An op/ed, short for “opposite the editorial page,” is a form of writing that emphasizes the author’s personal opinions, perspectives and arguments. Unlike other sections of a publication, op/eds reflect the individual views of the writer rather than the stance of the publication itself, thereby allowing for greater freedom of expression. For example, a writer might state, “I love volleyball’s new uniforms!” This unique format also permits authors to engage directly with their readers. Hi!
Historically, op/eds gained prominence in 1970, credited to The New York Times, although earlier iterations, such as the “page op” introduced by The New York Evening World in 1920, featured diverse media types, including book reviews, obituaries and social critiques. As Herbert Bayard Swope noted, “Nothing is more interesting than opinion when opinion is interesting.”
Today, op/eds are a staple in major newspapers, often occupying a significant portion of the publication. They can take various forms, including essays, poetry, political cartoons, speeches and blogs. In essence, an op/ed is a broad term that encompasses pieces where the author presents a personal opinion, perspective, or argument.
At the Owl, op/eds are featured in their own section, alongside the editorial and staff list, as well as the ‘Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down’ and ‘HotTakes’ feature. This section provides a platform for student voices to be heard on a variety of issues, including those not covered by the staff. Anyone interested in sharing their opinion can submit a letter to the editor, which should consist of 400 words or fewer and must be submitted by 4 p.m. on the Sunday before publication. Potential letters should be addressed to Editor-In-Chief Elenna Koenig at elenna.koenig@doane.edu or to owl@doane.edu. This is an excellent opportunity for those looking to express their opinions, perspectives or arguments!
