Keep  in  mind,  though,  that  humor  must  fit  the situation.  Flippant  treatment  of  serious  or  distressful subjects will likely alienate your readers. Narrative The narrative is especially suitable for writing about Navy   subjects.   Sharp   characterization,   vivid description, dialogue, action and suspense are skillfully woven  into  the  framework  of  a  narrative  article  to dramatize the facts. However, the facts must be adapted to  this  type  of  treatment.  The  writer  does  not  invent them, exaggerate them or embellish them in any way. The story must be authentic even in the smallest detail. The real life exploits and adventures of sailors the world  over  are  told  in  magazine  articles  using  the narrative  approach.  A  heroic  rescue,  an  epic  battle,  a dramatic  struggle  against  the  elements,  a  display  of bravery and determination in the face of overwhelming difficulties are all subjects that maybe developed into narrative articles. Careful   research   is   important   in   writing   the narrative article. This is especially true if it is about an event  in  which  many  of  the  magazine’s  readers  may have participated. An important error or omission will immediately be noted by these people, and they will then be skeptical of the entire article. Also, the writing should be colorful and fast-paced. Otherwise it may sound like a chapter out of a history textbook. Utility Any process, product, method or idea that will help the reader become wiser, healthier, wealthier or happier is   a   subject   for   the   utility   article.   Also   called   the “how-to-do-it”  article,  the  utility  article  is  generally shorter than most other articles and the writing is usually expository or explanatory. The  Navy  offers  a  wealth  of  ideas  for  the  utility article. Atone time or another, practically everyone has devised a scheme to improve a job, working conditions or equipment. These ideas are especially valuable if they can  be  tailored  for  a  specific  magazine.  There  are thousands of trade and employee magazines constantly looking  for  material  of  this  type.  Editors  of  Popular Science  and  Popular   Mechanics   build   their   entire magazines around this type of article. The  utility  article  can  be  compared  to  a  set  of instructions   presented   in   an   interesting   and   lively manner.  Writers  should  ask  themselves  the  questions they  feel  readers  are  most  likely  to  ask,  then  answer them clearly and simply. Even though some readers may be  experts,  writers  must  assume  that  every  reader  is unfamiliar with the information and provide complete details. A routine set of instructions for building a simple cabinet can be interesting if it is presented properly. You  can  use  the  first,  second  or  third  person  in writing this article. The personal experience approach can  be  very  effective  in  the  utility  article.  The  third person style should be used only if the idea presented involves dramatic or entertaining situations. The most common   approach   is   to   use   the   second   person, Interview imperative  voice  (You  fit  the  wrench  ...). Interview  articles  present  questions  and  answers that  offer  a  subject’s  views  on  a  given  topic.  Little background  information  is  given  in  the  article  if  the subject is widel y known to the readers and the emphasis is  on  the  topic  of  discussion.  The  interview  requires much  advance  planning,  however,  and  the  writer  should research the subject thoroughly before conducting the interview. Each edition of  Playboy  presents  an  excellent example of the interview article. Featurette The  featurette  is  probably  the  most  popular  and best-selling  short  article  found  in  magazines  today.  It  is short and simple, and it contains the element of oddity or  humor,  and  sometimes  both.  The  purpose  of  the featurette  is  to  entertain. “Humor  in  Uniform”  and  “Life  in  These  United States,” regular sections in  Reader’s  Digest,  are  good examples   of   the   featurette.   Nearly   every   magazine carries at least one anecdote as filler material in each issue. RESEARCHING AN IDEA FOR A MAGAZINE ARTICLE Every  person,  place,  event  or  thing  is  a  possible source  for  a  magazine  article.  What  one  person  sees daily  and  takes  for  granted,  another  person  with  a well-developed eye for the interesting and unusual often can turn it into a successful article. The  idea sources and material   concerning   feature   writing   discussed   in The Navy is a fertile source for subjects and ideas you can develop into good magazine articles. All you Chapter 3 also apply to magazine writing. have to do is look around you. Better yet, thumb through 4-8