News and Magazine Portfolio

Post 1 -29/03/12

I have just finished my first feature, based on internet dating. At first I had completed a local based feature on the Perran Foundry, but struggled to make it sound interesting, and an easy read. I decided I wanted to write about lifestyle more and stumbled across internet dating whilst watching TV. For a few days I played around with the idea, and worked on how I could make a feature on online dating interesting and worth writing about without having a particular angle. This was harder than I had imagined. I gathered as much research as I could surrounding the world of online dating. Statistics from the UK and other countries, different sites and which were more popular, and which sites created the most revenue. Collecting all this data was difficult, especially as data for 2012 is not yet accessible. I got in contact with the head of PR of Courtland Brooks, a company which specialise in online dating. After initial contact I still haven’t heard back from Mark Brooks, whom I sent questions regarding my feature. Instead I relied on quotes from those who use online dating. I managed to find two people who were willing to be named, and happy to answer any questions I asked. Whilst I am aware that my feature has no particular angle, I think I have summed up the big issues surrounding online dating, including the pros, cons, statistics and real life answers from those who have experienced online dating first hand. I have tried to keep my work upbeat, but at the same time informal.

Post 2- 30/03/12

I have decided to start my review. There are so many films out at the moment that I wanted to review such as the two films based on snow white, and it would have been interesting to compare and contrast the two, also Titanic 3D is hitting the big screens to mark the 100^th anniversary of the ships sinking. I am planning to see the film, and again it will be interesting to compare and contrast how 3d has changed, or not changed the feel of one of the most classic and sought after films of my generation. Instead, I have chosen to review David Hockney’s, A bigger picture RA exhibition held at The Royal Academy of Arts in London. I have tickets for the exhibition as I studied art in college and still draw and paint. In college I studied a lot of David Hockney’s work, and know a lot about his life and working career, and so the exhibition is very special. It is a very important and highly recognised exhibition, due to the amount of work, and the scale of the work included. It will be very interesting to see all of his new idea’s and contemporary work. I feel review the exhibition will produce a stronger piece of work as it is something that can be interpreted completely different by different people. I feel like I have a personal connection what I am choosing to write and review, and I feel that this will show in my writing.

Post 3-12/04/12

For my second feature I have decided to look at the Daphne du Maurier festival which is held in my local town of Fowey each year. Daphne du Maurier lived in Fowey, and remains a famous figure not only nationally but is a big part of the local town. The festival brings a lot of tourism into Fowey, as well as a lot of famous faces. I haven’t quite decided on the angle of which I am going to use for this feature, but I think there is a lot that can be said about the goings on of this year’s festival, and the impact that it has on the locals.  The idea’s that I have thought about, to use as an angle are both focusing on just the festival, and producing a light hearted feature of the goings on, dates and times etc. Looking at how the festival commemorates Daphne du Maurier, and the history behind who she was and what she did, or bringing both ideas together. Despite which angle I chose I have already found who I want to interview, both the director of the Daphne du Maurier festival, and Bryher Scudamore, the Editor-in-cheif for BBC online, who is giving a talk at the festival. Bryher lives locally, and hopefully will be willingly to give an interview.

Post 4- 08/05/12

Amongst writing my features and reviews, I haven’t had time to think about a news story. This was until a fire broke out in one of Falmouth’s largest hotels. Luckily I was notified by a friend of the commotion over so many fire brigades and traffic issues and I was able to attend the scene within an hour of the fire breaking out. Standing almost opposite to the hotel I was able to see the destruction and damage that the fire was causing, and also the weather conditions that helped the fire escalate. I took a notepad and my phone for photographs with me, however I felt I was unable to ask too many questions and there was such a commotion, and the fire was attracting a lot of attention, not to mention the emergency services were far too busy. Although it has already been a week since the fire, I feel that I took great photographs and videos and have been able to speak to a fire fighter who attended the fire and was able to give me some really good information. I feel that this news story is brilliant local news, and is a topic that has caused concern from all over the country. Although it’s incredibly sad, I feel it is a good piece to write as the fire has also highlight the strength and the compassion from the locals of Falmouth. The trouble that I am finding, however is how I can give my story an angle that makes it different from all the other news stories based on the fire. It’s difficult as it is such a sensitive subject, and I don’t want to step on anyone’s toes and upset anyone who was involved, whom I may want to contact and quote.

