Looking at Length Part II

Contrasting the shorter article, I decided to examine a longer article to compare its effectiveness. In August 2012, Archaeology magazine published the article “Tomb of the Chantress”.  It was the cover story and therefore given a 5 page spread in the middle of the magazine. Starting at the beginning is a large photograph of the chantresses sarcophagus covered in dust, surrounded by rocks as if it was just discovered. The photograph spans two pages and is therefore very powerful. The size of the photograph emphasizes the crumbling rocks and dusty wooden casket, pulling the readers into the story. Imagery is extremely influential in magazines, and as this is a larger article, the author, Julian Smith, was able to use a larger photograph, increasing the effectiveness of the article.

Another “tool” that longer articles are able to use to pull readers in that shorter articles are note able to is the use of a caption underneath the title. In this article the caption reads, “a newly discovered burial chamber in the valley of the Kings provides a rare glimpse into the life of an ancient Egyptian singer” (Smith, 29). The caption is interesting as it summarizes what the article is going to be about, this allows readers to learn something without having to read the whole article to gather information, as many would have to do with a shorter article. This also allows readers to decide if they want to read the article at all, something shorter articles lack. However, readers may flip through to see how long the article is, and many may be deterred by the length, which is where shorter article appear to be advantageous. 

Another advantage of longer articles is detail. In this article Smith gives extensive background information on where the Chantress was found, how archaeologist Susanne Bickel and her team found her and what they did to excavate her. Smith explains in detail that at “eight feet down, they came upon the upper edge of a door blocked by large stones” (28). Smith continues to explain, in detail, how Bickel and her team began the long process of extracting the Chantress. Although some may find such detail to be trivial and unnecessary, I believe it adds depth to this article and provides evidence of the scientific method of archaeology, which many who read this magazine (usually archaeology buffs) will probably appreciate.

            
Finally, this article provides much more context, explaining the importance of the Chantress to society at the time, even discussing the role of music in Egyptian society during her time period. Music was “believed to soothe the gods and encourage them to provide for their worshippers” (Smith, 31). Such context shows the readers why this Chantress was so famous in her day, it also educates about an ancient world. Smith brings in many experts to discuss the role of music in society, the paintings on the sarcophagus and experts from the excavation team. With more space, the author is able to bring in more outside sources, something a shorter article cannot do.

            
Although a longer article seems to have many advantages to a shorter article, including more photographs, details and experts, shorter articles have their own advantages. Faster to read, less space and therefore less expensive to print, shorter articles are a necessary addition to any magazine or newspaper. I would not say that either is better than the other, rather they are both advantageous in different ways. Choosing which to read simply depends on how much time you have.

Smith, Julian. "Tomb of the Chantress." Archaeology Aug. 2012: 28-32. Print. 25 Nov. 2012.