Originally posted by Seagle
Originally posted by Frira
If we changed which word was placed in quotes from the headline of this thread, we could have a whole different story!
"Mexican" Authorities searching for fallen Meteorite
In that case, we recognize that a meteorite impact took place, and that authorities were searching for it; but draw into question whether they were
really Mexican-- or simply posing as Mexicans? Perhaps, really a group of fifty-three former Nazi war criminals hiding from the Mossad.
Mexican "Authorities" searching for fallen Meteorite
In this scenario we take for granted that a meteorite had hit in Mexico, but call into question the true identify of those who were searching--
so-called "authorities," or were they really, perhaps, a group of religious zealots?
Mexican Authorities "searching" for fallen Meteorite
Next we acknowledge a meteorite has fallen to Earth, and that Mexican Authorities are involved, but call into question the "search" as merely a
cover story. In truth, that is in this scenario, it is that the Mexican Authorities had easily and quickly located the impact site, but are
pretending not to have done so-- implying nefarious hidden reason for the activity in the area. Perhaps amassing troops for an impending sweep of
drug cartel agents in the region?
Mexican Authorities searching for "fallen" Meteorite
When the truth is the meteorite had not fallen at all-- but is supposed by the knowing insiders to have teleported there from a secret HAARP derived
technology installation.
Finally, we have the option of using no quotes at all in the title as follows:
Mexican Authorities searching for fallen Meteorite
This is rather dull, but interesting to some-- implying that a meteorite had fallen and for which the Mexican Authorities are searching. Seeing a
picture of the crater and of some Mexican standing proudly beside a two pound hunk of iron would be about the most we could hope to see or to
discuss.
And you felt the need to give us this insightful (or is it inciteful?) grammar lesson because?
Because it was a fun way to make the point.
In news articles, particularly with political bias being introduced by authors or their editors, the quotes around otherwise neutral words are cheap
shots. Like writing (or saying) "claimed" or "insisted" instead of "said," the quotes are the ONLY reason a reader would believe there is
anything suspicious.
It is leading and therefore manipulative.
You wanted to discuss the report as if it was about a UFO "crash" as is evidenced by your second post-- but nothing in the cited article even
suggests that discussion.
As for "inciting" in lieu of "insight" it is the headline which incites-- your doing, not mine.
Persuade, but never manipulate as a writer.
So, the story remains in need of the expected image of the proud Mexican official smiling beside a crater with a hunk of iron (similar to
this).
