Why are headlines so often discordant with their stories? I would assume that they are not written by the reporter, or even subject to review by the reporter, who have probably moved on to work on other subjects by the time their stories run.
It is frequently the case, especially with the NYT, that (a) the *initial* headlines — many of which show up in the print edition, and then are fixed online— and (b) the tweets about articles, are discordant with the story, as you say. And the discord is frequently in this same direction: toward "both-sides"-ing, and "politics as game."
It's an actual pattern, of which this was a particularly striking example.
I've read this explained elsewhere but never so well. GTS, Jim, especially calling out the NYT.
Bill, thank you! And, that headline ...
Why are headlines so often discordant with their stories? I would assume that they are not written by the reporter, or even subject to review by the reporter, who have probably moved on to work on other subjects by the time their stories run.
It is frequently the case, especially with the NYT, that (a) the *initial* headlines — many of which show up in the print edition, and then are fixed online— and (b) the tweets about articles, are discordant with the story, as you say. And the discord is frequently in this same direction: toward "both-sides"-ing, and "politics as game."
It's an actual pattern, of which this was a particularly striking example.