Comm455/History of Journalism

A good feature story is meant to not just inform, but entertain. Feature stories gravitate towards topics that the public is interested in and further elaborates on the matter in an entertaining way. A way in which feature stories garner attention is by illuminating recent controversies that the public seems to be fascinated by.

Last week Rolling Stone magazine featured the article “Taylor Swift vs. Kanye West: A Beef History.” And I find that this is the perfect topic for a popular feature story.

“Yo, Taylor, I’m really happy for you and I’mma let you finish, but Beyoncé had one of the best videos of all time. One of the best videos of all time!” – Kanye West

Rollingstone.com

Recognize this quote? It’s the quote that sparked the 7 year long feud between Taylor Swift and Kanye West. It would be very difficult not to hear or read about Swift and West’s “beef” over the years. But for those who may have been living under a rock for the past 7 years, or just can’t seem to understand the issues between the two celebrities, Rolling Stone created an interesting and informative article on the matter.

The article combined two things that many great feature stories share: context and controversy.

The article goes over the events that have filled Swift and West’s own version of the Seven Year’s War. Starting in September 13th, 2009, when West interrupted Swift’s VMA’s speech for winning album of the year to February 15th, 2016, when Swift passively addressed West in her Grammy acceptance speech, the article adds context to the long quarrel between two of the most headline making celebrities of our time.

Laying out a timeline of the feud that has made its way through numerous media outlets over the years, the article illuminates the shade-filled dispute between the two artists. And by explaining the details of the feud from both sides, the article allows you to choose your own side.

Now while readers may find the feud to be trivial or wonder why they both can’t just shake it off, I think that deep down we don’t really want them to. Stories like this attract us and entertain us, and they always have. That’s the point of feature stories. We like controversy. We like feuds. We like feeling like we are in the know about celebrities and events.

So even if Swift vs. West lasts until 2025, I have no doubt that we will still choose to read about it.

kids.britannica.com