All we want is meeting audiences' expectation

News:
1 hand clapping at Japan Society (Ann Levin – The Associated Press)
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101001/ap_en_ot/us_art_one_hand_clapping;_ylt=At.dXkmAqB0JW8nLjDQQyepcEBkF;_ylu=X3oDMTJ1bGM1NmRyBGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMTAxMDAxL3VzX2FydF9vbmVfaGFuZF9jbGFwcGluZwRwb3MDMwRzZWMDeW5fcGFnaW5hdGVfc3VtbWFyeV9saXN0BHNsawMxaGFuZGNsYXBwaW4-


Description:
It mainly introduces the 18th-century Zen master Hakuin Ekaku and his exhibition in New York.


Comment:
After analysing these online news stories, I began collecting the elements that will make an online story outstanding and attractive.


Now is online world. Many of us get information online because of its convenience and richness. In terms of news, what type will gain most audiences? Stunning photos, interesting writing, or additional video will do. Plus, attractive headline and opening paragraph.


When I first see this title, “1 hand clapping at Japan Society”, I gain interests immediately. What does it mean? I keep reading it. In the first paragraph, Levin writes What is the sound of one hand clapping? Even after seeing that, I cannot guess its meaning, but I still have the curiosity. Maybe the magic of quiet? And then, the writer begins to introduce the Zen master and his idea of meditation through his collection.


However, throughout the writing, all I can see is flat description. I can predict the extraordinary style of master’s artwork, but I cannot see it in the piece. A good description should let the readers have a vivid image after reading the words. In the end of it, the writer says the master wants to convey his Zen idea in ways that ordinary people could understand the meaning. Is it the reason why Levin also uses plain sentences to write it? I doubt.


I know it is hard to give attention to two or more things at the same time. But after I look at a number of news stories, I can tell what is good and what is normal easier. Sometimes the readers will not spend time to think about the techniques or skills that a good writing has. What they can remember is the first impression the story gives them and it usually happens in the first three paragraphs. So, it is very important to be clear and right to the point. It means not only giving as much as information audiences expect, but also delivering a kind of visual perception, especially when dealing with visual art writing.