The interviews were well rounded. You can hear the voices and the emotions of the teens to how they break the law. We hear statistics, and we see the situation... but I don't think this was enough.
I expected a youth oriented piece that embraced the voices of teens. However, what I got was a piece that came down harsh and judgmental on the subjects. Everything from how sharp and harsh the voiceover was to the quick changes between interviews, to the line "Says quote" ... respect was not given to the subjects being interviewed.
What I wanted to hear was something that really examines why teen binge drink. The attitude to the event of drinking was covered, but what was not discussed was the attitude to alcohol itself. What should have been asked was "Do abstainment rules increase desire, and change teen's attitudes to alcohol," or in essence: Did adults cause this?
In the end, it had a lot of good interviews, and it is an interesting take on the story. But I don't feel that it was journalistic enough... it didn't seem fair, and it didn't dig deep enough.
Matt Terrell
Youth Editorial Board
Generation.prx.org
This was good for a laugh, which I believe the authors intended, but it also helps take the listener to a new level.
Here our author weaves political speech, biblical speech, and offbeat humor into a keen criticism of American education policy. This piece would not do for most audiences, and I don't think it is intended for anyone but those who would want to hear it.
The satire here is very smoothly done: Why f*ck when there's footsy? Is simultaneously implausible, yet we wonder if these people might actually think something like this. The delivery is done in good comic timing, managing to allow us time to laugh before the next major point is brought up.
Criticism: I feel that the voice over could have matched the feel of an uptight, political education maven a bit more. There were times when I heard a bit of a condescending tone towards the subject, rather than embracing her as a character.
In the end, it is a bit blunt but it manages to achieve its goals: Make us laugh first, and then make us think. Good job on being brave enough to make a piece this challenging and stimulating, I look forward to hearing y'all develop your voices.
Matt Terrell
Youth Editorial Board
Generation.prx.org
This piece has everything I look for in a great news story. It is clear. Concise yet thorough. And it seems to go in a place that we haven't seen.
The voiceover is crisp and very professional. She serves to highlight the interviews and lead us to the ending of the story... rather than trying to bang points into our heads early on.
Three interviews: Just the right number. We hear from a student and two different teachers with two different styles. The interview clips help illustrate the idea of "AP Slackers" very well.
Also: As a former AP slacker, and think this is a very clever idea for a story. It also asks us the question if we think they should be allowed to slack off or not.
One change that I would suggest: take more time in and out of interview clips. They were rushed.
Matt Terrell
Youth Editorial Board
generation.prx.org
Alejandra is, in my mind, waaaay older than 12. From the way she speaks, to the writing of this piece... we see an amazing bit of work coming from such a young person in radio.
There is very good use of "showing not telling" going on here. Alejandra takes us from her being a little girl, to her looking towards her future. Her words put us in the situation, and we can see what she is talking about. There are some moments where a small pause or change in dialog speed would help, but those skills take several pieces to learn.
What I love are small moments where we get to see little bits of the way that Alejandra's life has changed. When she says that her mother has still never taught her how to sew, we wonder what has happened in recent years that has caused this.
There is a fine balance here of showing us what is happening, but leaving out certain information. Because she only gives us parts of the story we get to fill what we think is happening. This is very charming.
The only discernible issue is the ambient sound of the sewing machine. I'm not sure what the solution is because, yes, all sewing machines sound like that... but it also sounded like a lawnmower, gears, etc... maybe it would help if you pointedly said "There is my mother, sewing, in the garage" before you pull up the sound of the machine.
Question: I think this confused me... why is it called Dollar Tree Dreams? Was this literally a project. I think it would help if you addressed it further on the Web site or in the piece.
matt terrell
youth editorial board
generation.prx.org
This piece is overly constructed. What is being passed off as a real-life story comes across as blandly rehearses lines from a teen's day.
The boyfriend J. Bobby is obviously reading a script, the Nuns make for overblown caricatures, and the clinic woman is the only thing that comes close to a real person.
