One Page Magazine

Typography and Page Design

The Importance of Typography and Page Design

Being an editor of any piece of work, that entitles a profit to be made from it, the editor must look at two important aspects. The typography of the work and the page design as well. According to technicallymarkerting.com, typography is, “the art and technique of arranging type,” and page design is, “the way the page is organized and presented.” This means that both typography and page design are both relevant aspects to editing an article, magazine, book, etc.

As soon as you pick up an article, or a book, or a magazine the first thing that catches your eye is the typography. If the article is written in Times New Roman, right away that can be connected to a professional paper. If the first thing you see on a page is cursive, or big fancy letters you can connect that with an article of entertainment.

The way a page is designed with the type of font determines, most times, whether or not the piece of work will be sold. For example, the magazine “Cosmopolitan,” is known to have the bright pink lettering font and an attractive actress, singer, or model on the cover. This means that everyone knows that magazine is based on sex and fashion. Where as “The Wall Street Journal” which has a bold and simple font in the title, is known to be serious and educational. Page design is an important factor in this as well because if the font and the web design aren’t compatible then it can really take a huge toll on the page itself.

Typography is known to be the central component of design. It is an important factor on how we communicate as individuals. With out text or words we would have just objects. One has to have a good firm grasp and understanding on text and how to use it in order to have a successful outcome. A person needs to be interested in what is written. If the words are dull and the colors are drained a person will not be interested in picking up that magazine and buying it. A catchy phrase like, “Simply Irresistible,” makes the customer/reader want to pick up the book and see what exactly is irresistible. If you see a magazine that says, “ You’re ugly,” there might not be too many people who would want to continue reading. When it is all said and done, both typography and page design both have a huge impact on both its readers and sales.

“Typography is the craft of endowing human language with a durable visual form, and thus with an independent existence. Its heartwood is calligraphy – the dance, on a tiny stage, of the living, speaking hand – and its roots reach into living soil, though its branches may be hung each year with new machines. So long as the root lives, typography remains a source of true delight, true knowledge, true surprise.”

~Robert Bringhurst~

How to Write Strong Headlines

When writing a story for the public eye, besides the typography on the page, the headline is one of the most important parts of the page itself. Without an interesting headline, no one would have the motivation to read it. The purpose of a headline is to grab the reader. For a journalist the headline is the most important words of there writing because a headline is words that are bound together to summarize the subject of the story in which he/she writes about. When conducting your headline it should be in sentence form meaning it is a complete thought and no more than ten words. You must also keep in mind that the headline has to be accurate with what your story is about. It must correspond to the main idea of your story. It is also important that your headline does not have the exact words that are in your story. The headline is its own separate part of the story, so it should have its own words as well. Basically if your story makes a statement then your headline should as well, again you need to keep in mind that this is the first thing the reader reads when picking it up. As far as using verbs in your headline, your headline should never start with a verb. If your story is in the past tense you should use present tense verbs. If it is about the future then you should use infinitive verbs. When thinking about punctuations you should try and avoid using conjunction words and use a comma in its place.

All headlines are going to be different. It depends on the type of story it is and how you plan on advertising it. Is it going to be a flyer, a news story, a paper for class, is it for a magazine etc.? All these different prints can determine how your headline will look. No matter what it should have the guidelines listed above. As far as looks are concerned then that’s a different set of rules, with some similarities. Just like mentioned above, the headline is designed to catch the reader’s attention. You want to make the reader pick up your story and read what you have to say. So when designing it you need to have that in mind. The color, font, size, design needs to be interesting enough for this to happen, still keeping in mind if it corresponds to the story itself, because that is truly the most important part in writing a strong headline. Without a head line your story wouldn’t be complete and it would be very dull. I guess you can say that the headline is the “cherry on your sundae,” it makes it complete.

Sources:

http://www2.uncp.edu/home/acurtis/Courses/ResourcesForCourses/WritingHeadlines.html

http://web.ku.edu/~edit/heads.html

http://notashamedofthegospel.com/social-media/how-to-write-great-headlines/#2

http://goinswriter.com/catchy-headlines/

http://www.columbia.edu/itc/journalism/isaacs/client_edit/Headlines.html

What is Libel and Slander and how can it be avoided?

Those that are not into journalism do not understand than importance of news and they do not understand the rules and regulations towards the matter. Both libel and slander have to do with defamation. Defamation means the action of damaging the good reputation of someone. Slander is any defamation that is heard or spoken and libel is defamation that is seen; such as: writing, printing etc. All three of these words all correspond to each other and in order to prevent any of this you need to have a good firm understanding of each one. Prevention is important because in my opinion the point in writing news and finding news isn’t to “ruin” someone’s reputation, but to simply give awareness to the public. If a journalist is doing a story out of spit that is wrong and they are not doing their job as they should be. No story should be done to sabotage another. It is illegal in some places to write about anything false about another person. That’s why they say it is different to criticize someone and slander and libel them.

