I really thought I would like summary leads better. They're faster, to the point, and informative. But honestly, they're everywhere. They're starting to bore me. They don't pull me in. I am a fan of the novel, so that could be why.
The Boston Globe is good at having a variety of writers. I read articles from there all the time with different styles of leads. To be truthful, the delayed leads get me. They wrap their tendrils around my neck and pull me under the water until I want to keep swimming under, or reading, and am genuinely interested in the story, even if it is about trains in Boston.
Here's a summary lead that is good, informative, and tight.
"Federal regulators approved a highly anticipated breast cancer drug Friday, two and a half years after they sparked patient protests by refusing to grant it a speedy review." (By Robert Weisman of TBG.)
My mom has breast cancer. Cancer has coursed its way through my family members. Yet somehow, this article lead doesn't entrance me. I could pretty much care less. On the other hand:
"When South Station opened in 1899, it had 28 tracks that sprawled from Atlantic Avenue to Fort Point Channel. Today, with only 13 tracks, trains idle outside the station while they wait for other trains to vacate berths, causing maddening delays." (Martine Powers, TBG.)
I've ridden a train once. I can count on one hand the number of times I've been to Boston. And honestly, is this article even that interesting? It's about an old train station, a hunk of change, and some upset people. But the delayed lead! It captivated me until I read the whole thing! Of course variety is good. I'm just in the mood for a little delay in the news room--a slower pace.
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