A Myopic Mindfulness

Death-based Faith Prayer Killer Trial
by Mark Neumann (aka Syntax2600)
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With all the local, regional, and even some national news coverage the Neumann Trail has been receiving, this author believes you have come across your fair share of the same.

When Bruce Dickinson needs more cowbell, he comes out and says "I gotta have more cowbell!"  One could only assume that media producers are similar with what they require of their reports, "I gotta have me some catchy titles!"  Or some varietal thereof.

Here are some examples of the Good, Bad, and Ugly news articles pertaining to the Neumann Trial.

The Good...

Title:    State rests case in Neumann Trial
Source: Colby Robertson, Fox 55 WFXS
Link:    http://bit.ly/TileT

Note:    What more do you need?  Good work Colby, and WFXS - thank you for simply stated the facts and not applying that stain of spin.


Title:  Faith-healing mom defends actions
Source:    Wausau Daily Herald
Link:    http://bit.ly/FaithMom

Note:    Not perfect, but relevant enough and to the point.  


Title:  Father's interview to be played at trial
Source:    WAOW
Link:    http://bit.ly/prayerdad

Note:    Again, great work.  Keep it up.  Also, I should point out the WAOS's coverage on the news has been portrayed in a respectful, professional manner as well.  Good work Colby Robertson, Pamela Warnke, and also to Brian Niznansky for emotional support.


THE BAD...

Title:    Prayer father says he didn't consider medical help
Source:    Marshfield News Herald
Link:    http://bit.ly/2UWi2x

Note:    Why are we using "prayer" as a prefix to these news articles?  I understand where they writer came up with it, I am not THAT naive.  What I want to know is where will they draw the line?  If I were writing on a hot story such as the Neumann Trial, I would include the topic, NEUMANN TRIAL, in the title!  I wonder if Dale Neumann ate at Taco Bell.  Could we then include that relevant fact into the title as well?  

Don't mind if I do partake in such an endeavor:

    "Area Chalupa Eater's Prayers for Gidget = Fail"

    "Slipper Wearer Neumann to Testify at Noon"

    "Smokers - Barack Obama, Dale Neumann both Make News Today"


THE UGLY...

Title:    A prayer death trial update
Source:    News Radio 55 SAU
Link:    http://bit.ly/PrayerDeath

Note:    News Radio 55 uses ancient HTML 1.0 technology, and therefore a direct to the article cannot be provided.  As of July 29th, 2009 @ 7:48 PM CST, the latest article is titled: "A prayer death trial update".   Prayer Death Trial - that sounds like a band that I will never let my son listen to.

Don't you just find solace in associated the words "prayer" and "death" together?  Good times.


If news media really wanted to get our attention, they'd start using creative, unique titles like this most awesome example:

    http://bit.ly/BestNewsTitle


What are your thoughts on these article titles?  Are they over the top? Relevant? Do they even make sense?

I admit, I am not a journalist.  I have no background or experience in journalism.  I am a commoner with an opinion - if you don't agree with me, well - I will PRAY for you.  ;)


Thank you,

     - Mark


Oh, I am no relation to the newsworthy Neumann's.