Dear Daily Readers,
Recently, I have been asked quite a few questions regarding the opinion section at the Iowa State Daily. In this brief article, I address a couple of common questions that may impact your decision to write for us.
It is true that opinion can be a tense section to write for. However, this is only natural when we discuss topics that are personal to people. This should not deter anyone from wanting to contribute.
I have been asked: Who is allowed to write?
Everyone! Yes, quite literally everyone. I am saddened to see that so many people question whether or not their voice has a place. As long as a baseline level of respect for one another is maintained, it does not matter what you think. As long as you have something to say and are prepared to defend it, the opinion section proves to be a worthy endeavor.
Will my articles receive comments?
Yes, your views will be scrutinized and, at times, people will attempt to refute them in an intense manner. This comes with the territory and is a fundamental part of debate. We need to encourage each other to speak about things that concern them. In my view, this is a fundamental function of universities.
This does not mean that you must write about topics that are sure to upset or disturb people. I have told prospective writers that a wide range of topics and opinion articles can add diversity of knowledge and taste. Difference among our publications adds immense value, so please, submit what you like!
As the semester continues, I hope to hear from many more of you. Since my last letter, I have received a great deal of interest from the ISU community, however, I have also been confronted with reluctance.
A press where you participate is what we strive for, so do not hesitate!
Good luck with midterms.
Sincerely,
Caleb
If you wish to reach me, please email me at [email protected].
Call Me Ishmael | Sep 28, 2023 at 8:47 am
I appreciate this note; glad to hear there is interest in submitting opinions that may meet with opposition; as a published novelist, I understand the anxiety surrounding publishing ideas that some might find unsettling. Nonetheless, in the age of Chat GPT, we need to foster an exchange of ideas and continue to hold each other accountable for sources, not to mention the authenticity of our writing.
As such, when ISD publishes a “guest columnist”, please include their major or, in the case of a professor, their area of expertise/research. For instance, a guest columnist whom ISD identifies as a climate scientist would carry weight and, perhaps, would encourage commenters to think for a few more beats before firing off an irresponsible–half-true? disingenuous?–argument. Far too many people in the comments section of ANY newspaper these days like to pass themselves off as experts in everything.
As for me, in addition to being a published writer with a background in literature and teaching, I am also employed by the university. I publish this post under a pseudonym for professional reasons.
Caleb Weingarten | Sep 28, 2023 at 3:54 pm
Hello,
Thanks for your comment and advice. I think you make some good points, and I will definitely use them in the future!