The front page promos
I asked our reader advisory group whether they read the promos at the top of the front page that direct them to other stories inside the newspaper. Virtually all 150 respondents said they did and they gave us good ideas about color, topic and type selections to improve.
Then there are the fiercely independent-minded ones who said they didn't need any help.
I'd rather find the articles and read them 'unannounced'.
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I like to go through the paper and pick items I'm interested in. I think for myself and don't let others think for me.
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No. I just read all I am interested in.
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Comments (8)
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Speaking of front pages.
John, Congressional Quarterly recently compiled crime statistics for cities in the US with a population of over 75,000.
There are a couple of blog posts here and here.
Greensboro has the highest crime ranking of the seven cities listed in NC.
My question is, do you consider this newsworthy to the citizens of Greensboro?
You may have reported this and I just missed it. If not, I find it very odd that you would not supply this information to the public.
Posted on November 28, 2008 2:27 PM
I don't know that we have, Tony. The last reference to FBI violent crime stats -- which is the basis of CQ's report -- was from last year when we noted that Greensboro saw an overall 6 percent increase in violent crime figures, which was twice as high as the state average.
We'll check it out.
I will point out this paragraph of caution from the FBI report:
"Caution Against Ranking -- Each year when Crime in the United States is published, some entities use reported figures to compile rankings of cities and counties. These rough rankings provide no insight into the numerous variables that mold crime in a particular town, city, county, state, or region. Consequently, they lead to simplistic and/or incomplete analyses that often create misleading perceptions adversely affecting communities and their residents. Valid assessments are possible only with careful study and analysis of the range of unique conditions affecting each local law enforcement jurisdiction. The data user is, therefore, cautioned against comparing
statistical data of individual reporting units from cities, metropolitan areas, states, or
colleges or universities solely on the basis of their population coverage or student
enrollment."
Posted on November 28, 2008 2:45 PM
Sorry, it isn't an FBI report, but a 2008 FBI press release with the latest crime figures for 2007. Here's the link.
Posted on November 28, 2008 2:50 PM
"rankings provide no insight into the numerous variables that mold crime in a particular town" leaves a lot unexplained. Sounds sort of like a CYA disclaimer.
This would lead one to wonder, "why release the statistics at all"?
Posted on November 28, 2008 3:18 PM
Good point. My reading of that paragraph is that it cautions against comparing city to city, not one city to its past history.
The figures do permit people to track crime rates over time of specific towns. For instance, we can see how Greensboro fares over the years, how specific reported crimes go up and down, and how the trends move.
Posted on November 28, 2008 3:29 PM
And the CQ study may have done "careful study and analysis of the range of unique conditions affecting each local law enforcement jurisdiction." I just haven't read enough of it to know right now.
Posted on November 28, 2008 3:31 PM
"My reading of that paragraph is that it cautions against comparing city to city, not one city to its past history."
Do you think "variables" mentioned disqualify the report from having any benefit.
Does the report not provide some context for comparison about our problem?
Posted on November 28, 2008 4:53 PM
I don't know. As I said, I haven't read enough of it to know.
Posted on November 28, 2008 4:56 PM