Report on "Basics of Reporting"

The article, "Basics of Reporting", highlights the different mechanisms available to the would-be reporter to help in being prepared correctly when taking ideas to the field and materializing them in a wide-variety of situations from questioning individuals on stories to researching. The article begins with the ways in which stories originate, with an emphasis on why stories are particularly attractive or appealing. It is mentioned that reporters should constantly be on the prowl because there are newsworthy events capable of arising at any moment; this pivotal skill is necessary to develop in order to stay one step ahead of the competition. If one is quick-footed or has the luck of the Irish  and is made aware of important events, they should proceed on their quest with no hesitation because others will be in the same position. It is the reporter who acts on impulse and intuition who will receive the inside track to his goal and be allowed to take advantage of the candid responses by interviewees or possibly the unfolding of a special event, instead of simply witnessing the aftermath.

It is proffered in the article that reliable reporting should understand how to consider sources accordingly, which comes with experience and a growing awareness. Reporters should use caution when endowed with information from sketchy characters or inexperienced people-such as children known to give inaccurate or misleading details on events. Therefore, it is wise to have multiple sources as well to sift through and contrast which are the most appropriate and dependable sources. There is also the tactic of confirming "sources through sources" to validate potential material to be used. Reporters can adequately protect themselves and the reputation of their organization if they follow models such as these outlined.

The internet is also recommended as a valuable tool  for reporting or simply put, "every researcher's dream come true" (p.143). The article suggests that at every reporter's disposal there are a myriad of insightful and exciting tidbits of information that ease the operation of discovering resources. Reporter's are now granted full access to another world filled with delightful prose that can direct them on a path reporting interests to their quirky heart's content. Just a simple keyword search and the reporter is bestowed with millions of search options, however, the article points out that one should exercise extreme caution because many sources are not verifiable or lack merit. There is also the added temptation of not giving credit to sources, which most in the free world will still contend is plagiarism. Luckily, basic protocol offers three easy choices to avoid outright copying-"quoting and citing, paraphrasing, and rewording" (p.143).