I realize we’re nearing (hopefully) the end of the short session, and reporters on the General Assembly beat are getting tired, but the attempts at cuteness in reports, especially regarding the drought management legislation, are running thin.
There is another example in this editorial in the News & Observer: “Legislators have water on their minds as they aim to wrap up business this week. That’s not to say they’re all wet.”
Groan!
Of course, a topic like drought is bound to generate some puns, and I find myself falling into the trap of attempted wittiness often. But at least I make some effort to resist the temptation whenever possible.
So, my advice to reporters and editors is this: A little dry humor, along with the avoidance of parched language, would make these drought stories much better. Readers are thirsty for some originality, so you need to pump up your skills and do a better job of streamlining your stories. But don’t fret…not all your copy is washed-out. It’s better to look at the cup as half full rather than half empty.