I'm not sure why it was chosen to go in this direction -- I think a less controlled, people actually making off-the-cuff remarks piece would be much stronger.
The ending is a bit vague and expected, I almost wanted Salt'n'Pepa's "Let Talk About Sex" to come up. The moral we get at is that we should openly and honestly discuss sex with youth -- but the conflicts in this story are so flat and built up that it ruins the ending -- making us laugh rather than feel touched at the final lines.
If our reporter would have just sat and recorded her thoughts and then recorded real-life conversations with these people, then I think we would have a better view into her world.
Technical issues: sound dips between interviewees, I can hear the mic banging around, and the ambient sound is awkward.
Don't construct real life events!
matt terrell
youth editorial board
generation.prx.org
A very good and brave start for a new radio producer. The subject of teen suicide is a challenging one to handle for adults -- so for a teen to so earnestly talk about it is impressive. The way our reporter blends hard facts with personal anecdotes makes for an exceptionally honest work.
The stepfather interviewed was the strongest character. He was earnest, engaging, and his voice really connected with the listener. The way our reporter allows him time to pause and think really gives the story an added sense of emotion.
The audio could be bumped up a few quality points, however. The voiceover was ver flat, and read without proper pausing and inflection. I would prefer it to sound like he was talking to me instead of reading to me. The use of ambient sound was good, but a little rough around the edges. And the piano was weird at the end -- needed to be turned down a bit.
All in all, a wonderful freshman effort for radio news. Keep on recording, writing, and reporting.
Matt Terrell
Youth Editorial Board
generation.prx.org
I think there were supposed to be two stories in here, but I didn't even find one. It just wandered in and out of interviews and voice overs, and the writing was flat and did not illuminate the subject.
Technical notes: The intro startled me, transitions between interviews and voice overs were a bit blunt, and the music (while in places it did add some character) distracted me most of the time.
For future VoxPod pieces I think I would like to see more of a story. Conflict! Resolution! We should take something away from a story, we should feel changed.
I see the potential here.
Matthew Terrell
Youth Editorial Board
generation.prx.org
I'm on the fence with this piece. I think that there is an outstanding piece inside it, but it needs re-editing to get it there.
It is very informational on a topic that doesn't get a whole lot of coverage -- tree farming. David Klatt and his subject slowly plod through the industry and strive to show us a world that we might not be aware of. However, it goes so slow that I get lost in the point of this story.
Is it the award? Challenges of tree farming? The man himself? A shorter, more focused story would really shine here.
The use of ambient sound is good -- it makes you feel like you really are out in the forest, right up against nature. However, the way that the sound carries on during the voiceovers gets a little grating.
Klatt is a thoughtful and well spoken narrator, but I think he could sound a bit more sincere. I just didn't feel like he connected enough with the story.
All in all, a great youth-produced piece. Klatt shows a lot of promise as a producer and storyteller, and I think this piece is just the beginning.
Matthew Terrell
Youth Editorial Board
generation.prx.org
While not perfect, this piece deserves a lot more than one star! (And attacking a piece without defending your argument leaves little room for a review to be taken seriously)
I wish I that I had the earnesty that this 14 year old young woman has. For such a young reporter, she brings a lot of quality to her writing and reading.
Firstly, the way that this was written was incredible. The listener is easily guided along, all the while being slyly inspired by our speaker to make positive change. The language was concise and vivid -- which makes for good radio.
Secondly, she sounds like she actually believes what she is saying! With practice I think this reporter can go far.
Moving on to my constructive criticism:
What is up with the weird pauses mid thought? There were a few spots that seemed to break the flow of the piece.
And, most importantly, I think the ideas in here could be more developed. Granted, it is amazing that such a young reporter can be cognizant of such heavy material. BUT the ideas herein aren't anything new. Yes, the terrible matters of war and civil liberties need to be reminded to us... but how can you show it to us in a new way? Shock us, say something we wouldn't expect. This is inspiring, but more unique ideas would make it a stronger piece.
Keep up the good work.
