I'm having a fluffy lead contest on my Web site!

As was reported on DU and http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000844185">elsewhere a few days ago, the Associated Press is going to offer a choice of two different introductions to its major news stories -- a normal lead and a fluffy lead.

"The concept is simple: On major spot stories -- especially when events happen early in the day -- we will provide you with two versions to choose between," the AP said in an advisory to members. "One will be the traditional 'straight lead' that leads with the main facts of what took place. The other will be the 'optional,' an alternative approach that attempts to draw in the reader through imagery, narrative devices, perspective or other creative means."

I think this is a royally bad idea. I'd like to prove it.
So, I'm having a contest.

Take any recent news story and re-write the lead to be "creative." It still needs to be accurate. Deadline is 6 pm CDT today. . Winner gets mad props on my blog -- I'll link to their site if they'd like, too.

Please visit here to leave your entry:
http://www.wisconsinite.net/dairyconspiracyarchives/000595.html

(You're welcome to post a silly lead here, too, but only entries posted to my site will count for the contest.)

(Yes, this is also a blatant attempt to get traffic.)

(So sue me.)

Thanks, and have fun!