In order to prevent libel and slander one need to make sure that all there information is accurate and can be proven. For example: one doesn’t want to call someone a murderer if they don’t have evidence to back up the accusation. I know with this confidentiality comes to mind, but most of the time a journalist cannot protect his/hers sources because it is not in the constitution, but has been interpreted to be a journalist’s privilege in a number of state and federal cases. This is where it can become tricky and confusing to some, especially when it comes to the electronic part of slander and libel. In some countries posting on the web, radio and even the television can be considered slander and libel. The purpose of having slander and libel laws is so that it is protection from untruthful information.

Slander and libel can also be commonly mistaken. Many journalists don’t realize that they are slandering and libeling. This common mistake can be avoided by not repeating rumors that you have heard, repeating information that others have given you that you know or do not trust, drawing conclusions you know you do not know if the situation is going to end like that, representing all sides of the situation; you never want to just stick to one side of an argument because then it may seem as though you are sabotaging the other, and finally watch the use of adjectives; words get misconstrued all the time and you don’t want something as simple as an adjective to send out the wrong impression.

If you or someone you know is accused of slander and libel you must first seek legal advice before responding to the complaint in any way. Then you want to withdraw the original statement and do more research on the information in which you presented that way you know what your talking about and you are sure that the source in which you go it from is accurate. It is very important to be truthful and honest. It is different to report something because you truly care about notifying others and reporting something out of spite and sabotage.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Libel_and_slander

http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Libel+and+Slander

http://www.wisegeek.org/what-is-the-difference-between-slander-and-libel.htm

http://www.socialbrite.org/2009/08/08/preventing-against-online-libel-and-defamation/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/collective/A1183394

http://www.slideshare.net/hollykatharine/libel-what-is-it-and-how-to-avoid-it

Editing for Factual Accuracy and Grammar

Grammar is definitely one of the most important factors when it comes to writing. Along with the language and words grammar is the piece that binds everything together. Grammar is what binds the language and words together, without grammar, a piece of writing would not be possible to be made. Accuracy, is another important factor that is involved in a successful paper, story etc. In order to have a successful paper again, you need: language/words, grammar and of course accuracy. The entire paper must be accurate in all parts: grammar, wording etc. Accuracy means the condition of being true, or correctness. It is the editor’s job to make sure everything is accurate. When editing a piece you really need to take your time and make sure that the structure, content, clarity, style etc. are correct. It is very important that when editing a paper that everything is accurate. An accurate paper is a successful paper.

Many people think of editing as the same as proofreading, which is simply not true. Proofreading means examining your text carefully to find and correct mistakes in grammar and spelling. Proofreading your paper is more like making sure the small factors are correct. This is similar to editing but it is not the exactly the same. Editing takes more time and it makes sure that everything makes sense. Regardless what the topic or what the directions are for where you want to take you piece you need to do both of these steps to have great results.

After you complete your paper, there are 3 things you need to do, which most students and people do not know the difference. Revise, editing and proofreading. Revising your paper is when you look it over and make sure that you followed all directions and have all that it asked for. See if you need to expand any ideas or any statements that you wrote and need to be revised. Revising can be adding material, taking material away. It might involve changing the order of paragraphs and re-crafting topic sentences and transitions. It may mean re-drafting the introduction and checking the conclusion to see what should be brought up to the front of the paper. Once you have completed the revision is now when you move on and edit your paper. Like mentioned in the paragraph above this is where you want to make sure everything is bonded together and everything makes sense. This is where you think about if the sentences connect up with one another like well-constructed joints? Editing is when you correct any awkwardness that may have occurred in the initial drafting. You really want to break each paragraph apart and really take it sentence by sentence and figure out if it’s what you really want. It is easy if you have the mid set that you are a professional/ an artist and you are trying to construct a great piece. Finally after you have completed the revision and editing process you want to proof read the piece. When proofreading you make your final check for errors in sentence structure, grammar, verb tense and punctuation. This also where you want to make sure any quotations are correct and cited correctly. It is also important to make sure that your name and all the information you need is presented. A great thing to do is to read the paper out loud. Reading aloud can help you focus more carefully on your work.

