What are the most widely read stories in a newspaper? Which genre of journalism produces articles that are treasured by families for generations? If you ask journalist Alana Baranick the answer is clear: Obituaries! As author of the handbook for obituary writers "Life on the Death Beat" and with a long career as an obituary writer herself she admits she is proud of her job:
»Although obit writing is among the least coveted jobs in the newsroom, I love the death beat. I don't have to go out looking for a story. People are always dying to get on the obit page,« she writes on her web site.
To Alana Baranick obituaries are more than just texts about deceased persons: »If we're lucky, an obituary will inspire the living to be good to their neighbors, strive for success and keep hope alive,« she writes.
Once a year she and other obituary writers from around the world meet up at a conference under the auspices of the International Association of Obituarists. According to Baranick the attendants share tips on summing up lives, learn about different ways of presenting obituaries, laugh about experiences peculiar to their trade and rub elbows with funeral directors.
The writers even have fans attending their conference, the so called "Fobits" which is short for Friends of Obits. These are people who love obituaries and follow the work of their favorite writers.
»Fobits make us obit writers feel like rock stars,« writes Baranick.
Want to read more about obits, fobits and the conference? vistit BBC News
Technorati tag: Media |Journalism
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