Boston Globe Headline Comparison

April 7, 2013

"A quiet deal done in the Hub's last frontier"
"A quiet deal done on a prime Boston waterfront sight"

The difference in the print and online headline for today's top story is minimal. The print edition uses more specific language (Hub) while the online is more descriptive (prime Boston waterfront). I think this was done because those reading the print edition are most likely very away of what is happening on the waterfront, while online readers may not know specific place names. This allows the online version to become clear to more readers.

"OUI arrests now rare in Boston"
" Drunken-driving arrests becoming rare in Boston"

In this case, I like the online edition headline better. It's clear and simple and as a reader skimming the front page, I would quickly know what the article is about which would incline me to read it. Perhaps the difference of the print edition was done for the safe of space.

"One thing money can't buy: a break from nature's fury"
"What money can't buy: a break from nature's fury"

Here the print and online headlines are very similar. Since they're different only in the first few words, I imagine the change stems from spacial limits on the front page print edition. I like the use of the colon. Both work well for me.

"Walczak jumps into race for mayor"
"Bill Walczak jumps into race for Boston mayor"

Again, the print and online headlines are quite similar. Here is an instance similar to the first story where more specific language is used for the online edition that has a readership that extends outside of Boston.

"Now screening: professor vs. filmmaker"
"BU caught in middle as filmmaker, professor feud

This headline has the biggest difference in print vs. online. The print edition uses more creative language, a playing with words that tie in with the story. From the headline of the print edition, I've really no idea what the story is about. The online edition is more descriptive. Personally, I don't like either headline, but for the purpose of the story, I think the print edition that incorporates a bit of wordplay is better.