SECOND GUESSES for paper of Friday, 4/21/00

Two stories rise above even that reader-pleasing landscape: MICHAEL PATRICK
CARNEY's analysis of the Carnahan-camera conflict and JOSE ALFREDO FLORES'
obituary for the Columbia College men's volleyball team. These two pieces
could hardly be more different in tone, structure or content. What they have
in common, though, is more important than their differences. They share the
essential quality of imagination. In each case, a good reporter looked at an
event and saw something more. I'm not sure imagination can be taught, but I
hope we can at least encourage it. Let's take a closer look at each of these
pieces:

We don't often write about the conduct of our craft. Here's an example of
the interesting and useful results when we do. In both technique and
outcome, it's an example worth following.

-Jose has followed the demise of the national-championship team. Most people
would have declared this story finished, but he imagined a final chapter.
The truly inspired element is the framing of this piece as the obituary it
is. My favorite line is one we too often fail to include in regular life
stories -- the cause of death:

        ... The cause of death was listed as a combination of Title IX and
the restructuring of the Columbia College athletic department, but foul play
has not been ruled out.

That's clever, with some bite. After the obit comes a clear transition:

        This could have been the feel-good story of the year if it weren't
for the sad ending....

Jose recaps the obstacle-filled path to the championship and then tells us
where the players without a team are headed next year. Good writing, good
reporting.

Most of all, in both cases, we have good reporters with good ideas. Why
don't we try that combination again soon?

George Kennedy
managing editor