Wikipedia:A headline is not a reliable source: Difference between revisions
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{{nutshell|Do not use a headline in any way to support content, instead rely solely on what is in the [[WP: Reliable source|reliable source itself]].}} |
{{nutshell|Do not use a headline in any way to support content, instead rely solely on what is in the [[WP: Reliable source|reliable source itself]].}} |
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Revision as of 02:04, 10 August 2020
This is an essay. It contains the advice or opinions of one or more Wikipedia contributors. This page is not an encyclopedia article, nor is it one of Wikipedia's policies or guidelines, as it has not been thoroughly vetted by the community. Some essays represent widespread norms; others only represent minority viewpoints. |
This page in a nutshell: Do not use a headline in any way to support content, instead rely solely on what is in the reliable source itself. |
Headline
Ignore headlines when you write an article. Headlines are often written by specialists who are not themselves the researchers and journalists who write the articles,[1] therefore the content is verifiable, but not the headline or any ideas not supported by the article. The headline writer has a job to attract attention, generate click-bait titles to juice the number of readers, and for search-engine optimization.[1][2] Traditionally this was also done for space constraints which are sometimes less relevant in digital reporting.[1][3] They employ headlinese, an abbreviated form of news writing style used in headlines.[4]
"Slam" and sensationalistic words
The use of "slam" in headlines has attracted criticism on the grounds that the word is overused and contributes to media sensationalism.[5][6] The violent imagery of words like "slam", "blast", "rip", and "bash" has drawn comparison to professional wrestling, where the primary aim is to titillate audiences with a conflict-laden and largely predetermined narrative rather than provide authentic coverage of spontaneous events.[7]
References
- ^ a b c Hiltner, Stephen (April 9, 2017). "How to Write a New York Times Headline". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
{{cite news}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Carney, Timothy P. (October 31, 2014). "Let's stop arguing with headlines that the writer didn't write". Washington Examiner. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Why Writers Don't Write Headlines". Retrieved 2020-05-20.
- ^ Headlinese Collated definitions via www.wordnik.com
- ^ Template:Cite article
- ^ Kehe, Jason (9 September 2009). "Colloquialism slams language". Daily Trojan.
- ^ Russell, Michael (8 October 2019). "Biden 'Rips' Trump, Yankees 'Bash' Twins: Is Anyone Going to 'Slam' the Press?". PolitiChicks.