Emerald insider: Silence will get you nowhere
Although I'v** worked at
the Oregon Daily Emerald for the past
two and a half sears now, this is the
first time I've
expressed my opinions to our
OPINION
reader* in a nonobjet live, non
newsworthy fashion I’ve alwav*
preferred to stay behind the
scenes and let my byline serve
ns my identity
Hut today I'm speaking dim.1
lv to our readers in the hopes
that my experient e at the ODE
tan inspire other aspiring (our
enlists while silencing those who shun us
For those of you who don 't know me. I'm cur
rently the managing editor of that read you find
laying next to you everyday in Room 180 PLti or
Room 100 Willamette
As the Emerald's freelance editor Inst year. I
had the opportunity to work with n number of
talented writers — many of who have become
reliable full-time staff employees I've also tm k
led a number of controversial stories during my
time as a reporter, including covering every
breaking detail in the ongoing battle over Ama
zon Family Housing and keeping students abreast
on higher education issues.
To say the least. I've seen a lot happen during
my time here I've seen talented people come and
go. I’ve watched dedicated sports reporters work
ing until 4.30 a.m to put a Rose Howl supple
ment out on the stands four hours later. I've
witnessed egos soar and attitudes make 360
e turnarounds, andmore notably, I've
watched people go from mediocre freelance writ
ers to top editors on our staff
In fact, it wasn't so long ago when I nervously
made iny way up to Suite 300 in the F.MU for the
first time. 1 hadn't written anything slot e mj
high school days and assumed that the Emerald
had plenty of talent without mv contributions.
Thankfully my desolate attitude was altered by
the warm welcome that greeted me and continues
to define the ODE today. By taking the stories
offered to me and coining up with my own ideas.
1 soon became an asset to the staff That opportu
nity still exists for anyone else out there with
writing skills and n little gumption.
If it isn't apparent yet. yes this is a pitch to get
your ass in here and show us what you've got.
Any journalism major knows thal without experi
ence you aren't going to get anywhere, and while
the ODE may not he perfect. we do provide the
experience needed to get your foot in the door for
internships am) jobs later
In olh>'r words, you help us, and we ll help
you
For those of you who haven't braved the as* ent
up the stairs lo Suit* (00 vft. ( omc on up, We'll
get you started on a story whether It bo hard
news entertainment or sports Interested in pho
tography' The Emerald welt omos you with open
nmis. too And for those of you w ho just want to
hitch, moan or i omplain. we'll listen to your con
structive comments and use them to evaluate
how we can be of better service to our readers
During the years. I've noticed that many stu
dents read the Emerald but few i are to comment
on the i ontent. editorial standpoints or other
aspects of the paper that are designed with stu
dents interest■, in iniml
If you are one of the hideous main who just
turn to the crossword puzzle everyday, then
ignore this message. To the rest of you. however,
we would appreciate your food bat k If you love
us, we'd love to hear it If you hate us. tell us
why
For those of you who waste your time picking
up the other reads on campus, you'll note that a
few do comment on the Emerald on a fairly regu
lar basis i.e monthly "news "papers like the
Oregon Commentator and the Oregon Voice
Unfortunately, these publications he k faith the
experience and the training students need to get
into the field of journalism (Honestly, what rep
utable news puhlii ution is going to take i (lip
from either of these two pubiii ations seriously?)
i he point hera l* to encourage ( IDE readers to
make your voices and opinions heard by writing
letters, commentaries and columns w ithin a con
structive forum For those of you who feel moti
vated enough to put your pencils where your
mouths .ire. begin Irueinm.ing and working
■towards a staff position
After two-plus years. I can tell you these posi
tions offer valuable experience while twing a part
of a wonderfully talented group of people I've
enjoyed my stay here immensely ami will miss
the good times (ami the bod) that I’ve shared with
those names you sis* everyday
I encourage you to get to know the people
behind the bylines and work together to make the
Emerald tile best it can fee
1 wish the entire staff the Iwst of luck in this
goal in the years to come You deserve it
Lori Bettinrski, a senior majoring in journalism
and environmental studies, will be working as a
reporting intern at The Oregonian «inter term
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