Purpose = the concrete or abstract results in the best readers if the paper succeeds in changing their minds.

Concrete Results?

        Gun ownership, or burglary or self-defense laws could be changed

        Gun owners or potential criminals could be educated

        Police procedures could be changed

        Store owners' security systems could be changed

        Newspapers could change the way they report violent crime stories

Abstract Results?

        Changed attitudes toward other issues in which personal rights clash with issues of social justice

        Better planning by people in business and government to prevent individuals' suffering and loss

        Citizenry changes its attitude toward violence, the socio-economics of crime, etc.