Welcome back to campus everyone! After a long summer break, we at the Daily are excited to provide you with interesting and informative content for the 2024-2025 school year.
As you may have read at the end of the Spring 2024 semester, I am returning as the Daily’s opinion editor and am ecstatic to pick up where I left off. Readers this year can look forward to a diverse range of content, with articles ranging from the most pressing issues of our time, such as U.S. politics and global wars, to more localized issues as well.
Diversity of opinion is the bedrock of our section. For the opinion section to function at its best, participation from the community is necessary. In past semesters, I have routinely recruited columnists to write for the Daily, and this article is no different. The offer is presented to all of you once again.
It might also be of use to provide answers to the most common questions I receive from prospective writers when I publish these recruiting articles.
Question 1: I have never written articles before. Do I need any previous experience?
Answer: No, one does not need previous experience to start writing with the Daily. If you carry any premonition towards writing, fear not – all of us are here to help. Furthermore, there are trainings throughout the semester that provide a great opportunity to refine your craft. Don’t let inexperience hinder you from gaining a new one.
Question 2: I have a tight schedule – is there a specific article quota that I am required to meet?
Answer: Also no. For columnists, since it is an unpaid position, there are no required quotas that one must meet. However, columnists who are active and write frequently would be greatly appreciated. But if you are unable to offer articles routinely, that should not turn you away. Your opinion is always welcome and deserves to be read by others, even if time attempts to get in your way.
Question 3: Are there any topics that are off limits?
Answer: There are no restrictions on what topics a columnist can write about so long as the content is appropriate for a university setting. Past articles have covered a wide range of topics, but if you are unsure, the editors will let you know.
Question 4: I’m afraid of the pushback I will receive on my articles – how do you deal with it?
Answer: This might be the most important question I receive, simply because I find the premise of it to be disconcerting. The question implies a sort of self-censorship. As George Orwell noted long ago in England, if people refrain from writing, “it is not because they are frightened of prosecution but because they are frightened of public opinion.” He goes on to state that “intellectual cowardice” is the “worst enemy” of writing, and, in my experience as an editor, I couldn’t agree more. Personally, I deal with pushback as feedback. Publishing is a great way to challenge your own arguments and perspectives, especially the more obscure and controversial the opinion is. Inevitably, people will attempt to discredit you and your ideas, even if the arguments are well-developed and thought out. In this case, it isn’t worth worrying about; doing the best you can is enough. I believe the ISU community is open-minded and prepared to listen to different views, and that you will find more support than not. So do not let naysayers deter creativity and expression; it’s exactly what they wish to do – and know the Daily always supports its writers. If one still finds themselves anxious over this issue, feel free to contact me – I will do my best to help.
So there it is. In addition to being great resume experience, writing is an exercise of creativity, and therefore highly worthwhile. Express your ideas, contribute to the ISU community, and become a columnist today!
Contact: [email protected]
