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Identifying commonly-known people

Discussion in 'Journalism topics only' started by The Sundance Kid, Aug 23, 2007.

  1. On first reference for big-name coaches and players, do you need their titles or can it be assumed people know who they are?

    Such as: "I like football," Jim Tressel said.
    "I like football," Ohio State coach Jim Tressel said.
    "I like football," coach Jim Tressel said.
    "I like football," head coach Jim Tressel said.

    And so on.
     
  2. wickedwritah

    wickedwritah Guest

    In a news story, yes. It's always President Bush, not Dubya in AP copy.

    In a column or feature, knock yourself out to play with things.
     
  3. That I knew.

    That I was afraid of.
     
  4. Babs

    Babs Member

    I had to mention Tiger Woods in passing recently in an article. I didn't say "pro golfer Tiger Woods." I made what I think is a safe assumption that people knew who he was, and it was pretty obvious from context anyway.

    Besides, he's so now (snicker).
     
  5. wickedwritah

    wickedwritah Guest

    Yeah, but you weren't quoting him.

    If you were, I'd say a full title on first reference, unless it's obvious who he is -- i.e. it's a column on The Open or somesuch.
     
  6. Eagleboy

    Eagleboy Guest

    I always use a resonable-length title in all stories, even on my beat, when identifying people.

    Thus, it's always "said head coach Mike Walter," even though I'm covering the Johnstown Flames exclusively and they only have one head coach.

    In your example, I'd at least put "Ohio State coach Jim Tressel" in non-beat matters and "head coach Jim Tressel" if you're a Buckeyes beat writer.
     
  7. forever_town

    forever_town Well-Known Member

    I fall under the "attribute EVERYTHING" category.

    Former Orioles shortstop and Baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken, Jr.

    Then again, I've broken from AP and required first AND last names of Presidents even when they're not H-Dub and Dub.

    One of the very few names I'd think would need no attribution is Madonna. And I'd even attribute her.
     
  8. da man

    da man Well-Known Member

    Jim who?
     
  9. Point of Order

    Point of Order Active Member

    ... the former German Furor Adolf Hitler.
     
  10. spnited

    spnited Active Member

    Yes, that Hitler did create quite a furor.
     
  11. Ben_Hecht

    Ben_Hecht Active Member

    I prefer the old Spy magazine style:

    "Donald Trump, short-fingered vulgarian . . . "

    . . . myself . . .
     
  12. Ben_Hecht

    Ben_Hecht Active Member

    Any parallels drawn to Butsch do that, around here, as well . . .
     
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