Perspectives

When it comes to getting information for a news story, sources can come from many different places. However, the sources generally fall into two basic categories: the bird’s eye view (macro) or the worm’s eye view (micro).

The bird’s eye view sources can include things like databases, advocate groups, associations, etc. They give a wider range of information and general knowledge about a specific issue. On the other hand, a worm’s eye view source would help to narrow the focus of the larger issue and personalize the story. This would include a “real person” account of a particular experience or issue.

The differences in these two things remind me of some picture puzzles I used to like when I was a kid. The ones where you see a very, very close-up photo of something and are supposed to guess what the whole picture actually is:

The close-up picture gives you an idea of the texture of something. If you were actually that close to the object, you would be able to feel the rough or smooth texture, the softness or hardness of whatever it is. You would be able to smell it and feel the coldness, hotness, dampness-whatever feeling it may be giving off. You would have an idea of what it was like to actually experience the object, much like the worm’s eye view of an issue can give you an idea of what it would be like to actually experience it first-hand.

However, as intimate as that experience of the object may be, it won’t necessarily give you an idea of what the entire story is:

From the bird’s eye view, you can see the entire picture for what it is. You may not have the personal touch or feeling that the worm’s eye view would give, but you can get a good idea about the object as a whole. Much like the bird’s eye view of an issue can provide information that the worm’s eye view may not, allowing you to get a more objective and well-rounded take on the story.

Both perspectives are important and helpful in developing a good news story. They can often work together to give the best perspective of an issue, providing broad, over-all information while adding a more personal, up-close touch.