Let's face it, most editorials are boring. I flipped through the Lawrence Journal-World on Monday. Nada. I looked up the KC Star's opinion section online and it was a real snoozeathon. Roadwork needed? Lame. Science in Missouri schools? I live in Kansas. Funkhouser's early success as a mayor? I clicked on this one. Blah blah blah. Colorblind society remains elusive? No kidding. Dog lovers need parks too? I don't have a dog. Nothing was inviting a click.
Bucky Walters is listed as "scary woman" in the credits. I would list him and the editorial team as "editorial geniuses".Screengrab courtesy of the Wichita Eagle
Until I came across this exceptional nugget of journalism from Wichita Eagle columnist Phillip Brownlee. How do you make an editorial about a proposed coal plant in Holcomb, Kan., exciting? Write a song and have someone dress in drag. You have my attention.
This video is something that could never translate into print. And what's more, it enticed me to actually read other editorials (text only!) on the subject. Brilliant! Plus, I could post my comments for all the world to see immediately. Forget composing a letter to the editor and waiting to see if it gets published. I can get into an argument with an anonymous user right now!
And there were other goodies too. I watched Governor Sebelius make jokes about the video, and explain her stance. The point is, none of this is possible in a newspaper. I love to read the paper, but I love to read it online even more. There's just so much more to offer.
I want more video editorials. The fact that "Coal-Lovin' Governor" made me actually read an editorial proves they are effective. Video, slideshows, comment threads and of all that multimedia goodness make a big difference. They're stimulating, capture my attention and don't put me into a coma. Editorials don't have to be boring if you have a little creativity. Check out this "Brownback Girl."
Great find with the gov and the video. Made my day.
Laurel, You have me convinced. You make a compelling case for the video op-ed. A silly guy in a dress does run the risk of diminishing the content but in this instance it works. Comedy, opinion, and a little Loretta Lynn riffing. . .what kind of feedback did the video get on the Eagle?
Wichita Eagle web staffer here. Brownback Girl was our first video with Bucky, and it got a bazillion more page views than our news videos get. Everyone loved it. Editors fawned over it. All the local TV stations scrambled to cover its wild success (well before that wild success had yet materialized) and soon MSNBC and other national networks were calling Brownlee for interviews.
And I told the editorial team that they had a mandate to follow up. Coal-Lovin' Governor was not as big of a sensation, but they did get the Sebelius to respond to it.
So you WERE in this vid loop, as I suspected, Katie? Can we claim alumna bragging rights?