It is a bit hard do definite what is feature writing. Essays? Portrays of human being? Psychology ? It seems it is not a special field as music, economics, sports.. Your comments are more than welcome, it has been six months I try do get a good picture of this notion.

try having a look at www.answers.com/topic/news-style , there's a very concise definition and several examples

If I am correct it may not reffer to a specific 'kind' of writing more than it may apply to who or what you are writing for and it being published as their 'feature' piece (most improtant, most indepth, selling feature on cover).

So a feature piece as I am describing it could be for any one of the examples you gave, or subject, but would be considered the most comprehensive to be published in a particular field or publication.

Let's talk universal language here....Playboy runs feature piece on "The girls who slept with Mick". That should clear it up.

That's just an application of the term around these parts.

Thanks to both of you. Indeed, it seems "feature writing" is defined by opposition with breaking news. Hence, it does not cover a specific field.