Matthew Terrell
Youth Editorial Board
generation.prx.org
Notably, the use of ambient sound is to be complimented here. The way the surrounding sounds are woven in and out of the story, it really helps us ease out of one section and into another. It is almost if we are walking in between rooms. (Although... during the "Mean Girls" scene I thought it was a little bit sound heavy, and could have been scaled back).
The surprising twist in which we come to understand another culture through a story about gossip is very neat. That is really the catch here... what makes this piece unique. South Asian Muslim culture explained through the guise of girls gossiping is a neat place to take us. Only change I would have made is to hint at this point a little more in the beginning, so we know what we are getting into.
The use of the "expert" is creative, and really helps us connect and understand more. While no groundbreaking territory is unearthed, it is a good reminder of what we exactly are doing when we gossip.
Final note: Visual language is very creative here. I can really see what the reporter is describing. And the lapses into casual speech help characterize here as a real person, again making it easier to connect.
Matt Terrell
Youth Editorial Board
generation.prx.org
This story has a lot of great content -- there is a terrific story in here -- but it suffers from a lack of focus and arrangement.
The meat of the story (the rough, emotional bits) don't come up until we are halfway through the piece. This is a jarring story about how a son continues to love his less-than-admirable father, but so much time is spent getting to the point that we are lost.
I think with some re-editing this piece could really shine. If it lead with the ending line "I never thought my dad would be a crackhead" ... and then lead us through the relationship, I think it would be a more interesting listen.
I do give applause to the voiceover. I can sense real, true emotion here. I don't feel like there is a microphone between him and me -- but the storyteller is talking to me directly. I can feel him crack a smile, hold back tears, and change emotions. It's so real and raw, I just want it to be more focused.
Final note: MUSIC. I would be really wary of licensing this with the copyrighted music found in it. Find someone who can play guitar and just have them jam for you.
Matthew Terrell
Youth Editorial Board
generation.prx.org
Our reporter, Rachel Heasly, takes us through a topic that we've all become quite complacent about. Cigarettes being marketed to minors. From the 1998 "Master Settlement Agreement" to a local convenience store, she delves into the world of under-the-radar marketing. Her voice is authoritative and clear when she speaks, and we have no doubt that Heasly knows what she is speaking about. However, a more conversational and casual tone would help draw in the listeners and guide them along through the story. My main beef with this story is that it is just Heasly talking when she talks about going into the convenience store I want to step into the store with her ( let's hear footsteps, the bell on the door jingling), but mostly I think this and future stories could benefit fro the addition of interviews. Other voices make a story believable, more intersesting and more newsy.
But, I have to say that this isn't a topic that I've seen covered much in radio, and Heasly successfully shows us a problem that we've come to ignore. I would love to hear this story expanded.
Matthew Terrell
Youth Editorial Board
generation.prx.org
Comments by Matthew Terrell
Comment for "Why Teens Drink"
Matthew Terrell
Posted on September 23, 2007 at 05:54 PM | Permalink
Review of Why Teens Drink
This piece starts out interestingly enough.
The interviews were well rounded. You can hear the voices and the emotions of the teens to how they break the law. We hear statistics, and we see the situation... but I don't think this was enough.
I expected a youth oriented piece that embraced the voices of teens. However, what I got was a piece that came down harsh and judgmental on the subjects. Everything from how sharp and harsh the voiceover was to the quick changes between interviews, to the line "Says quote" ... respect was not given to the subjects being interviewed.
What I wanted to hear was something that really examines why teen binge drink. The attitude to the event of drinking was covered, but what was not discussed was the attitude to alcohol itself. What should have been asked was "Do abstainment rules increase desire, and change teen's attitudes to alcohol," or in essence: Did adults cause this?
In the end, it had a lot of good interviews, and it is an interesting take on the story. But I don't feel that it was journalistic enough... it didn't seem fair, and it didn't dig deep enough.
