ABSTRACT
In sum, editors should be able to trim an inverted-pyramid story from the bottom up, to meet the cruel constraints of limited newshole, and still print its most important facts. In addition to readers and editors, a third constituency is served by the inverted pyramid: writers. Indeed, inserting "color" descriptive into an inverted pyramid, though perhaps improving reader appeal, inevitably delays delivery of facts - and thus defeats this structure's basic purpose, which is fast, clear communication. Some writers favor anecdotal leads even if they subordinate a timely spot-news development. However, anecdotal leads are perfect for second-day leads, those that report what’s happening two days or more after the event. News seldom is what it initially seems to be on the surface. It frequently carries deeper meaning — and the people must identify that clearly for their readers. The business of journalists is answering questions, but asking them can be effective in catching reader attention.
