Quotations...

Since last weeks class discussion on quoting sources as well as the placement of quotes within a story, I have found myself looking very closely for the use of quotations within articles. A reoccurring pattern I am beginning to see is that in articles discussing politics or the Stimulus package, quotations are rare if present at all. When these quotes are in fact used, direct quotes seem to be placed later in the article while in-direct quotes pave the way as the article starts rolling.

I specifically noticed this in the New York Times article I found entitled States and Cities in Scramble for Stimulus Cash by Monica Davey. The article used an in-direct quote in the second paragraph while holding off to use a direct quote until later in the article. After paying attention to these articles and the placement of their quotations, I am understanding the concept more and more. I however am still finding myself with questions concerning this topic.

For example, as I stated earlier it seems that in most political articles, quotations are rarely used. Is that typical or is that simply because of the story? I would assume that the power lies solely within the writer, which it truly does, yet it is hard to figure out when quotes are necessary and when they seem to be merely adding more clutter to your facts.