Dear Reader
DEAR READER: Journalists are a kind of first responder during disaster coverage
Whether close to home or far away, many people sought out news about Monday's tornado and its tragic aftermath in Moore, Okla. The response adds proof to the need for journalism. Many government or nonprofit officials said during interviews on Monday afternoon that they were getting their information and perspective from news reports, same as everyone else.
DEAR READER: Here's how we're covering more of City Council meetings
The Missourian covers Columbia City Council meetings regularly, but with DocumentCloud reporters can include more information and notes with their stories.
DEAR READER: Recording the memories of MU's Arvarh Strickland
Journalism will help preserve the memory of Arvarh Strickland, a man who is known for being the first African-American professor at MU but who was also much more.
DEAR READER: Another crack at an old problem of plagiarism
In a time where plagiarism is easier than ever, Missourian Executive Editor Tom Warhover says the principles are easy: Don't cheat. Don't lie.
DEAR READERS: Trumpeting the power of words entertains copy editors
Peter Sokolowski, an editor at large with Merriam-Webster Dictionary, was the keynote speaker at the 17th annual American Copy Editors Society national conference. And, he added a bonus of playing a couple of tunes on his trumpet.
DEAR READER: There are no illegal immigrants, just people who enter illegally
The Associated Press Stylebook now bans the term as a label. It's actions that count. Not everyone is pleased with the change.
DEAR READER: Archived stories shouldn't be deleted
Old stories have value. That’s why the Missourian launched a system in which everything on the website is free for the first 24 hours but anything older requires a paid membership.
DEAR READERS: Missourian stylebook ready for its annual update
The Columbia Missourian Stylebook and Guide to Mid-Missouri will be undergoing its annual revisions in the coming weeks. If you have suggestions, feel free to send them along.
DEAR READER: Let the light shine for open government
The Missourian will take part in celebrating Missouri's open record law as part of Sunshine Week.
DEAR READER: Copy editing resembles the art and method of solving mysteries
Copy editors can draw on techniques used by Sherlock Holmes and Perry Mason to solve editing mysteries in their daily profession.
DEAR READER: Your Missourian sports section is a winner
The Missourian sports department was recognized by the Associated Press Sports Editors for 11 awards, its most since 2001. The formula: the story less traveled.
DEAR READER: Thanks for a year of your stories
The Missourian's From Readers section will have its first birthday this weekend. To help celebrate, the Missourian will randomly pick people who have contributed to the section to win prizes next week.
DEAR READER: Open records benefit community
Two separate incidents regarding open records this week showed that journalists are not the only citizens using the Missouri Sunshine Law.
DEAR READER: The newsroom takes coffee to town
The Missourian expects to hold chats around town and invites the public to attend. Editors want to hear your ideas and complaints about the Missourian, and you might want to air them.
DEAR READERS: Headlines can stir up heaps of trouble
If it were easy, everyone would be writing headlines. Unfortunately, even the pros get caught up in mayhem and mishaps that show up in print or online.
DEAR READER: Finding the story behind an MU job candidate with ties to Abu Ghraib
An email from a retired MU professor prompted the first article written by the Missourian, and that article will be followed up on.
DEAR READER: Newtown overwhelmed by outpouring of support
On behalf of city officials, the editor of The Newtown Bee asks that the donations of physical goods be directed to local agencies in memory of those lost at Sandy Hook Elementary. A fund is set up for monetary donations.
DEAR READER: Acts of kindness amid an act of evil
The most important thing I can do is continue to ask good questions of my reporters and editors to help cover the search for solutions.
DEAR READER: 'Dooziewhoppers' create havoc for copy editors
A poorly written sentence, an illogical sequence of cause and effect, missing facts and incorrectly spelled names make Missourian's copy editors to go "dooziewhopper."
DEAR READER: 'Against the Odds' stories inspire awe, tears
MU journalism students compile inspirational stories about people who have somehow overcome the odds.
