Some issues are more difficult than others. Not because of the technical aspects of editing, but rather because of the content. It’s tempting for me to look at articles I disagree with and decide to simply not publish them. But I know I have certain biases, and so I try to err on the side of not listening to those biases and attempting to judge the article purely on the merits of the writing. Is it good enough? Is it a fair representation of the facts as society currently understands them (and by “society” I’m not referring to the general population, but rather to those who are experts in the particular field and thus more likely to have a grasp on our objective reality). And, if not, then is it at least clear it is the author’s opinion of reality and not asserting a reality that doesn’t exist?
After all, students and members of the AU community have a right to have their own opinions. Even if I might disagree with them.
So I tend to lean toward publish rather than not, and while it’s generally served me well, I have run into problems before, publishing articles that, on further reflection, I should have pushed back harder on before letting through.
I’m wondering if that may have happened in this issue as well. There is an article in this week’s issue that I strongly disagree with. But maybe that’s just me, so I won’t prejudice you by naming it. You’ll have to read through and come to your own conclusion. Honestly, in my first read of it, I thought it was satire. Then I checked the author and realized it was meant in all earnestness.
Suffice it to say, if you come across an article in this week’s Voice Magazine that you don’t agree with, by all means feel free to contact me about it. You may find we’re in agreement. Even better, consider using our commenting system to leave your opinion there after the article. Disqus is a bit cumbersome, I know, but the auto-moderation features make it a necessity in an internet of spam and trolls.
And then again, perhaps I’m way off base and there’s a good number of the AU commuity out there who will read this entire issue and wonder what my problem is. If that’s the case, so much the better, I guess. Either way, it’s an article that caused me to sit back and think for a bit, and if an article makes me think, then that makes me more inclined to include it.
Fortunately, there’s much more to this week’s Voice Magazine than a single article. We of course feature an interview with fellow student, Tamara Manning. She claims she invented the resting “unimpressed” face, so I just had to go with that particular picture of her for the article, but check inside and you’ll see there’s much more to her!
Also, we have some great advice on how to help your kids deal with their worries, something that I think is one of the most important skills people can learn, as poor coping skills can so often lead to so much more self-destructive behavior. Also, we take a look at how technology doesn’t have to always bring us something new. Just giving better access to something already there can be invaluable. Plus scholarships, events, advice, the reading list for the month, and much more!
Enjoy the read!
