Annalee Newitz 🍜May 12, 2023
Here is my article about #Mastodon, the #Fediverse, and federalism for The Atlantic. I did NOT write the headline, which suggests the article is about Ben Franklin (never mentioned in the article) and Bluesky (mentioned a couple of times). LOL but I'm still really excited for you to read this!!! https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2023/05/social-media-centralism-fediverse/674041/
Social Media Has Entered Its Chaos Era

Facebook and Twitter seem less relevant by the day. They may be replaced by new “federated” platforms.

The Atlantic
Show threadMike HuckaMay 12, 2023
@annaleen How did they come up with that headline tho. Ben Franklin?
Show threadAnnalee Newitz 🍜May 12, 2023
@mhucka I have no idea. Honestly, this is a thing you have to understand: writers do not get to write their own headlines.
Show threadNiftyLinksMay 12, 2023

@annaleen @mhucka

One of the fastest ways for me to guess at a person's understanding of print and web journalism is to see who they believe writes headlines.

Show threadPeter Butler

@NiftyLinks @annaleen @mhucka not to reply guy (as I reply guy) but I write my own headlines, as do most of the writers at CNET 🤷🏼

I’ve written headlines for my stories at other internet publications as well

Traditional newspapers and magazines, sure, but online it’s onlythe big guys like NYT and WaPO (and The Atlantic!) who have copy editors write heds /ime

May 12, 2023 at 9:14pmWeb
Show threadAnnalee Newitz 🍜May 12, 2023
@peterbutler the only time I have ever written headlines was when I was an editor/writer on staff. as a freelancer? I might suggest a headline that ended up getting used, but that's about it.
Show threadNiftyLinksMay 13, 2023
@peterbutler @annaleen @mhucka Thanks! I'll update my expectations accordingly. :) My experience is in print journalism and it's pretty dated these days, too.
Show threadPeter ButlerMay 14, 2023
@NiftyLinks @annaleen @mhucka Yeah, it’s much more important in print because it’s gotta fit — I think that’s why it was traditionally left to copy editors — now we’re lucky if we even have copy editors. times are tight
Show threadAnnalee Newitz 🍜May 14, 2023
@peterbutler @NiftyLinks @mhucka ugh so true. I always feel ridiculously lucky if I get fact checked and copyedited (both happened for this article).
Show threadBlueDot🇺🇦May 14, 2023

@peterbutler @NiftyLinks @annaleen @mhucka

I got a cruel lesson in headline writing when I was in high school.

Around the time the Clean Air Act became law, I was in my school's Ecology Club. I wrote a piece for the local newspaper about burning yard waste. 'Please don't burn piles of leaves, it pollutes the air.' Pretty mild stuff.

The editor chose to headline it "Burn Baby Burn."