caption:partment”.Text that accompanies visuals to give them a stronger connection to the article or piece that they are attached to. Captions are formatted
5 things to know: A segment in the Sports sec tion of the Newsmagazine that showcases a sport that is not being represented in the current issue. A Sports Staffer will be given the job of inter viewing an athlete that can speak on five unique things people should know about a sport that the student body may find interesting.
Bleeds: When using InDesign, to ensure that your visuals meet the edges of a magazine page when printed, you must drag the visual so that it expands onto the red line that outlines the page’s limit on the InDesign file.
Beats: Each staffer is assigned a club, department or school occurrence each semester that they will report on every three weeks with a brief that is between 275-300 words. Along with a final draft containing at least two sources and hyperlinks, staffers need to submit audio from their inter views along with transcriptions, a photo that is relevant to their piece and a caption. Beats are mostly published on the ODYSSEY website.
• Do abbreviate the U.S. when used as a noun or •locationDonot
Abbreviations: In most cases, do not abbreviate words unless you have previously spelled them out in your article.
abbreviate names of states unless it is in a caption
• Do abbreviate months when not followed by a specified date and do not abbreviate March, April, May, June or July
GLOSSARY
AP Style: The ODYSSEY Media Group uses AP Style to obtain consistency, clarity and concise ness throughout our copy.
Address: When sending a letter, you need to label the envelope with an address. The address should be ordered with the recipient’s name on the top line, followed by a second line containing the street address and a bottom line with the city, state and zip code.
5 Things to Know - Caption
of text that names the writer of an article. We use bylines for articles, visuals and designs in both the Newsmagazine and online.
• Do not abbreviate the days of the week
Editorial: An opinionated article about a specific subject. Editorials are not emotionally driven rants. Just like any other article, they must be supported with facts and information.
This setting controls the size of the opening that light can pass through to your camera. The higher the F-stop, the smaller the hole which results in a darker image.
Corrections and Omissions: A piece that can be found in the Viewpoints section of the ODYS SEY Newsmagazine where the Newsmagazine staff recognizes and corrects copy and content errors made in the previously released issue and will be featured on the ODYSSEY Website.
Deck: A brief preview of an article located be neath the headline. The deck introduces the general idea of a piece in one to two sentences without giving away all of the 5W's and H.
Corrections and omissions - In focus
as three sentences: the first sentence tells what is currently happening in the visual in the present tense, the second gives background or past in formation for structure in the past tense and the final sentence should be a quote from someone related to the visual who can supply further con text. The quote can be more than one-sentence. Copy: The main body text found in an article.
Cultural Buzz: A segment in the Variety section that compiles a diverse collection of reviews on the latest music, movies, shows, apps and more in the style of blurbs that range from 100 to 300 words in length.
Fresh Voice: A segment in the Newsmagazine's Viewpoints section where a J1 staffer writes a
Ghosts: The Newsmagazine uses a small graphic of the ODYSSEY “O” as a ghost for the end of the articles. Ghosts signify when an article has come to an Graphics:end.
Headline: An article title should be short and sweet while also giving the reader a hint to what the article is about. A common format used for headlines is “blanking the blank”; puns and alliteration can also be captivating headlines for a Headshot:story.
program that allows staff ers to create illustrations and art that can be used as visuals for both ODYSSEY publications.
Feature: An in-depth piece that combines the hard facts of a News article with the human in terest values of a Variety article to make a capti vating 900-1200-word story.
Drafts: During each Production cycle for the Production class, writers must turn in a rough draft and a final draft to their respective editors. Both drafts will have their own deadline date as signed at the beginning of the Production cycle.
InDesign: An Adobe program that staffers mainly use to design layouts and spreads for the InNewsmagazine.Focus:Arecurring segment in the Newsmag azine where photographers from the ODYSSEY staff can showcase a community-related photo graph that has no tie to an article in the maga zine itself occompanied with a caption.
A computer-generated visual.
personal blog or editorial to be featured in the Newsmagazine. Blogs are a personal type of piece that cover a topic that the writer is opin ionated about or can speak on with personal F-Stop/Aperture:experience.
A close-up portrait of a staff member's face will commonly accompany pieces found in the Viewpoints section to further identify writ ers and guests in the Question of the Month or Thumbs Illustrator:segments.AnAdobe
• THREE scenes
• Photo essay
On the last Thursday of every month, staffers must turn in one of the following options. Over the course of the year, each staffer will have completed eight different stories.
• Hot Topic
Central High School community. The Letters to the Editor page contains four - five letters that express opinions on an article from each section of the previously published magazine.
Menupolicies.items:
Leading: The spacing between lines when it comes to design.
Letter to the Editor: In each issue of the Newsmagazine, the Viewpoints Staff compiles letters from members of the Clarke
Interviews:attached.Interviews
• 300 word story
• Hype video
• Time: Use numerals except when referring to “noon” and “midnight” and use a colon to sepa rate hours and minutes.
Layout: The full design of an article including all of the copy, visuals and attributions.
