Reading The Wall Street Journal
I have an online subscription to The Wall Street Journal and consider it invaluable. But for a new reader, I recommend the print edition and recently decided to contribute to John's education by getting him a subscription. To me it is the perfect national newspaper, with a tightly written front page and detailed inside sections.
Here is how I would advise a new reader to get the most out of a daily reading of the paper:
First, read the front page, columns two and three - "What's News" is this section. This is a summary the day's news. Find something you like and read on inside the paper; otherwise, you are generally up on what is happening in the world.
Next, check out the Leder articles printed in columns one and six. These will often be interesting pieces and they will always be articles not found in other papers.
Interesting articles (bathroom reading) will start in column four of the front page. You will want to the read the story or not - no in between. Your choice, but check it daily.
Column five on page one features a different sector of life each day of the week (more info here).
Whew! Now turn to the editorial page. I love the philosophy of The Wall Street Journal editorial page (from 1951):
"We believe in the individual, in his wisdom and his decency. We oppose all infringements on individual rights, whether they stem from attempts at private monopoly, labor union monopoly or from an overgrowing government. People will say we are conservative or even reactionary. We are not much interested in labels, but if we're to choose, we would say we are radical."
Start with "Review and Outlook" and then scan the editorials and read those of interet. You will find a spirited defense of the individual and free markets with dissents thrown in to boot. You will also find very good writing. Pay attention to this. Read the editorial page regularly and your writing skills will get better and better.
Now, it's your choice: International, the economy, business, politics, marketing, stocks, book reviews, the paper carries a daily dose of each.
The beauty of the paper's design is the ability to review the daily news or dig in depending on your time and interest. I can't imagine the news without The Journal.
Here is how I would advise a new reader to get the most out of a daily reading of the paper:
First, read the front page, columns two and three - "What's News" is this section. This is a summary the day's news. Find something you like and read on inside the paper; otherwise, you are generally up on what is happening in the world.
Next, check out the Leder articles printed in columns one and six. These will often be interesting pieces and they will always be articles not found in other papers.
Interesting articles (bathroom reading) will start in column four of the front page. You will want to the read the story or not - no in between. Your choice, but check it daily.
Column five on page one features a different sector of life each day of the week (more info here).
Whew! Now turn to the editorial page. I love the philosophy of The Wall Street Journal editorial page (from 1951):
"We believe in the individual, in his wisdom and his decency. We oppose all infringements on individual rights, whether they stem from attempts at private monopoly, labor union monopoly or from an overgrowing government. People will say we are conservative or even reactionary. We are not much interested in labels, but if we're to choose, we would say we are radical."
Start with "Review and Outlook" and then scan the editorials and read those of interet. You will find a spirited defense of the individual and free markets with dissents thrown in to boot. You will also find very good writing. Pay attention to this. Read the editorial page regularly and your writing skills will get better and better.
Now, it's your choice: International, the economy, business, politics, marketing, stocks, book reviews, the paper carries a daily dose of each.
The beauty of the paper's design is the ability to review the daily news or dig in depending on your time and interest. I can't imagine the news without The Journal.
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