Tuesday, March 31, 2009

What's in a joke?

Journalistic principles be damned. 

Tomorrow marks the annual celebration of frivolity on Grounds known as April Fool's Day. That means The Cavalier Daily will publish an issue full of jokes and (hopefully witty) attempts at humor. But what goes into this strange issue? Where does The Cavalier Daily draw the line between funny and potentially libelous or insulting?

In evaluating each story that will appear in tomorrow's April Fool's issue, the paper's Managing Board elected to apply a policy similar to its current Comics policy:

1) The work is, at a fundamental level, an attempt at humor — its primary goal is to entertain the reader.

2) The work does not unnecessarily provoke or offend.

3) The work meets the standards of The Cavalier Daily.

In applying this flexible, clearly subjective policy, the goal was to limit instances of clearly offensive content while at the same time preserve creativity and humor, which almost by definition pokes fun at something or someone. For those institutions or individuals "targeted" in tomorrow's issue, then, rest assured that all stories were written tongue-in-cheek and not meant to be taken seriously.

So, when you pick up the paper tomorrow, don't expect anything like The Cavalier Daily's typical insistence on actual sources, verifiable story ideas or fair and balanced reporting. Happy April Fool's!


Monday, March 23, 2009

The Newest Media

In an effort to expand coverage of issues, provide readers with up-to-the-minute updates and increase communication between community members and the paper, The Cavalier Daily is rolling out a variety of new media and Web 2.0 features:


Why follow us on Twitter? Because by doing so, you'll get updates about the top news and sports stories + blog updates + student group updates. You can even get text message or e-mail notifications. Moving forward, The Cavalier Daily wants to keep you informed about the most important events on Grounds -- even events we wouldn't normally write news stories about. So, if you have an event or story you want to see publicized on Twitter, e-mail meditor@cavalierdaily.com and put "Twitter" in the subject line. From service/social events hosted by Greek organizations to that jazz concert in Old Cabell Hall to breaking news, we'll tweet about what's on your mind.

Facebook fan page - http://bit.ly/RS0kK

Why join our fan page? Because by doing so, you'll be able to enter into dialogue with The Cavalier Daily and other readers about stories and potential areas for improvement. We want to hear your thoughts, and citizen journalism is simultaneously becoming increasingly important each day. So if you've got something to say, say it. Join the group and become a fan. We're listening.

Blogs

Check out www.cavalierdaily.com for our latest blog entries (scroll down for links). Our Opinion and Arts and Entertainment sections have rolled out plenty of new media content already, and we're always looking to expand our coverage via new blogs, updates and much more. If you've got an idea, feel free to share!