Summary Lede

Summary ledes are meant for grabbing your attention. Some factors therefore are needed.

1) Only a sentence or two is used in order for the reader to advanced to the actual story.
2) A journalist would want to make it typically 30 words or less.
3) Always use past tense.
4) Active voice with correct order of subject, verb, and object.

It seems the more widely circulated papers (i.e. The New York Times) can get away with sloppy headlines due to the fact that the readership is a loyal niche. A good example of a solid summary lede was from The Washington Post today, titled, "Phelps Suspended for 3 Months." It is short and sweet, and would capture most readers interest, especially a Phelps follower. Then the article goes in depth to the sponsers he lost, and public apologies. If those items were condensed to the lede, chances are the story will not be viewed as much.