Post 5-29/05/12

I have completed my portfolio now. I had to change a few things , as I came across new ideas which I thought would be more interesting.

I decided to not add my Daphne du Maurier feature as I was unable to get the quotes from the right people, and overall the piece didn’t feel strong enough, which was a shame as it was very current and I had a lot of background information.

Instead I wrote a piece based on the Fal River Festival, which will take place in a few weeks time. I wrote this feature whilst at work experience at Cornwall Today magazine, and was able to get brilliant quotes, and I’m much happier with this than the previous piece.

I also decided to write a different news story. Originally I had wanted to write about the fire in Falmouth Beach resort and hotel as I had great photos and information from the fire brigade. Unfortunately I was unable to write the story quick enough, and it soon became old news. I tried to come up with a different angle, but I had trouble finding people who were willing to talk to me, and eventually I had to give up.

I have written about the Cornwall Triathlon Series 2012, as I have been asked to write the press releases for the upcoming events. It’s a really interesting new project that will be great considering we are in an Olympic Year, the event has gathered a lot of interest and I think it makes a great local news story.

Cornwall Today posts

01/05/12

Today has been my first day at Cornwall Today magazine. Already I have felt intimidated as I was unaware that Cornwall Today was also in the same building and shared offices with Cornish Guardian, West Britton and the Cornishman. After querying this I learnt that all publications were owned by Northcliffe Media, and thus share a common workplace.

It was definitely exciting to be involved with such a thriving work environment, and although today I have felt under enormous pressure, I feel that it has helped me a lot.

The biggest surprise for me today, however was how small Cornwall Today’s team actually is. The magazine itself fairly large with 170 plus pages each month, and I imagined a strong team to be the backbone for the magazine. What I found was that actually the Editor and the Deputy Editor made up the bulk of the work. A few freelance journalists write in each month and asides from those who help with advertising and graphic design that’s about it.

What’s more is that my work experience happened to fall right at the beginning of the month, meaning I was smack bang in the middle of going to print-not a good idea. Everyone was rushed and had a lot for me to be getting on with, which has been brilliant, if a little exhausting. Currently I have had no time to even think about my case study and the research question that I need to research, however I am sure in the following two weeks, I will be able to find out more.

02/05/12

Today being my second day at the magazine has helped me be more confident. I have my own desk, for the time being, anyway, my own phone, my own computer and a pile or articles which all have to be written by the end of the day. Finding all of this out was a lot to take in five minutes after arrival; however I get the impression that the Editor is not one to wait around answering questions, especially in this busy week.

The articles that I have been given to write are local features and about local events. I spent most of the day chasing up people to interview and working under pressure to make sure that the work is given in on time. Already I have learnt that Cornwall Today writes local features and events in order to appeal to readers who are both Cornish or are visiting Cornwall on holiday.

03/05/12

Today is the hand in date in which I have to give all my work to the Editor to check over and make sure everything is how she wants it to be. I’m really nervous as I have never had to do something like this before, and really hope that my work is what she wants.

After a few hours, I have been given my work back, however this time it has been edited and now looks like something that should be in a magazine. Thankfully the Editor was happy enough with what I had done, and now I have even more work to do!

I have already spoken to the Editor, Kirstie Newton, and the Deputy Editor Viki Wilson about Cornwall Today and how it targets a particular audience. I have found out that although Viki Wilson is very new to the magazine, she has been a fan for a long time, and has always loved the content of the magazine, especially the photography.

The Editor tells me that the magazine prides itself on fine photography, and images that truly reflect Cornwall in all its glory.

07/05/12

This week the magazine is coming together. The atmosphere is completely different to last week, as everyone is not as stressed. Both the Editor and Deputy Editor mention that this is the part that they enjoy most. Most of the deadlines are out of the way and they can concentrate on pulling the magazine together and choosing which bits go where.

