Sunday, March 8, 2009

Calum MacLeod Discusses China's Privacy Issue

<span class=james_bond_video_pen21.jpg">

Calum MacLeod of USA Today wrote "Depsite official ban, spyware (such as camcorder pens and sunglasses) and  is hot seller in China," about the spyware trend that's currently progressing in China. Through a summary lede, MacLeod introduces the topic in a way that efficiently summarizes and informs the reader. The lede is followed by a quote that grasps the basic theme of the article in one short sentence. His choice of quote, in my opinion, is highly effective because it foreshadows the direction that the article takes, and is delivered by a source that has credibility in relation to the issue.
With six quoted sources throughout the article, it's apparent that MacLeod did a thorough job investigating the issue regarding the heightened popularity of spyware in China, despite laws banning it. MacLeod delivers view points from all sides of the issue: those selling the spyware, creators of the spyware, regular citizen, and government-affiliated people.
The organization of the article was well thought out, as the story first summarized the problem and described the spyware from an insider's view point, then in the section titled "Official Surveillance," MacLeod introduces the whole ironic governmental aspect of the issue that involves the Chinese government installing over 300,00 additional security cameras, and then in the final section called "Benefits and Drawbacks," MacLeod gives both the pros and cons of the spyware and their effect on the Chinese society.
I like that MacLeod ends his article with a quote that leaves the reader thinking and that sums up the issue that the article was about. As the article primarily discussed the spyware's pros and cons and those effects, his finishing quote seems appropriate. "The advance of technology does not always mean progress." However, this quote could be looked at as showing bias towards a negative attitude on the spyware, as it correlates the spyware with digression. I guess given all the facts of the article, the reader is left to agree of disagree with the final sentence.

2 comments:

  1. They say a " privacy law that was drafted six years ago" has yet to be enacted. This leaves the reader wondering one thing: why? A reporter should address these types of questions. As a reader, I really wanted to know what was causing this delay.

    By the way, start including article links with your posts.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sorry about not posting links, I have started that now. And I agree. We have learned this year to address why because that is the root of the issue...why is something occurring?

    Sometimes, however, finding the why is the most difficult and challenging part. At the same time, it is the most interesting for a reader to learn.

    ReplyDelete