Earth Day: Our View of Man

• “Work with Nature, or Destroy It” article

Twitter

(Tweet This) Earth Day: How does religion affect our contribution to nature?

(Tweet This) Should we sacrifice rapid technological advances for positive ecological consequences?

 

In My Honest Opinion – Etiquette

Title: In My Honest Opinion – Etiquette
Description:Due to the recent controversy over an opinion article at The Commuter, Jennifer highlights key elements of doing it right.
Original Article: Conservative Corner: The Land of Milk and Honey

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Narrative: When writing Straight from the Hartsock last year, the potential to piss someone off was always there. Nonetheless, following certain rules helped me effectively get across my opinions, start enriching discussions, and sway a few minds (including my own!).

Knowing your readership is the most important aspect of writing a successful opinion piece. You are essentially writing for them, so the effectiveness of your piece depends on their overall reaction.

If you’re writing for a conservative audience, don’t be too aggressive. If you’re writing for a liberal audience, don’t appear too traditional.

1) Research

The level of research you conduct will either make or break your argument. This is simply called Fact Checking.

As well, research will support or sway your argument. Take my previous negative opinions on drug use and abortion. After extensive research, my opinions completely changed. Responsible drug use does not always equal sticking to legal drugs (my article). The scientific side of abortion proves that human life and life are not always the same thing (my article).

2) Demeanor

If you appear tyrannical and unwavering in your own views, your audience automatically becomes defensive. Nothing you say, no matter how logical, is taken into consideration. Instead, provide a respectful and courteous demeanor (no matter how fueled you are).

3) End the argument with your own shortcomings

Not including these shortcomings closes the conversation. The fun part of posting your opinions is then learning from their feedback. Guys, we want to open a window for discussion!

As young minds, please be patient with us.

Lastly, I would like to thank those who wrote letters to the editor regarding The Commuter’s opinion piece, Conservative Corner: The Land of Milk and Honey. Because we are students, we are still learning, making mistakes, and testing our creativity and political boundaries. We ask that you remain patient with us, and continue to write in and guide us toward becoming better reporters.

 

The Commuter – Farewell and Good Luck

The Commuter celebrates their last issue of the college year by reminiscing our time together, and offering personal antidotes for next year. Jennifer also discusses Dear Conscience and Straight from the Hartsock – her most personal article yet!

Watch last week’s video here.

 

Sean Bassinger, new Editor-in-chief

The Commuter team celebrates Sean Bassinger, next year’s appointed Editor-in-chief of The Commuter, LBCC’s student newspaper. Jennifer also shares this week’s Dear Conscience and Straight from the Hartsock.

Related Articles:

• Sean Bassinger next in line to lead LBCC Commuter

Watch last week’s video here.

 

ONPA Collegiate Day

The Commuter attends ONPA Collegiate Day. In addition to learning reporting, writing and editing techniques, students are honored with awards recognizing the state’s best college journalism over the past year.

Related Articles:

• ONPA Holds Annual Collegiate Day at LBCC

Watch last week’s video here.