Opinions page belongs to readers

From the standpoint of an opinion editor, sharing opinions is great. Each person brings his or her own special perspective based on his or her background and experience. Reading other people's views makes you think, look at a side you may not have seen before, reevaluate your own position and maybe even change your mind. If enough people speak out about an issue sometimes it sparks change for the better, serving as a call to action.

Several letters to the editor about alcohol abuse at Penn State on the opinions page may help someone trying to find a solution better understand the public's perspective on the issue. Maybe, from what seems to be many differing perspectives on alcohol abuse from letter writers, common ground is found and the community can begin to use that common ground to work toward a solution.

That is the beauty of the opinions page. People who would not normally be heard can present their views through letters to the editor, columns or editorial cartoons. It is the true voice of the community at work -- anyone can share their views with others.

But what I began to find when I served as opinion editor last semester was that oftentimes the same people would write letters to the editor. I wondered why this happened when the opinions page was such a great way for everyone in the community to have their say. My best guess was that I had failed to make how readers can get involved in the opinions page clear.

Columnists and editorial cartoonists are chosen at the beginning of each semester. If you are interested in becoming a columnist, pick up an application at the front desk in the Collegian office, located in the James Building. To apply, just fill out the application and include a sample column with your application.

People interested in becoming a cartoonist just fill out an application and include three sample cartoons. Applications are due at 4 p.m. Jan. 19. Columnists are expected to write a column once every two weeks. Editorial cartoonists are expected to draw a cartoon once a week.

Letters to the editor can be sent via E-mail to jjs242@psu.edu, faxed to 863-1126 or mailed to 123 S. Burrowes St., University Park, Pa. 16801. Letters should include your name, year and major, title and phone number (for confirmation).

I do edit letters if they do not conform to good taste, are libelous or exceed our 400-word limit. Concise letters are desirable because they make room for more letters to be printed at one time, and thus more people have a chance to speak out on a topic.

Because of the volume of letters to the editor the Collegian sometimes receives and because not all letters are suitable to print for one reason or another, letters are not guaranteed to be published. I do try, however, to publish as many of the letters I receive as I can.

If you are not confident in your writing, don't worry. This semester the Collegian will have a new way to express your opinion. In the next few weeks look for our call-in letters to the editor. Readers will be able to call a number and leave a 30-second message on an answering machine in response to a weekly topic of discussion that will appear on the opinions page at the end of each week. Callers will be required to leave their name, year and major, title and telephone number as well. The messages will be printed under the letters to the editor section of the page with the caller's name, year and major, just like a written letter.

Another new feature of the opinions page this semester is that the Collegian's Board of Opinion is more open this semester. The names of the board of opinion members will appear on the page each day. The Board of Opinion is responsible for writing the editorials that appear in the upper left corner of the opinions page.

The board is composed of members of the news division -- editors, reporters, photographers and graphic artists. The board chooses topics for the week, gets together at the beginning of the week to debate the issues and then decides on its stance. I oversee the board and the editor in chief also serves on the board. If you ever have any questions about the process of writing the editorials, please call me.

Also this semester, I hope to keep you in touch with people who are involved in some of the biggest issues facing the community through guest columns from prominent community members. And in order to keep students in touch with student government, members of the Undergraduate Student Government will be writing a biweekly column.

So now you know what's ahead for the opinions page and how it works. If you ever have any questions feel free to call me at 865-1828.

I'll be waiting to hear from you, and readers of the opinion page will be too.