An investigative reporter from Minnesota moves to New York City and is trying out for a position at a tabloid magazine. He is asked to write a column about the death of Jake Fred, a celebrity who was murdered the night before. He agrees and after researching and writing for two hours, he presents his column to the editor.
The editor starts to read "At approximately 2 am on Friday, Jake Fred was killed in the 700 block of 5th St. Road conditions were wet..." and says "Nah, we don't need the facts, we want stories. I'll give you another chance, but make it more sensational" and sends him back to write another draft.
After another two hours he comes back and shows his column to the editor. This time it begins "Jake Fred was walking down 5th St at about 2am last night. During a flash from the lightning he saw someone...". The editor says, "Hmmm, not quite our style. I'll give you one last chance. Remember, this isn't a crime column, our readers really don't care about the facts, they want the sensational gossip. Can't you make it any more snoopy?"
He says "Oh sure, I know how to do that!" and after 30 minutes is back with another version. The editor is surprised to see him back so soon, but starts to read "It was a dark and stormy night..."