FACTUAL WRITINGBy Chris Bailey

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

This is a page from the GoPro 3+ Black Edition instruction manual. The manual is quite simplistic, similar to

the camera itself.

Following the manual is easy for the users due to the recognisable icons

being used in the walkthroughs. The icons used are identical to those in

the camera digitally and on the camera physically. This allows the user to simply match each step to

what they see on the screen/camera body.

The manual also has multiple ‘Pro Tips’ which are little sub sections that

contain shooting tips which explain how, when or why to use certain

features.

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

The information on this page is explained using textual and visual

descriptions. Simple diagrams of the device can be seen in a step by step

order showing the process of ‘Getting Started’ with the GoPro 3+ Black Edition. The diagrams also have arrows indicating the direction of

moving parts on the camera body/housing to direct the user more

clearly and correctly.

The text is mainly written in a bold black font to hold the readers

attention and make the text clearer. Some of the text is written in a fine

black font, this is used when less important or less relevant information

is being explained. Each section of text is also very short and simple,

leaving more room for imagery and making the information easier to

absorb.

LEAFLETThe leaflet follows a strict font style throughout. This includes text against a

highly contrasting background such as black or white. This font style makes the text appear very important and impactful,

creating a reactive response in the reader.

The imagery used on the leaflet differs, with the front page following a silhouette image alongside similarly styled text. The middle

page contain a washed out B&W image of a boy who appears distressed. Using a real

image of a person as opposed to a silhouette on the second page is likely to give the reader a more personal feeling with the

subject at hand.

The final page of the leaflet is very subtle and only contains text. The text is bold and very clear, and gives an important final message

to the readers of the leaflet.

The colours used throughout the leaflet are all very bold and bounce off each other. This

creates an effect of suddenness and urgency. The red connotes danger, harm or

victimisation. The black and white connotes the clearly defined issues and lack of support

behind cyberbullying.

The image on the right is very dry and not as effective as it could be, it looks very

unprofessional which ruins the overall feeling of the leaflet.

‘HOW TO’ GUIDEThis how to guide follows a sleek and smart infographic styling. The entire guide design is very consistent in its

choice of colours and icon styles.

The guide has lines which flow around the page, guiding the readers eyes step by step through the process, as without these lines it would appear too

cluttered and un-structured.

The colours used are very calming, yet appear modern and intellectual. This not only makes it easier on they

eyes, but also gives the reader confidence in the validity of the guide.

The fonts used are very rounded and inviting, making a complicated subject appear simple. There are only 3 text colours, but the vast majority is one colour. This

aids the constancy and professionalism of the guide.

The flow chart characteristics found after step 11 give the guide a more personal and custom touch, allowing

room for mistake and what you should do about it.

There is a lot of detail in the guide, with 15 steps to follow that include target growth and product user

numbers. This gives the reader key details to focus on without the risk of being side tracked.

The guide does not contain references to the locations of their information, such as where the AirBnB

launching fact was found, or the 5% growth information.

JOURNALISMThis TopGear magazine double page spread is largely made up by

images. The reason for this is the overall styling of the TopGear TV show and the magazine itself. They focus largely upon creating visually

appealing content, and not necessarily the written/factual content. The images used are all of very high quality and non of them are stock, this

keeps the magazine up to date and promises high quality images.

There is an average amount of text on the first page, but it is condensed very tightly. It is likely that someone will skim through this information

and then move onto the small chunks of information on the next page.

Colour wise orange seems to be used frequently, such as on the first letter of the main text, on the mini text box and as the background to the

speech marks behind the ‘$20K A Metre’ quote.

The fonts used are quite elegant and intellectual, this allows for a sleek and professional styling which likely suits the article itself. The font used

on the pull quote on the right is quite ‘techy’ and modern, this is likely used due to the futuristic and advanced road surface that it is

mentioning.

The text is all quite casual and informal, a good example of this is the section which reads “now in a zillion pieces”. This is a quote that would

never be used in a formal piece of writing, instead it is used in over exaggerated and even humorous writing.

Legal constraints are very prominent amongst journalism, making it a very dangerous game when a journalist is writing about a controversial

person and or subject. These constraints include libel, contempt of court and gagging orders. These are possible for any genres of journalism.

The article mentions a series of facts such as the costs of the tarmac, although there is no source for this information which can devalue the

validity of the information.

Editors codes of practice are set rules which editors/journalists must obey. There are many rules regarding subjects such as accuracy, piracy,

harassment etc. It is important for people to follow these rules or they risk facing punishment and potential job loss.