Matt Terrell
Youth Editorial Board
Generation.prx.org
Comment for "Abstinence Footsy"
Matthew Terrell
Posted on September 23, 2007 at 05:38 PM | Permalink
Review of Abstinence Footsy
This was good for a laugh, which I believe the authors intended, but it also helps take the listener to a new level.
Here our author weaves political speech, biblical speech, and offbeat humor into a keen criticism of American education policy. This piece would not do for most audiences, and I don't think it is intended for anyone but those who would want to hear it.
The satire here is very smoothly done: Why f*ck when there's footsy? Is simultaneously implausible, yet we wonder if these people might actually think something like this. The delivery is done in good comic timing, managing to allow us time to laugh before the next major point is brought up.
Criticism: I feel that the voice over could have matched the feel of an uptight, political education maven a bit more. There were times when I heard a bit of a condescending tone towards the subject, rather than embracing her as a character.
In the end, it is a bit blunt but it manages to achieve its goals: Make us laugh first, and then make us think. Good job on being brave enough to make a piece this challenging and stimulating, I look forward to hearing y'all develop your voices.
Matt Terrell
Youth Editorial Board
Generation.prx.org
Comment for "AP Slackers"
Matthew Terrell
Posted on September 15, 2007 at 04:49 PM | Permalink
Review of AP Slackers
This piece has everything I look for in a great news story. It is clear. Concise yet thorough. And it seems to go in a place that we haven't seen.
The voiceover is crisp and very professional. She serves to highlight the interviews and lead us to the ending of the story... rather than trying to bang points into our heads early on.
Three interviews: Just the right number. We hear from a student and two different teachers with two different styles. The interview clips help illustrate the idea of "AP Slackers" very well.
Also: As a former AP slacker, and think this is a very clever idea for a story. It also asks us the question if we think they should be allowed to slack off or not.
One change that I would suggest: take more time in and out of interview clips. They were rushed.
Matt Terrell
Youth Editorial Board
generation.prx.org
Comment for "Dollar Tree Dreams - Alejandra's Paper Pad Story"
Matthew Terrell
Posted on September 03, 2007 at 06:58 PM | Permalink
Review of Dollar Tree Dreams - Alejandra's Paper Pad Story
Alejandra is, in my mind, waaaay older than 12. From the way she speaks, to the writing of this piece... we see an amazing bit of work coming from such a young person in radio.
There is very good use of "showing not telling" going on here. Alejandra takes us from her being a little girl, to her looking towards her future. Her words put us in the situation, and we can see what she is talking about. There are some moments where a small pause or change in dialog speed would help, but those skills take several pieces to learn.
What I love are small moments where we get to see little bits of the way that Alejandra's life has changed. When she says that her mother has still never taught her how to sew, we wonder what has happened in recent years that has caused this.
There is a fine balance here of showing us what is happening, but leaving out certain information. Because she only gives us parts of the story we get to fill what we think is happening. This is very charming.
The only discernible issue is the ambient sound of the sewing machine. I'm not sure what the solution is because, yes, all sewing machines sound like that... but it also sounded like a lawnmower, gears, etc... maybe it would help if you pointedly said "There is my mother, sewing, in the garage" before you pull up the sound of the machine.
Question: I think this confused me... why is it called Dollar Tree Dreams? Was this literally a project. I think it would help if you addressed it further on the Web site or in the piece.
matt terrell
youth editorial board
generation.prx.org
Comment for "Sex in the City and a Catholic School Girl"
Matthew Terrell
Posted on August 29, 2007 at 06:59 PM | Permalink
Review of Sex in the City and a Catholic School Girl
This piece is overly constructed. What is being passed off as a real-life story comes across as blandly rehearses lines from a teen's day.
The boyfriend J. Bobby is obviously reading a script, the Nuns make for overblown caricatures, and the clinic woman is the only thing that comes close to a real person.
I'm not sure why it was chosen to go in this direction -- I think a less controlled, people actually making off-the-cuff remarks piece would be much stronger.
The ending is a bit vague and expected, I almost wanted Salt'n'Pepa's "Let Talk About Sex" to come up. The moral we get at is that we should openly and honestly discuss sex with youth -- but the conflicts in this story are so flat and built up that it ruins the ending -- making us laugh rather than feel touched at the final lines.
