The subject matter is almost secondary. We tend to avoid journalism that is abstract and generalized and to favor writing that deals with specifics and, in so doing, suggests the universal. We generally turn down stories written in the first person. With good writing of paramount importance, we then give preference to the stories that fit our format. Take a look at recent copy of The New Times to see what we make room for and what we don't really have.
Cover stories are often news stories of features of considerable length.
The What's Shakin' section is shorter, newsier items, other sections contain art and entertainment stories, human-interest pieces, food and lifestyle articles and reviews. Since The New Times is a Syracuse newspaper, we generally run stories that are about the metropolitan area, or at least relevant to Central New York readers. Now that we've laid down the rules, remember that rules are made to be broken. A story, no matter how it may deviate from these guidelines, may be published in The New Times if it is well written and strikes our fancy. If you have an idea for an article, send us a brief explanation of the story and how you expect to put it together, including possible sources and key questions.