I’m really lucky in that the Editor is keen to involve me in almost every stage. She has had me helping out with planning out the pages, and we are scheduled for a meeting tomorrow to decide on the front cover.

Cornwall Today has a few well paid photographers which are given a brief and produce brilliant photographs each month. I feel that this is the magazines signature, and makes the magazine stand out on the shelves, especially when compared to other magazines.

I have already started writing my questionnaires to find out from the public what they think, and what they want from Cornwall Today. I am going to produce an online questionnaire as well as a hand out questionnaire and see if I can detect any varying in results.

I have also emailed both the Editor and the Deputy Editor, and sent over an email interview, as both had said that this would be easier for them, given their busy schedules. This wasn’t what I had wanted, as I wanted to conduct a face-to-face interview, to give the conversation a chance to change paths, depending on the answers, however this will mean that both of them will be able to give  a well thought out response.

08/05/12

Today we chose the front cover for the June edition for Cornwall Today magazine. There were around six different cover photographs to chose from, and we had to decide which was going to appeal to customers most.

Most of June’s issue is about Dogs, so that helped up narrow it down, but also there were a few landscape photographs which also had faint pictures of dogs in, that the Editor liked.

The photograph that we went with is a abstract yellow and black beach scene with a walker and their dogs. The cover would be easy to show by-lines and be eye catching.

This observation has helped me see ways in which Cornwall Today target their audience, one of the reasons that they didn’t pick the photograph of just the dog, was because some people may get confused with what the magazine resembles.

09/05/12

Today was my last day at work experience. There wasn’t a lot to do as everyone was starting to think about next month’s edition.

I have started  my case study. Viki Wilson, the Deputy Editor has emailed me back, and I have her interview which I have started analysing. At the moment not many people have filled out my online questionnaire, but I’m hoping they will!

I think that my time at Cornwall Today really helped me get a brilliant insight to how the magazine is produced and run. I have learnt a great deal both about writing for magazines, and also for my case study.

This work experience has been invaluable to me, and will help me with writing my case study. Alongside my questionnaires and further research, I am confident I will be able to answer my research question.

Log on to find love

 

 

 

Online dating: nearly 5 million Brits are logging on to find love.  It seems that Pride and Prejudice has been replaced by plenty of fish, and a bareback Mr Darcy is no longer favoured, than for a thirty something builder on uniform dating.com. What has become of old fashioned romance, candlelit dinners, and starry-eyed first sights?

 

In the UK alone, more than 1,400 dating sites are looking for new users to sign up and find the love of their life, and by 2014, the UK industry is estimated to be worth around £150 million. So what makes internet dating so popular? Many sites tempt users claiming they will meet their perfect match, and advertise with slogans such as “Make love happen today” used by Match.com, currently the UKs leading dating site with over 3 million users. Their slogan accompanies the popular advert ‘girl on the platform smiles’, which incidentally shows a couple meeting by chance, in real life, and not over the internet.

 

Other adverts are more distinct, and are quick to sell their unique sites. Uniformdating.com is the UKs number one dating site for those looking to date a policeman, who would have thought. The site is aimed at those who have unique circumstances surrounding their professional lives, and the restrictions that a job such as being a Police Officer can have on a relationship. Free for anyone, and accessible to those who don’t even wear a uniform, this site screams fancy dress shop and frock horrors.

 

Catchy slogans, hopelessly romantic adverts seem to do the trick for the teary eyed individuals home alone.  Especially heartbroken Heathcliff’s who just want to find their Cathy.

 

Stephanie Taylor, 21, found herself in a non-too similar situation not long after her relationship ended. Her chosen dating site was Plenty of Fish, simply because it came up first in a search engine.  “Guys talk to you, and say what they think you want to hear, just to get you interested.” Plenty of Fish claims that their site is responsible for more dates and relationships than any other dating website.

 

The site works by receiving all your personal information, interests and likes, and suggesting people who you may be compatible with, based on similar answers. Many other dating websites use a similar formula to this to gain the best results, however according to Stephanie, this rarely works. “Girls and guys alike, judge potential dates solely on image, rather than personality. The fact that you can browse through profiles and choose from hundreds of people makes you more picky and shallow than you would be in real life, simply because the opportunity is there.”

