Tuesday, May 17, 2005

Gator on the Loose

Richmond Channel 8 reports that there is an alligator loose in a nearby reservoir. Beyond the bewilderment at just what an alligator is doing in central Virginia, the article's writing style struck me as just plain odd. Example:

Officials say the gator should not harm you, unless you go up to it and try and catch it yourself. .... Officials are asking that you not come out here to try and see the gator or to provoke him, but if you do spot him, call Police at 748-1251.

I guess the highly conversational style and reference to the reader in the second person caught me off guard. Is there a journalistic convention being violated here or am I just not seeing this type of writing in newspapers and magazines?

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

In public service-y messages, the Reader sometimes materializes in journalism.

"The suspect is 6'2" and armed. If you see this man, call the police."

Chintan K. Amin said...

My fave, though is:

Officials are asking that you not come out here to try and see the gator or to provoke him