If our reporter would have just sat and recorded her thoughts and then recorded real-life conversations with these people, then I think we would have a better view into her world.
Technical issues: sound dips between interviewees, I can hear the mic banging around, and the ambient sound is awkward.
Don't construct real life events!
matt terrell
youth editorial board
generation.prx.org
Comment for "Teen Suicide (time for a change)"
Matthew Terrell
Posted on August 20, 2007 at 07:51 AM | Permalink
Review of Teen Suicide (time for a change)
A very good and brave start for a new radio producer. The subject of teen suicide is a challenging one to handle for adults -- so for a teen to so earnestly talk about it is impressive. The way our reporter blends hard facts with personal anecdotes makes for an exceptionally honest work.
The stepfather interviewed was the strongest character. He was earnest, engaging, and his voice really connected with the listener. The way our reporter allows him time to pause and think really gives the story an added sense of emotion.
The audio could be bumped up a few quality points, however. The voiceover was ver flat, and read without proper pausing and inflection. I would prefer it to sound like he was talking to me instead of reading to me. The use of ambient sound was good, but a little rough around the edges. And the piano was weird at the end -- needed to be turned down a bit.
All in all, a wonderful freshman effort for radio news. Keep on recording, writing, and reporting.
Matt Terrell
Youth Editorial Board
generation.prx.org
Comment for "VoxPod #7 - The Lure of Gnomes and Homes"
Matthew Terrell
Posted on August 14, 2007 at 06:54 PM | Permalink
Review of VoxPod #7 - The Lure of Gnomes and Homes
I'm afraid I just don't get this piece.
I think there were supposed to be two stories in here, but I didn't even find one. It just wandered in and out of interviews and voice overs, and the writing was flat and did not illuminate the subject.
Technical notes: The intro startled me, transitions between interviews and voice overs were a bit blunt, and the music (while in places it did add some character) distracted me most of the time.
For future VoxPod pieces I think I would like to see more of a story. Conflict! Resolution! We should take something away from a story, we should feel changed.
I see the potential here.
Matthew Terrell
Youth Editorial Board
generation.prx.org
Comment for "Award-winning Tree Farmer Emphasizes Careful Planning"
Matthew Terrell
Posted on August 10, 2007 at 06:07 PM | Permalink
Review of Award-winning Tree Farmer Emphasizes Careful Planning
I'm on the fence with this piece. I think that there is an outstanding piece inside it, but it needs re-editing to get it there.
It is very informational on a topic that doesn't get a whole lot of coverage -- tree farming. David Klatt and his subject slowly plod through the industry and strive to show us a world that we might not be aware of. However, it goes so slow that I get lost in the point of this story.
Is it the award? Challenges of tree farming? The man himself? A shorter, more focused story would really shine here.
The use of ambient sound is good -- it makes you feel like you really are out in the forest, right up against nature. However, the way that the sound carries on during the voiceovers gets a little grating.
Klatt is a thoughtful and well spoken narrator, but I think he could sound a bit more sincere. I just didn't feel like he connected enough with the story.
All in all, a great youth-produced piece. Klatt shows a lot of promise as a producer and storyteller, and I think this piece is just the beginning.
Matthew Terrell
Youth Editorial Board
generation.prx.org
Comment for "The U.S. Social Forum and How it Inspired Me to Create Change"
Matthew Terrell
Posted on July 15, 2007 at 02:14 PM | Permalink
Review of The U.S. Social Forum and How it Inspired Me to Create Change
While not perfect, this piece deserves a lot more than one star! (And attacking a piece without defending your argument leaves little room for a review to be taken seriously)
I wish I that I had the earnesty that this 14 year old young woman has. For such a young reporter, she brings a lot of quality to her writing and reading.
Firstly, the way that this was written was incredible. The listener is easily guided along, all the while being slyly inspired by our speaker to make positive change. The language was concise and vivid -- which makes for good radio.
