As editor in chief of Valley, I would like to respond to a column written by Ryan Pfister, "Valley magazine should respect readers" (Nov. 3). Mr. Pfister, you are certainly no Paul Krugman. Normally I wouldn't take part in such a pathetic ball-toss of name calling between student organizations, but your comments are so off that it makes it easy to respond. We don't respect our readers? Instead of publishing underage and assault charges by Penn State athletes, we celebrate the accomplishments of Penn State students.
Kristin Schappell is on the cover because she completed one of the most difficult financial internships in the country and we hoped other students could learn from her. As a nominee for Homecoming Queen, she is clearly a well-respected member of the Penn State community. What is most laughable is that you don't think we hold respect for the Greek community. I'm the vice president of education for my sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta. Several members of my staff are also in Greek life, including the author of Schappell's story.
Sometimes reporters have to put their personal opinions aside and report a statistic whether or not they like it. I published that result because it provided an element of surprise, and I obviously accomplished my goal. Please realize that we are working to improve Valley as a whole each semester, but we can only do so much at a time. I would like to see the second issue of the Collegian, and then we can speak on a level playing field.
Devin Tomb
editor in chief, Valley magazine
junior-journalism
