Practical: Register your blog
Well, as you can see my blog is up and running. I’m feeling quite nervous at having my work on display so publicly but I’m definitely excited about the learning experience of the next 12 weeks.
Inquiry: Different purpose/Different writing
This is a review and comparison of the different purpose and writing of the Queensland Government and the Gold Coast Bulletin announcement of Billy Slater as ambassador of Racing Queensland.
My initial observation of the articles is that both have a purpose to inform the reader of Billy Slater’s involvement with Racing Queensland. I feel they have individually expressed this in a manner suited to their audience. The Queensland Government’s official media release from Minister for Racing the honourable Grace Grace is specific. It gives clear instruction on Billy Slater’s role and the direction Racing Queensland is pursuing with his appointment. It is formal, to the point with supportive positive statements from those involved.
In contrast, the Gold Coast Bulletin’s story by Brad Davidson in my interpretation lacks any real direction on the appointment of Slater and is particularly vague. I feel it is a light hearted read for those who are more interested in the life of Billy Slater, the ‘Maroons legend’ rather than a statement of the horse racing announcement. The feature image certainly supports this.
The Gold Coast Bulletin did not use any form of social media to further promote this story. While both the Queensland Government through Racing Queensland and Billy Slater personally, took full advantage of their website, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter followers to spread the word.
As I have very little interest in horse racing or Billy Slater this story doesn’t carry much appeal. However, I was slightly curious from a marketing perspective. Billy Slater’s appointment does give the embattled racing industry a fresh new focus and positive new direction away from the recent animal cruelty scandal.
Technical: Quiz 1 – Introduction to Media Writing
OMG! I found the quiz totally overwhelming. I attempted it four times before achieving the 100% requirement. Considering there were only eight questions, I did pretty poorly. While I’m not entirely new to writing, I can’t remember the last time I wrote a sentence inclusive of speech. By my last attempt I was pleased to have learnt some important ground rules.
References
Davidson, B 2016, ‘Maroons legend Billy Slater to be announced as ambassador for Qld thoroughbred racing’, Gold Coast Bulletin, 24 June, viewed 17 July 2016, http://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/sport/racing/maroons-legend-billy-slater-to-be-announced-as-ambassador-for-qld-thoroughbred-racing/news-story/564befcf1bdd9e78480e832255cdf171
Queensland Government 2016, Racing Queensland unveils league legend Slater as official ambassador, media statement, 24 June, viewed 17 July 2016, http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2016/6/24/racing-queensland-unveils-league-legend-slater-as-official-ambassador
Tran, J 2016, NRL star Billy Slater has been named as the new Ambassador for Racing Queensland, digital image, Courier Mail, viewed 16 July 2016, http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/superracing/qld-racing/nrl-superstar-billy-slater-takes-on-ambassadorial-role-for-racing-queensland/news-story/22e4f2f964d209a39ff88fb4c17a98bc
bootsandblueberries 
Hi Tash,
I really liked your post.
The only minor thing that I would like to point out is your last sentence in your second paragraph, ‘It is formal, to the point and engages the a feature image to cement their statement.’ Removing the ‘the’ after ‘engages’ is the only change that I would recommend.
Also, I personally love the set out of your blog.
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Thanks for taking the time to edit my story Caitlin, much appreciated!
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Hi Tash, you have an interesting perspective, I like the marketing aspect. Your writing is quite clear and well structured. You have given a good deal of thought to your process and have broken the questions down to great effect. Nice one.
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