Telling it how it is (The Guardian)

Member Name: excelsior81

Product:	The Guardian
Date:	23/02/09 (62 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Human interest stories

Disadvantages: Can it be too warm fuzzy?

I read the papers online every day and think it is important to read a wide variety of news....I like to think I am not easily swayed by public opinion and that I am able to keep a rationale and level head.... reading papers from the Daily Mail to the Guardian really helps me to do that.

I don't buy the paper, but do read it online and actually, the very reason I decided to write a review was because I was so shocked to see that it had only been given four stars!

Obviously, all newspapers have their political stance, we wouldn't read them if they didn't but perhaps I relate mostly to the writing in the Guardian rather than the other online newspaper editions. I find reading the Daily Mail gets me so frustrated and cross! I read the sun and laugh at how they portay some stories (although it must be said that some of their campaigns have been impressively handled - see Baby P) The BBC cries out to make an opinion....but must be seen as impartial and the Guardian I find often says it how it is, but obviously with a socialist twist.

I am always particularly impressed with the way the cover the 'real news' stories, although I do enjoy the sensationalism of the tabloids, I like to know what is going on in the world around me....as a friend remarked to me last night, there are hundreds of Jade Goodys...but she gets her story because of her celebrity status...that kind of thing strikes a chord.

I think that they cover Zimbabwe in particular, brilliantly, the articles are well written and often, reflect the views of the normal person on the street in that country. They obviously have some clever journalists who know how to find the real human interest stories.

The other sections in the paper are also very interesting, I have a particular interest in the Educational stories and think that they often say what many of us in that field know about Academies and examinations. I do also enjoy reading Fiona Millars articles...she often hits the nail on the head!

I would also say that their sports section is second to none, the coverage, particularly of football is really well written and the articles and facts/data they provide keep me busy for hours.

The Guardian started out many years ago as a paper for the people, it has a firm socialist direction, but is written in a way that is usually not over pious...articles concentrate very much on the human element of the story and the impact of what has happened upon the community in which it has happened... all very clever stuff.

In recent years the paper has gone through a make over and is now less of the broad sheet that it used to be, in size and dimension.

The website is also very easy to use. It tells you how often it has been updated, has easy to use tabs and actually...minimal advertising, which make it a pleasure to flick through. I often have this page as my home page as I find it a great way to start my day.

Summary: Read it online and enjoy!