Wikipedia:A headline is not a reliable source
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 | This page in a nutshell: Do not use a headline to support content. Instead, rely solely on what is in the reliable source itself. |
 | This is now part of WP:RS following an RfC. See Wikipedia:Reliable_sources#Headlines |
Headline edit
Ignore headlines when you write an article. Headlines are often written by specialists who are not themselves the researchers and journalists who write the articles,[1] therefore the content is verifiable, but not the headline or any ideas not supported by the article. The headline writer has a job to attract attention, generate click-bait titles to juice the number of readers, and for search-engine optimization.[1][2] Traditionally this was also done for space constraints which are sometimes less relevant in digital reporting.[1][3] They employ headlinese, an abbreviated form of news writing style used in headlines.[4]
"Slam" and sensationalistic words edit
The use of "slam" in headlines has attracted criticism on the grounds that the word is overused and contributes to media sensationalism.[5][6] The violent imagery of words like "slam", "blast", "rip", and "bash" has drawn comparison to professional wrestling, where the primary aim is to titillate audiences with a conflict-laden and largely predetermined narrative rather than provide authentic coverage of spontaneous events.[7]
References edit
- ^ a b c Hiltner, Stephen (April 9, 2017). "How to Write a New York Times Headline". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
- ^ Carney, Timothy P. (October 31, 2014). "Let's stop arguing with headlines that the writer didn't write". Washington Examiner. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
- ^ "Why Writers Don't Write Headlines". Retrieved 2020-05-20.
- ^ Headlinese Collated definitions via www.wordnik.com
- ^ Ann-Derrick Gaillot (2018-07-28). "The Outline "slams" media for overusing the word". The Outline. Retrieved 2020-02-24.
- ^ Kehe, Jason (9 September 2009). "Colloquialism slams language". Daily Trojan.
- ^ Russell, Michael (8 October 2019). "Biden 'Rips' Trump, Yankees 'Bash' Twins: Is Anyone Going to 'Slam' the Press?". PolitiChicks.