Chapter 5: Critical Interpretation, Susan Eder

PURPOSE
Chapter five is about checking sources for reliability. One way copy-editors check facts is by referring to indexes. The author of the text wants the reader to understand the importance of checking facts for accuracy to give credibility to the author and to separate the professional writers from amateurs. The author wants the reader to use the various Internet tools available to check for accuracy. These tools include the use of newsgroups, lists, discussion groups and electronic databases. The author also wants to show the reader how to find information on the Internet. The people who would read or view this text include anyone interested in the ways that new technology can assist them in their job. They may work as copy-editors, proofreaders, journalists, or anyone else who needs to find reliable sources to check information for accuracy. The text is written for anyone wanting to be considered credible, reliable and accurate.

STRUCTURES AND FEATURES
The text is structured in categories with sub-headlines. Each section uses paragraphs and either numbered lists or bullets. The use of bold and the use of different text sizes do not help to make the information more exciting. The text uses figures to break up the text, but the figures are just large pieces of too much information. The style used in the design of the text suggest that the audience is academic. The figures explain the elements that make up a web address, a check list for checking website accuracy and a list of discussion groups to subscribe to. There are no images in Chapter five. The language used is formal and the words suggest that a level of professional understanding is needed to comprehend what is being read.

POWER
The text is fair in that it includes the value of both professional and amature reporters. The text explains any uncommon terms the reader may not understand. The text also explains the abbreviations that are used. The people and groups that are seen in "good light" are the authors of professional sites as professional sites are viewed as credible. Perhaps the people who are not seen in "good light" are citizen journalists and amateur writers. We need to be able to check their information for credibility. The text serves the Internet for anyone who cares about accuracy and wants to be considered reliable and correct in their reporting and publishing responsibilities. The reader is the one who benefits when the text is accurate.

GAPS
The people not heard from in Chapter five are the people who do not represent professionalism. These are the bloggers, the tweeters and others who make up the general public. This text is not intended for columnists and others trying to express their opinions. The text describes different processes but leaves out why they are so. The history is missing. Also the text avoids to give any information on who to contact for help. The additional reading list may be of use, but it is not personal, just geared to textbooks and such. I would have liked to learned in this Chapter about specific Internet sites that can help journalists check for accuracy. Mostly the text covered enough if not too much information for the average copy-editor or proofreader.