Online dating offers many individuals a chance who don’t simply have the time to meet people outside of their busy schedules to engage in interaction with those of their choosing.

 

Ben Yelland, 27, gave in to online dating after pressures from friends. After broken down relationships, commitment issues and a lack of trust from those of the opposite sex enough became enough. “Online dating isn’t something that I would normally agree with, I don’t like the idea of it, but as long as you are safe and remain grounded about the whole thing, you can’t really loose.”

Ben suffers from confidence issues, and has found that compliments online has helped him, and given him the boost he needed. “I am under no illusions when it comes to online dating, that people are just saying what you want to hear, but I can see from my point of view and from others that when you engage with others, especially if you are out of practise helps a lot.”

 

Cheesy one liners, compliments after compliments, may be the remedy for confidence issues, but what happens when things get a bit more serious. It’s no secret that there are risks involved with talking to a stranger on the internet, but most sites warn about these issues, and issue guidelines about personal information, and as for common sense, it goes a long way.

 

Being sensible and responsible on the internet is one thing, but how many of you can actually trust the one you are talking to? Both men and women tend to lie about their physical appearance. A recent US survey on online dating showed that 81% of online dating users lie about their height, weight or age, something that won’t occur when dating in real life. 

 

The issues raised are something that everyone has to take into consideration when taking into account online dating. Most users know that talking to a computer screen, and relying on nothing more than a picture and an over exaggerated self description isn’t as reliable as real life, but is something than merely comes with the territory.

 

The main issues involved with online dating revolve around the actual individuals needs. Many users focus on short term satisfaction rather than long term, and fail to take into account how partners grow and change. However the sites are to blame as many lend the expectation that a relationship should be perfect from day one, which is far from the truth. By the looks of the online dating market, it seems business is booming, and here to stay. Old fashioned romance is set to take a back seat.

 

David Hockney-A bigger picture

This year the Royal Academy of Arts is presenting the first major exhibition of new work from David Hockney. From January 21^st until April 19^th the Royal Academy has filled its vast walls and fields of space with the much anticipated work from one of the most influential artists from the twentieth century.

Branded with already highly praised adoration from previous work which spans over many decades, showcasing the likes of iconic pool paintings through Hockney’s time in Los Angeles, to his photomontages which spelled out a new era to art and photography. David Hockney is out to amaze and inspire his fans in what is the biggest moment of his career, and he hasn’t disappointed. 

With never seen before work that dates back to 2005, A bigger picture demonstrates Hockney’s fascination with his beloved Yorkshire landscapes.

Paintings scaling up to almost twelve metres embraced the Royal Academy, and engaged with onlookers it’s as though you had been there in Yorkshire with him. Travelling through the seasons, an overwhelming presence of time enthrals you as you move from painting to painting.

It’s clear the passion David Hockney has for the countryside, as each painting carries such significance and so much detail that can only be present with something truly cherished. Hockney’s attention to detail highlights his interest and affection for his subject.

The crowd pleasers were easily found. Vast oil clad canvases, six to be exact, each two metres by four metres made up an entire landscape in an enormous scale. A ‘Closer winter tunnel’, from February-March 2006 engages the viewer in a sense of travel as the eye follows the country path. All six paintings were painted from memory. Rich colours and key landmarks bring this magnificent piece of work to life.

What was interesting and exciting to see, was Hockney’s technical work produced on his Ipad and Iphone. An artist who clearly displays an overwhelming amount of talent, who then shows his versatility, and involvement in modern technology is refreshing and admirable.

It’s no secret that Hockney is a man of many talents, and isn’t one to shy away from trying new things, some of his best and most imaginative work is produced from a Polaroid camera, such as ‘Pearl blossom highway’.

In an interview surrounding ‘A bigger picture’ David Hockney said, “A lot of the work in the show wouldn’t have existed unless the Royal Academy had asked me.” It is indeed an exceptionally special and magnificent exhibition that truly expresses an incredible artist at his very best.