Press Bullsh!t

[enf]

Now, I'm not a press basher by any means, but it's no wonder they are in trouble with credibility...

Headline Today "Four people shot and injured, one critically wounded by police at software company"

Now that they have you reading, first line of story "A gunman has shot and injured four people at a software company before being critically injured by police in a shootout."

Now maybe I am missing something but they mean two different things on a casual read.


Ooooops...should have posted the link.

[mtv]

The headline could easily suggest four people were shot by police and that one of them is in a critical condition.

Quite likely university graduates with a diploma in how to write proper.

[lsemmens]

Or, a headline by someone who got pulled over on the way to work. Sadly, there are some who do not read the full story, or never bother to check the facts.

[bob_m_54]

It's all about the formula. Will the true story headline sell papers? meh, not so many.... if we apply some ambiguity, can we make more sales?... yes, if we word it right... is the story and headline still 50% or better true.... sort of... well there you go, print it...

[enf]

It's all about the formula. Will the true story headline sell papers? meh, not so many.... if we apply some ambiguity, can we make more sales?... yes, if we word it right... is the story and headline still 50% or better true.... sort of... well there you go, print it...

That's exactly my point. The comma in the headline makes it technically true I think.

[gordon_s1942]

In America, being shot by the Police is as usual as eating 'Mom's Apple Pie'.
The injuries of those shot may range from minimal to fatal, depending on how many fire and and how many shots are fired.
That this report is of a person shooting four others and being themselves being wounded by the Police gives you a selection of choices on how to briefly report the incident.

How many times have YOU reread something you have written and had to alter it because of what you were thinking TO write, doesnt 'Scan' or reread the way you intended.
Have you ever had to or been contacted by someone about the contents of a written item as you or they wernt clear on the meaning contained?

[bob_m_54]

That's exactly my point. The comma in the headline makes it technically true I think.

Commas are important.
for example:

I helped my uncle, Jack, off his horse. -- all good.
I helped my uncle Jack off his horse. -- a tad sus

[gordon_s1942]

Ahhhh, as old Willy shakehisspear was heard to say when strutting the boards, English aint spoke as its wrote................