The main distinction of long-form journalism from other forms of journalism lies in the type of narratives, if not the word number of around 3000. Rather than the hard news or reports which contribute to information, long-form journalismemphasize on stories. However, even with novels, long-form journalismstill shares a different goal. It aims to reflect the big world by unfolding the small world of protagonists, while the former one uses materials to build the character of protagonists.
long-form journalismhighlights scenes. It plays movies on papers, reviving stories in brains of readers.
It must be attractive. That’s why it always gets the point at first place, action by action, scene by scene. Unlike the readers of hard news or reports, those of long-form journalismread it not positively motivated by utilitarian purpose. Conversely, it’s the plots that actively guide the them through a life journey. Therefore, the educational function of the story is relatively inferior to the experiential process. Long-form journalismis an art of feeling what the protagonist feels.