Dear readers of the Editorial Page,
I’ve read your comments. And your letters. And emails. (There’s a lot more of the first kind — you do realize the best way to reach me is at edpage@theeagleonline.com, right?) I’ve read them all, and I have something to say to you all: You want “better” columnists? Fine.
Do it yourself.
How, you may ask? Starting in January, we here at The Eagle are launching our version of the Washington Post’s “America’s Next Great Pundit” contest. I encourage those of you have enough time to comment, critique, or just plain criticize our content now to try your hand column writing yourselves. It’s not the easiest task, but for those of you that are super opinionated out there (and I know for a fact that there’s a good amount of you), it’s a great outlet for all your frustrations with the world. (Or just another place to say your piece without having your friends remind you that it’s the fifth time you’ve ranted on that particular subject.)
We’ll kick off the contest in our first issue next semester — by that point, we’ll have great topics and great judges at the ready to help us find the next great AU pundit. There will also be a code of conduct, just to ensure fair play, no plagiarism, no personal attacks, no yapping your head off without any facts to back up your arguments.
You want more content? You want better columnists? Well now I’m putting the ball back in your court. Have a fantastic winter break, come back here in January, and then let the games begin.
Sincerely, Your beleaguered editorial page editor, Linda Barnhart
