Good Writing Pt. 4: How to take better notes when developing a writing idea.

In general, the majority of article writers may take notes using their small writers’ notebook. Although this may be sufficient in the majority of instances in article writing, there are much more to learn about taking notes. Not only is this important in improving the quality of article writing, but also more so in protecting you, the writer, against any potential civil litigation that may follow subsequent to the public release of an article.

In becoming a full-time and active article or report writer it is highly suggested that you undergo a short-hand course and obtain the required qualification. This qualification is of utmost importance in order to ensure that you take proper and comprehensive notes whenever conducting research or investigations into an event you plan to write about.

Furthermore, another recommendation will be to acquire digital recording mechanisms, which can be used in recording interviews and conversations you enter into in researching or investigating a subject or event. In recording such interviews and conversations, it is recommended that such recordings be backed up and stored for at least a one-year period.

As mentioned, this is required where a witness to an event might, at a later stage, claim inaccurate reporting. This information can be used in civil or criminal proceedings instituted by any person making such claims. Any original recordings or notes taken at the time of an incident are admissible evidence in any court of law. Proper note taking or digital recordings may assist the writer from being prejudiced in future.

Noting Sources

Whenever a writer makes use of sources in researching an event or topic, it is recommended that the source be noted. Information on the actual source, the date and place consulted is of utmost importance. This will also assist the writer to return to the actual source at a later date when required to do so.

When required by law enforcement agencies, under appropriate laws, the writer will also be in a position to have such information readily available.



Using Your Own Words

One of the golden rules in article writing is to guard against Plagiarism. Plagiarism is a serious offence and criminally punishable in the majority of countries from around the world. Civilly, Plagiarism may lead to civil claims that may set back the writer and publishing agent to substantial amounts of money.

When taking notes and you intend to make use of information of another writer or reporter, always ensure that you have a mechanism that will indicate this information in your notes. Many writers will immediately place such information in parenthesis, while others will place such information in brackets. Device such measures to ensure that you will be in a position to identify work of other writers when you write your own article using your notes.

Confirming Facts

Whenever reporting on facts or figures, always ensure that you double-check any facts or figures you are reporting on. In making an error on reporting on facts or figures will often destroy the credibility of a report or article, as well as that of the writer.

Before submitting your report or article for publication, check all facts and figures against the source they were obtained from. It will be worth the while of a writer to spend this hour or two before the final product is produced.

Your Notepad

Whether your notes were taken on a small black book, recording mechanism or computerized software application it is of utmost importance that you rather take too many notes as too little. Often, in referring back to your notes you might identify important information overlooked the first time through. Often, small detail overlooked the first time around could be important in future.

In preparing for your article or report, it is advised that you identify the most important notes taken by you and work on them, still keeping all the notes taken.

It is highly recommended that all notes taken be files in manner you can easily refer back to them in future. Often writers and reporters are approached by law enforcement agencies, courts, attorneys and more who might require information on an article written by them. This is a very important facet of article writing.