ISO: This setting controls how sensitively one’s camera reacts to light. A lower ISO setting works better for bright environments while higher ISO settings work better for darker environments.
Kerning: The spacing between letters when it comes to design.
• Event coverage + gallery
• Scores/Team Records: numerals (EX: CCHS beat Martinsburg High School 11-7)
Infographics - nut graph
• Profile
• Age and money: Numerals
• Editorial/satire
Infographics: A graphic with facts and informa tion
Nut Graph: Following the lede of an article is a small transition paragraph that displays the news
should feel like a natural conversation between two people. The inter viewer needs to come prepared with a list of questions/concepts that will help guide them throughout their interview. If your subject can not meet in person, try to schedule a phone interview or a Zoom or Google Meet call before resorting to email interviews. You always need to transcribe your interviews word for word. Al ways ask to record before you begin conducting the interview. Ask who, what, when, where, why and how questions. Be attentive and ready to stray away from your questions.
Lede: The first two to three sentences of an arti cle that hook the reader into the story and intro duce them to the subject of the article. It should be 30 words at most and quick to the point.
• Broadcast video
• Photo gallery
• News story (minimum 500 words)
Numbers: For the most part, when using ODYSSEY style, spell out any numbers below 10. Use numerals when using numbers 10 and high er. The same ruling goes for ordinal numbers. Always spell out numbers when they are at the beginning of a sentence.
Masthead: A list of a newspaper or magazine’s editorial board, staffers, mission statements and
• Breaking news/briefs/coverage story
• Blog (or vlog)
• Review
• Podcast
Letter from the Editor: In each issue of the Newsmagazine, the Editor-in-Chief is each allot ted a page for a 500-600-word editorial.
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non-bylined editorial located in the Viewpoints section of the Newsmagazine that displays the staff’s opinion on a subject matter.
our take - quotes
value of a piece after the appeal factor has been Ourintroduced.Take:A
Package: A package is an innovative way to convey news, profiles, editorials etc. to a broader audience. It is a visual form of storytelling that is shown through various forms of multimedia on the Photoshop:website.
•Punctuation:attention.Apostrophe:Used
• Brackets: DO NOT DO IT
• Semicolon: Use semicolons to separate ele ments of a series when the items in the series are long or when individual segments contain material that also must be set off by commas. To link independent clauses: Use a semico lon when a coordinating conjunction such as ‘and,’ ‘but’ or ‘for’ is not present. Unless a particular literary effect is desired, however, the better approach in these circumstances is to break the independent clauses into sepa rate sentences. (Ex: I have school tomorrow; I can't stay up late.)
• Hyphen: Use hyphens to connect two or more words so that they can act as an adjec tive to another word.
Pull Quote: A quote from the copy of an article that has been enlarged to break up text and draw the reader’s
An Adobe program that allows staffers to edit visuals before placing them in a Pitches:layout.
Each time a new Production cycle be gins in class, all staffers need to complete fully formatted pitches for two original brainstorm ideas they believe can become viable articles. A pitch specifies the who, what, when, where, why, how, angle, stakeholders and visuals the writer intends for an article to have. The Cabinet will decide which pitches writers should pursue.
in place of omitted letters or in conjunctions to signify possession. The only section allowed to use contractions is Viewpoints. For proper nouns ending in “s,” no additional “s” is needed after the apostro phe (e.g., James' dog, not James's dog).
• Comma: Use commas to separate items in a series but do not use a comma before the conjunction at the end of a series. Also, use commas to separate equal adjectives. When a conjunction such as “and”, “but” or “for” links two clauses that could stand alone as separate sentences, use a comma before the conjunction in most cases. Use commas to set off information such as an age or hometown when being placed in apposition to a name. Avoid using oxford commas.
• Dashes: Use dashes to make abrupt changes in a sentence.
Question of the Month: Each issue, the View points Staff is responsible for making a ques tion that relates to the season, theme or current events happening when the issue is expected to be released. The staff then collects answers from the Clarke Central High School community.
Quotes: After an interview, writers are respon sible for transcribing the interview word for word. The interviewee’s statements can be used as quotes in the writer’s article unless the source asked to go off the record before their statements were given. If in a quote, the source refers to someone with a pronoun, the writer may need to
• Colon: The most frequent use of a colon is at the end of a sentence to introduce lists. Try to avoid using colons. Dramatic emphasis: The colon often can be effective in giving empha sis.
• Format one: “Transcribed word-for-word quote,” source said.
Stroke:GPA.
• If a title is formal, it must be capitalized. If a title is informal or does not have a name attached, then it should not be capitalized.
replace that pronoun with a title and a name to clarify who the source is speaking about. Ex: “He likes pickles,” Smith said. BECOMES “(Junior John Spark) likes pickles,” Smith said.