Secondly, she sounds like she actually believes what she is saying! With practice I think this reporter can go far.
Moving on to my constructive criticism:
What is up with the weird pauses mid thought? There were a few spots that seemed to break the flow of the piece.
And, most importantly, I think the ideas in here could be more developed. Granted, it is amazing that such a young reporter can be cognizant of such heavy material. BUT the ideas herein aren't anything new. Yes, the terrible matters of war and civil liberties need to be reminded to us... but how can you show it to us in a new way? Shock us, say something we wouldn't expect. This is inspiring, but more unique ideas would make it a stronger piece.
Keep up the good work.
Matthew Terrell
Youth Editorial Board
generation.prx.org
Comment for "We Have Stories to Tell!"
Matthew Terrell
Posted on July 09, 2007 at 06:49 PM | Permalink
Review of Amina Gossip
Wonderfully done for a "rookie reporter."
Notably, the use of ambient sound is to be complimented here. The way the surrounding sounds are woven in and out of the story, it really helps us ease out of one section and into another. It is almost if we are walking in between rooms. (Although... during the "Mean Girls" scene I thought it was a little bit sound heavy, and could have been scaled back).
The surprising twist in which we come to understand another culture through a story about gossip is very neat. That is really the catch here... what makes this piece unique. South Asian Muslim culture explained through the guise of girls gossiping is a neat place to take us. Only change I would have made is to hint at this point a little more in the beginning, so we know what we are getting into.
The use of the "expert" is creative, and really helps us connect and understand more. While no groundbreaking territory is unearthed, it is a good reminder of what we exactly are doing when we gossip.
Final note: Visual language is very creative here. I can really see what the reporter is describing. And the lapses into casual speech help characterize here as a real person, again making it easier to connect.
Matt Terrell
Youth Editorial Board
generation.prx.org
Comment for "My Dad"
Matthew Terrell
Posted on July 04, 2007 at 07:24 PM | Permalink
Review of My Dad
This story has a lot of great content -- there is a terrific story in here -- but it suffers from a lack of focus and arrangement.
The meat of the story (the rough, emotional bits) don't come up until we are halfway through the piece. This is a jarring story about how a son continues to love his less-than-admirable father, but so much time is spent getting to the point that we are lost.
I think with some re-editing this piece could really shine. If it lead with the ending line "I never thought my dad would be a crackhead" ... and then lead us through the relationship, I think it would be a more interesting listen.
I do give applause to the voiceover. I can sense real, true emotion here. I don't feel like there is a microphone between him and me -- but the storyteller is talking to me directly. I can feel him crack a smile, hold back tears, and change emotions. It's so real and raw, I just want it to be more focused.
Final note: MUSIC. I would be really wary of licensing this with the copyrighted music found in it. Find someone who can play guitar and just have them jam for you.
Matthew Terrell
Youth Editorial Board
generation.prx.org
Comment for "Cigarette? Try The Candy Aisle"
Matthew Terrell
Posted on July 02, 2007 at 01:59 PM | Permalink
Review of Cigarette? Try The Candy Aisle
Our reporter, Rachel Heasly, takes us through a topic that we've all become quite complacent about. Cigarettes being marketed to minors. From the 1998 "Master Settlement Agreement" to a local convenience store, she delves into the world of under-the-radar marketing. Her voice is authoritative and clear when she speaks, and we have no doubt that Heasly knows what she is speaking about. However, a more conversational and casual tone would help draw in the listeners and guide them along through the story. My main beef with this story is that it is just Heasly talking when she talks about going into the convenience store I want to step into the store with her ( let's hear footsteps, the bell on the door jingling), but mostly I think this and future stories could benefit fro the addition of interviews. Other voices make a story believable, more intersesting and more newsy.
But, I have to say that this isn't a topic that I've seen covered much in radio, and Heasly successfully shows us a problem that we've come to ignore. I would love to hear this story expanded.
Matthew Terrell
Youth Editorial Board
generation.prx.org