Week 6: Story Idea
Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. I’d like to run a story about what’s going on around Gainesville and include some interesting facts that people may or may not know about the holiday. The National Retail Federation does surveys every year about how much men spend on Valentine’s gifts compared to women. I’d interview local florists and chocolate shops in town to see what kind of clientele they typically see, what sex is more likely to wait until the last minute to shop, and what kinds of things they generally sell.
The Florida Museum of Natural History is hosting its “Science of Love” exhibit once again this year. It might be interesting to include some information about what’s going on at the museum and some history of the mating rituals of mammals, since that’s what we all are.
UF is also participating in the festivities by hosting a speed dating event at the Orange and Brew. I know the Reitz Union Board has done this type of event before and I want to know how successful it is. How many people actually participate? Have there been any interesting “love” stories that have come out of it? The event takes place on Feb. 13, so I’d run photos from the speed dating on my online piece. I might even list some dating and relationship tips for people who might be going out for the first time with their valentines.
Online I would also have an interactive chart for the spending of men and women from the past five or 10 years so readers can see how much it has or hasn’t changed.
