Analysis for the public affairs writing piece

This was a very interesting article. It did a really good job of catching and keeping the attention of the reader. I'm a sure that for many people it hits home. The author, David Streitfeld, did a really good job at getting his point across. His style of writing also helped the reader get really involved in the story.
Streitfeld also brought a very professional tone to his writing, it was clear that he really cares about the story. While he clearly had an agenda of exposing the corruption in the foreclosure process at GMAC, he still got all sides of the story. Streitfeld did this by speaking with Nicolle Bradbury, who owns the home that is being foreclosed on; Thomas Cox, who is the lawyer representing Bradbury; he also made several attempts to speak with representatives from GMAC, but his calls were not returned.
The article was also very detailed, which really helped the reader understand exactly what was going on. The author gave details of the house being foreclosed on, as well as the yard and what the front yard looks like. He was able to give these descriptions by going to the home at taking a fist hand look at the situation. streitfled also provided statistical details as well as other facts regarding foreclosures nation wide. I would imagine that details like GMAC being the fourth-largest mortgage lender in America and the fact that GMAC borrowed $17 billion in taxpayer money to stay afloat, was found out by researching and studying official documents. Being how detailed and powerful the article was, I would imagine that it took Streitfeld a few months to research and gather all the information and to put together the interviews, as well as actually form the story. I'm sure at times it may have been tedious, but the end result was a great and informative article, I believe it was very much so worth it.
The details of the story added strength and imagery. Without the details the story would not have been as effective. I believe Strefeld made an honest attempt to be objective, but since he was unable to speak with anyone from GMAC, It made it difficult to be objective, which is a valid reason.
I'm sure that Streitfled would see his writing as a from of art, not a craft. Journalist Donald Murray brings out the point that before art can become art, it must first be a craft. According to Murray a craft is a stepping stone to reach art. Before anyone can become a great or artistic writer or reporter, they first must practice writing and reporting as a craft. In a sense reporting and writing go hand and hand together. In Streitfled's writing he brings the two together very well.