Teens Offer Advice For Making Sections Better

For their presentation on the ideal "Section of the Future," TEENWork 2000 fellows and panelists developed the following guidelines for youth sections, with respect to writing, photography, illustration, print design and Web design.


Writing

Do:
  • Write using a professional style.
  • Write about current events and real life.
  • Make the tone appropriate to the subject of the article.
  • Give other teens a voice through quotes. Use peers as sources.
  • Write stories about lives of teen-agers outside of school.
Don't:
  • Fill sections with reviews.
  • Repeat story ideas unless the stories use a fresh approach.
  • Write essays (as if you were in English class).
  • Editorialize in news stories.
  • Reiterate what is said elsewhere in the paper.


Photography

Do:
  • Vary the angles (bird's eye, worm's view, close up, zoom, wide angle) and shapes (vertical/horizontal).
  • Ensure that photos are well cropped and that backgrounds are not distracting.
  • Work to find a diverse group of people, subjects and backgrounds. Avoid cliches.
  • To build a staff of teen photographers: offer contests, put up posters and reach out to photography classes and yearbook staffs.
  • Build a library of books for beginners.
Don't:
  • Use submitted photos - recognize the difference between snapshots and photographs.
  • Limit photos to professional photographers, although it's good to team professionals with students for educational opportunities.


Illustration

Do:
  • Vary the styles - abstract, animation, realism.
  • Reflect the tone of the topic.
  • Use black and white for more serious subjects.
  • Use white space effectively.
  • Vary the angles - bird's eye, worm's view, etc.
  • Use typography.
  • Feature parody and sarcastic cartoons.
  • Provide an outlet for a regular feature cartoon by a local teen artist.
  • Strive for diversity in subjects of illustration (glasses, braces, different weights, races).
  • Use collages from time to time.
Don't:
  • Limit illustrations to computer-generated graphics.
  • Make illustrations too large (can make image blurry or pixilated).
  • Overuse typography.
  • Use line art as dominant art form.
  • Use 80s styles to evoke a "modern look"
  • Restrict illustrations to poses - strive for activity.


Design

Do:
  • Make sure sections look like they are aimed at youth.
  • Use one dominant element on your page.
  • Be fun, creative, inspired.
  • Shake up the status quo while keeping a professional look.
Don't:
  • Keep everything in lockstep with the rest of the paper's design.
  • Be flashy or cute.
  • Clutter designs.
  • Use opinion stories as the lead.
  • Use mastheads, flags, etc., that scream "80s."


Web sites

Do:
  • Balance eye-catching design with quick-loading time.
  • Keep a modular design with use of tables, different colors.
  • Remember that content is the most valuable asset and the toughest challenge.
  • Update section whenever possible.
  • Promote interactivity through use of message boards and chat rooms.
Don't:
  • Buy into the idea that flashy graphics are awesome.
  • Run the exact same stories as in the printed edition.
  • Aim all stories on the Web site at tech fans and stereotype readers as geeks.

 

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