Practical: Register your blog
a. Register your blog, It must be ‘public’ so that your lecturer can read this.
Please refer to the link for access to my WordPress account: ashleyandersoncqu2.wordpress.com. This public domain will be used for all correspondence relating to COMM11007 – Media Writing.
b. Write an introduction to yourself on your blog, telling us who you are, what you are studying, and your aims for this course.
Hello fellow bloggers,
I am a first year Digital Media student, currently embarking on my second term. My University of choice is the Mackay campus located in Ooralea, where I study on a full time basis. I am particularly interested in photography, I will be keeping an open mind during my studies as I believe there are many opportunities within this three year degree that will be worth pursuing as a long term career.
Look forward to blogging with you all soon.
Inquiry: Different Purpose/Different Writing
The objective for week one blog activity is to review and compare three articles of similar content that relate to the Gold Coast Titans Football Club. The representations are written by an opposing counterpart, each producing different angles thus reflecting a diverse audience.
Article 1 – NRL takes control of Gold Coast Titans
Figure 1: NRL takes control of Gold Coast Titans Source: NRL (2015)
The first article is published by the NRL and delivers a simple yet reassuring approach in the headline, immediately follows is an image (as above) of Titan supporters, proudly wearing the club colours. The impression given is that the target audience is aimed towards Titans fans. CEO Dave Smith reinforces this statement by announcing, “In other words, it is an important day for fans, the club and its sponsors”.
Furthermore the report admits the club is currently undergoing financial difficulties, however continuously presents the club in a positive manner. Mr Smith said, “The only difference for Titans fans is that they will have the security of knowing their team has a long term future in the Gold Coast.” The key message in this press conference is to inform the public that the security of the Gold Coast Titans remains now and in to the future.
Article 2 – Five-year blueprint convinced NRL boss to save Titans just weeks before Gold Coast NRL club would have folded
Five-year blueprint convinced NRL boss to save Titans just weeks before Gold Coast NRL club would have folded Source: Gold Coast Bulletin (2015)
The second article is published by the Gold Coast Bulletin and is presented with a headline that depicts a negative deliberation towards the Titans. The image provided is in relation to the five team members currently undergoing legalities towards drug use. Immediately these present a shift in the audience, therefore, this impact is likely to affect more than the fan-based community. In addition this target audience will exceed to a broader network within sports industry such as the official NRL and its supporters, including the legal industry.
Furthermore the article did exhibit a positive insight to the future expectations for the club and the reasoning for the NRL takeover. Gold Coast Titans co-owner and founder Michael Searle and Titans white knight Darryl Kelly have lost considerable funds during the Titans financial hardship; however, will remain loyal to the club. Again the basis for the NRL take-over was related to past credit issues. NRL Chief Executive Dave Smith reinforced the future of the Titans by saying, “You will trust this club because we’ll build a great club and you’ll be proud of it.”
Article 3 – Gold Coast Titans taken over by NRL, placed in voluntary administration after drugs scandal
Figure 3: Gold Coast Titans taken over by NRL, placed in voluntary administration after drugs scandal Source: ABC News
The third article is published by the ABC and immediately presents the story with an intriguing headline that is both direct and somewhat adverse. Similar to the previous article written by the Gold Coast Bulletin, this article is focussed on the drug allegations and clubs financial hardship. These are both negative discussions that impact a greater target audience, such as the fan-based community, official NRL, legal industry, supporters and sporting consumers.
The article consisted of statements by NRL Chief Executive Dave Smith discussing the move forward to the Titans club. The financial obligations were announced but the focus was getting the club back on its feet and looking towards a bright and successful future.
Furthermore an extension of this article was titled ‘Smith denies cocaine a major problem for NRL’. NRL Chief Executive Dave Smith denied the cocaine problem and addressed the issue as “not the end of the world.” The matter will be addressed but should cause no concern towards the Titans future.
In conclusion, it is essential for general information such as these articles to be disseminated to a variety of diligences including the general public. Regardless of the content or community, involvement is expected in all of the associated affairs to ensure that the final outcomes are addressed in a professional and appropriate manner.
References:
NRL 2015, NRL, viewed 22 July 2015, http://www.nrl.com/nrl-takes-control-of-gold-%20coast-%20titans/tabid/10871/newsid/84020/default.aspx>
Meyn, T 2015, Gold Coast Bulletin, viewed 22 July 2015, http://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/sport/nrl/five-year-blueprint-convinced-nrl-boss-to-save-titans-just-weeks-before-gold-coast-nrl-club-would-have-folded/story-fnj9yd9w-1227237781936>
ABC News 2015, ABC News, viewed 22 July 2015, http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-02-24/nrl-takes-over-control-of-gold-coast-titans-amid-drugs-scandal/6247574>
COMM11007 - Media writing 
Hey Ashley
I think you did a great job with this activity. The articles are well explained and in-depth, important details are included and it is all presented in a neat and easy to read format. There is an excellent focus on the key messages that each article is trying to deliver. I was definitely impressed with your use of evidence when discussing targeted audiences, such as the use of images, headlines and their effects. Something you should probably work on is discussing the angle of the writers of articles 2 and 3. What is their perspective on the situation and how it affects the article? Also, the grammar is rough in spots but especially in article 3 where the last 2 sentences are awkward and make the quote seem out of place. In the future, consider who is writing the article and what they are trying to achieve with it and check if the paragraph reads well.
Kind regards, Zachary Lalor
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Hi Ashley,
Overall I think you have crushed this activity. I enjoyed the way you have structured your content making it easy to read and informative. You have provided in depth discussion on all three articles as well as images, headlines and the effect they have on the article. As Zac said, your discussion about the angle could be improved, as well as some citations to make it more professional. But you’ve a great job on discussing the main points.
Cheers,
Hayden Trenfield
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Thank you for your feedback Zachary and Hayden. I have re-written parts and re-uploaded including images referenced from the articles. Look forward to hearing from you.
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Hi again Ashley,
I think your response to this task is very solid and your writing flows well. Your thoughts are succinct. As a fellow Digital Media student, the only thing I might suggest here is that you make the photos slightly larger and more uniform in size.
Cheers
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Hi Ryan,
Thank you for your feedback. I resized the images as you suggested but I felt they became to large and overpowered the text. I chose to include them purely to separate the content and add interest to the reader. You never know unless you give it a go though, so much appreciated.
kind regards,
Ashley Anderson
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