Star Players: A segment in the Sports section that showcases two Clarke Central High School star athletes each issue. These athletes are decided by their performance in their respective sports and
• If a title is extremely long, list the source’s name, follow it with a comma and the long title and then end it with another comma along with the rest of the sentence (Ex: Sha na Pierce, social studies department chair and nationally acclaimed puppet enthusiast ranked fifth in the nation, said.)
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An InDesign tool that allows you to change the weight of lines, text boxes and shapes.
Text Wrap: An InDesign tool that allows users to wrap text around an embedded object such as a photo or shape.
• When you first introduce a source in an article, you need to introduce them with a full title and their first and last name. Titles are placed before a person’s name (Ex: Junior Shana Pierce).
Spread: A story layout that is spread over two pages side-by-side.
Titles: An introduction to a new source being cited within an article.
Tombstoning: The placing of a headline on the center of a page. DON'T DO IT.
Tracking: The spacing between words when it comes to Transition:design.Textthat
guides readers from one quote to another in an article. Never restate what was said in the previous quote or what is going to be in the next quote. Transitions need to fill in the information that sources do not explicitly give in their quotes and be no longer than 70 Typeface:words.
Photographs, graphics, infographics, cartoons, drawings or art. Do not use them for the purpose of filling in space. Visuals are meant to give further context to an article.
Reviews: A 300 word blurb that critiques rele vant music, restaurants, apps and other pieces of pop Shutterculture.Speed:
Thumbs: A segment in the Viewpoints section of the Newsmagazine where the ODYSSEY staff compiles a list of positive news going into the issue and a list of negative news going into the issue. The Viewpoints Staff then creates a new catchy headline and blurb about each story to give the readers an idea of what the articles are about.
• Format two: “Transcribed word-for-word quote,” source said. “Transcribed word-forword quote.”
The font style used throughout a pub Visuals:lication.
Reviews - widow
This setting controls how long the camera’s shutter is open for.
Widow: When the last line of a paragraph doesn't have enough space in a text box/column, so it sits at the top of the next page all by itself.
_________________________________________________
Name
Participation in the ODYSSEY Media Group and Journalism 1 class requires students to take responsibility and exhibit a high degree of maturity and good judgment.
1. I will not take advantage of the freedom given to staff members to leave class in order to cover assignments. I will not use journalistic duties as an excuse for doing assignments for other classes, playing around outside of class, disturb ing other classes, or leaving campus.
Signed _____________________________________________ Date_________________________ Signed_____________________________________________(student) Date_________________________ (faculty adviser)
5. I understand that as an OMG staff member/Journalism 1 student, I will need to accept story and work assignments that require out-of-school time to complete. I agree to spend the time necessary, at the time it is necessary, for opti mum progress and to meet the deadlines of the class. I further agree that if I am ill or unavoidably absent when my assignments are due, I will notify the editor and adviser as soon as possible and make the necessary arrangements to complete the work.
2022-2023 ODYSSEY Staff Contract
6. I will wear my staff press pass every day to class and bring my personally-issued OMG Staff Handbook each day. I will maintain the cleanliness of my work station in the computer lab and my section table within Room 231.
As members of a group that produces a concrete product that will be distributed to and read both by students and adults, those named to the staff can expect to be held to accepted journalistic standards and ethical practices. As individuals, they are recognized by many as representatives of the OMG program, whether actually on assignment or not. Signing this document shows that you agree to the rules listed below:
I understand that failure to abide by the terms of this contract can result in negative consequences in my grade for this class and could lead to my dismissal from the staff or other disciplinary action. By signing this contract, we agree that the student will comply with staff policies and will not commit the violations outlined above.
2. I will meet deadlines for assignments, revisions, and other class projects. If I find that it may be difficult or impossi ble to meet a deadline, I will inform the editor and/or adviser at the earliest possible moment, realizing that there may be consequences in the form of my grade for my inability to meet said deadline.
7. As a representative of the OMG, I will be offered opportunities to attend off-campus field trips. I understand that breaking Mr. Ragsdale’s rules on field trips or disobedience on a field trip, including refusal to adhere to trip policies or not attending field trip classes at conferences.
4. As a representative of the OMG, I agree to abide by standards of professionalism, avoiding rudeness and disrespect to students, faculty, guests and those whom we interview. I realize the ability of a student press to cover sensitive issues may be questioned if individual staff members are observed acting in an unprofessional or irresponsible manner.
8. I will not discuss OMG problems with people outside of class who cannot be a part of the solution. I will take my concerns to Mr. Ragsdale. The OMG follows the Clarke Central Restorative Justice protocols to process such issues.
3. I agree to show loyalty to the staff and the ODYSSEY Media Group. I will not “put down” the publication or staff decisions. Likewise, I will not make use of any privileged information I may have gained in an unethical, unkind or “gossiping” way outside of Room 231. I will respect the integrity of my sources, publication, the ethic of my fellow staff ers and will work to promote unity rather than division within the team, which strives for excellence. I agree to provide coverage within the publication that is at all times fair, accurate, and balanced. I will not submit work that is in any way libelous, contemptuous, obscene, or in questionable taste.
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