Class Prep Questions

1. There would be some pros and cons involved when debating to move from writing obituaries to covering crime stories. On one hand, writing obituaries allows for more expressive and "colorful" writing which most people feel comfortable with, crime stories may be too detailed or precise which not everyone enjoys having to do. Crime stories and obituaries are closely related in terms of murders. I personally would like to have the chance to work with crime stories because they give variety in writing. Nothing usually happens twice which means there is always something new to either be seen or heard then written about.
2. One of the hardest transition about having to move from the obit desk to covering crime stories would be that crime stories sometimes requires you to be in the field doing "hands on" activities in order to collect your information. Some people aren't willing to give certain information regarding your particular story too. The biggest challenge of all would be making sure that all of your information that was collected is accurate and truthful. A lot of times people tell reporters things in assumptions or "best guesses". Having to check with the police department, witnesses, family memebers of ones involved etc. could be very stressful and difficult.