Write Up Your AlleyNew Ideas for

Alternative Copy

Presented by Katy Burnside

What is Alternative Copy?• Quote Boxes• Bio Boxes• Features• Lists• Infographics• Time Lines• Q & A Boxes

• He Said/She Said Boxes

• Did You Know? Boxes• Anecdotes• Narratives• Fact/Detail Lists • Scatter Stories

Why Use Alternative Copy?

• Increases coverage of students• Provides more information in a shorter format• Draws reader into the spread• Allows for theme development• Prevents editorializing• Makes coverage more INTERESTING!

Copy IdeaHow well do you know your…• Student council

officers• Head coaches• Classmates• Administrators

Copy Idea

Try a glossary of

sports terms or

academic terms

or trends

Copy IdeaProfile a student :by having him/her “Sound Off” on various topics

Consider giving the same topic to a number of different students if opinions vary

Copy Idea

Meet the:

captains

officers

managers

coaches

teachers

members

Copy IdeaThe Good and The Bad of…• Dating• Jobs• Student Council• Physics• Pets• Siblings• Hats• Computers• The War in Iraq

Copy Ideas

What’s on your to-do list that you

never accomplish?

What SHOULD be on your to-do list?

What would your best friend add to

your to-do list?

Copy Ideas

Tell the behind-the-scene BEFORE stories:• Preparations for the rival game• Preparations for homecoming• Preparations for the school Play

Copy Idea

A “list” approach is appealing to the scan reader

Copy Idea

tips from the trainer, question from a fan,

quarterback’s insight

Copy IdeaBasic interviewing techniques remain the same

Here, the entire interview is featured

Use this in any section of the book.

Copy Ideas• Ask the Expert:Academics (a student or a teacher)

Sports (an athlete, trainer, coach)

Student Life/People (any student who is considered very knowledgeable on the topic at hand)

Community (a student volunteer)

Clubs (the president)

Copy IdeasBeginning/Intermediate/Advanced:Freshman/Sophomore/Junior/Senior

Student/Teacher

Athlete/Coach/Manager

Copy IdeaGreat twist for a fads/fashions spread

Copy IdeasChecklists could include:• Asking someone to

prom• Surviving a blind date• Decorating for

homecoming

• Building a float

• Studying for finals

• Getting ready for school

Copy IdeaA profile linked with a quote from the person being interviewed adds personality & voice to a feature

Copy IdeaAn hour-by-hour breakdown is easy to read and contains very specific information

Copy IdeaFact box +

a first-person profile written in Q&A style

Copy IdeaTrack the drill team’s summer camp or the band’s trip to Macy’s

Thanksgiving Day Parade

Copy IdeaProfile boxes with stats; conclusions he said/she said;

great Homecoming/Prom/Dating spread idea

Copy IdeaA new twist on the multiple choice format

The answers are already marked for the reader

The “wrong” answers are “over the edge” and humorous

Caution: Be careful! Attempts at humor can become tasteless very quickly

Copy IdeaProfile several students at once

Think about ways to link random students together with a common denominator: • Sports• Community service• Leadership roles:

Student Council

Drum Major JROTC Captains of teams

Copy IdeaA “30 Reasons” list provides an opportunity for 30 people to respond to a prompt

Numbered lists are great ways to reinforce anniversary themes

Copy IdeaSpice up academics coverage by listing various academics

related tasks: best time to study for a test; to write the term paper; etc.

Quote students in the “WHY” column