Sources:

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/grammar

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/accuracy

https://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/Proofreading.html

http://sites.middlebury.edu/peer_writing_tutors/2011/02/14/revision-editing-and-proofreading-what%E2%80%99s-the-difference/

https://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/editing-and-proofreading/

Role of an Editor

The Role of the Editor in Print and on the Web

When it comes to a role and what you have to do with that role can be very vital to the company/ organization in which you are apart of. When finding out what exactly an editor was in not only print but on the web as well, I found out a lot of information I did not know before this assignment. I found that there is more to editing then just writing and making the sure the paper is corrected with all grammar etc. Editing consist on taking each sentence and breaking it down. Not only checking for mistakes but also checking to see if the information is actuate. Editing is also more then a piece of paper and words. Editing is media, visual and even audio, there’s more then what meets the eye. Each editor has there own role, for instance a copy editor corrects grammar and spelling. As where the executive editor which is usually the top editor and they make sure the piece is ready for publication and making sure they stay with in the budget. When it comes to editors for the web the editor usually works with a team to come up with an editorial plan. Unlike print web editing is has to make sure to not only be u to date with the writings but to also prep for future postings as well. They are both pretty similar and do the same things with the exception with the differences of technology. To be an editor one usually has a background in publishing or is a published writer. Usually editors have such a great passion for words and have a good understanding with how language is works and how it correlates with words. Editors take great pride in their work and also take great pride in the manuscripts. Without editors nothing would get published. Of course you have free lance writers that have blogs or even journals that can be posted with out having to go through an editor, but it is those that go through an editor that usually has the biggest impact on the consumers. Most individuals do not see the importance of an editor. I know personally before this assignment I never knew what exactly an editor does nor their importance to the publishing world. I now have great respect for what they do because it’s not always easy, editors can go through several manuscripts before anything is published.

Sources:

http://www.iisd.org/sdcn/webworks/writing/roles.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Editing

http://www.princetonreview.com/careers.aspx?cid=216

http://www.jeanweber.com/newsite/?page_id=25

http://skills.salary.com/Job/Associate-Editor-Web

http://writeanything.wordpress.com/2009/09/23/defining-the-role-of-an-editor/

Type Poster: I Am

Featured Story: Life After Mr. Millersville

Featured Story:

When you first move out of your house and into your dorm room, there are a lot of emotions that are involved. You set all of these goals and your “to do list” throughout your years in college only get larger, and you realize it is your hands if you want to accomplish them or not. It hits you that you are out on your own and you are the only person that will push you to accomplish them. For 20 year old James Randall however, it was easy for him to be and stay motivated. Seeking a bachelor’s degree in Communications with a concentration in broad casting, James is hoping to have a career in Entertainment Television. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania James came to Millersville seeking greater opportunities. And with this he did, finding him balancing of four amazing organizations and his school classes. Being on the exec board in two out of the four organizations James still manages time to sleep and study. With his many life time goals and ambitions, James wanted to be a part of something he knows he will have a great time doing, that’s why he choose to become a part of the candidates for

Mr. Millersville, representing The National Broadcast Society or as most students know it as NBS. He wanted to do something where he himself can express who he truly is while having a great time doing it. “Would you recommend others to participate in Mr. Millersville?” I asked him, and James responded, “of course! It is a great way to express who you are, even though you’re representing an organization, but at the end of the day you are expression yourself through the organization, but also having fun.” No matter what question I threw at him he always had a sincere and honest answer, he never once based his answered about himself. “I didn’t care about winning the money or any prize; I was worried about having fun” (James Randall). That’s exactly what leads him to will first place and the cash prize and all the donations which he raised from the crowd for his organization. His nerves you may ask? He mentioned that any person about to perform will have some type of nerves, it’s a natural state for someone to be in, in the position that they are in, but after you hit that stage and you get “lost in the performance” (James Randall) everything lets go on its own.

Life after Mr. Millersville:

Once James was crowned Mr. Millersville 2014, life has been the same since with a little bit of its perks. Students that he doesn’t know come up to him and recognize him and greet him, as so with the faculty and staff. Many of them approached him surprised that he even participated. Not many people must have known he entered to participate. He hopes that participating in this event will really make his resume stand out amongst others when applying to opportunities upon graduation. It is really important in this generation to not only worry about your grade point average but all the extracurricular activities in which you were a part of during your years in collage as well. Building your resume by joining organizations is important because the employer sees how involved and how you were willing to juggle not only all your class work but also the other work you put in the organizations you were in. It shows them that you are utility player you can multi task. When asked if given the opportunity he run for Mr. Millersville again would he, he responded with a no, because he would like others to be able to get the chance to run and win. If others were impacted by his bravery and dedication he feels like he has fulfilled his purpose.

Not many people can say they have met someone in their life that has helped them with motivation and with dedication. Me, myself can say that getting the chance to meet and become friend with James has really helped me be aware that anything is possible if you put the work in. Nothing is going to be given to you, you need to work hard and dedicate yourself in order to say you have made it. Knowing James has given me the motivation to not be afraid of branding myself and becoming involved on campus. At the end of the day that’s what our majors and concentration consists of; making those connections and branding yourself so that we can stand out from others and show who you truly are.