Like to Write Columns? Let Us Hear From You
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Got some opinions, ideas, impressions or stories you’re just dying to share with our other readers?
If so, speak up. You may be just what we’re looking for to help us round out our offering of columnists on The Pilot’s opinion pages.
First, let me get this said high up: This is not a knock on those who already inhabit our existing stable of pundits. We’re grateful to them and proud of the job they do. We’re looking to supplement — not replace — the Dusty Rhoadeses, Bob Levys, Fred Wolfermans, Kevin Smiths, D.G. Martins and Scott Mooneyhams.
If I were to sum up in one word what we would like to achieve more of on these pages, it would be “diversity.”
This doesn’t only mean variety of political or partisan leaning, although that is a high priority. It also means diversity in things like gender, age and race. No offense, but somebody asked me a while back if we weren’t just a little heavy on us older white guys. And I had to admit that this was something that had bothered me for some time — not that there’s anything wrong with older white guys.
I’m proud of the less-than-regular contributions of the Deborah Salomons, Joyce Reehlings and Beth Danielses, not to mention writers like youthful Andrew Soboeiro and Sarah Brown. Still, to keep ourselves relevant to the great variety of categories into which Moore County folks fall, we need to be showcasing an even broader mix.
I’m also talking about diversity of subject matter. National politics is an especially hot topic right now. But we’ve long been concerned that such a large percentage of our columns, week in and week out, focus on various aspects of the Donkey/Elephant thing. It can get tiresome.
The Pilot is, after all, a community newspaper, and we would like to see more of our columnists addressing local and state issues — particularly after this seemingly interminable presidential campaign has mercifully drawn to a close in a month or so.
Or never mind “issues” at all. As far as I know, all our readers are people. And people like reading about each other’s lives, families, histories, adventures, triumphs, defeats and offbeat opinions. Politics and governmental matters are important. But I am reminded of the words Shakespeare has Hamlet say: “There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.”
Then there is the matter of geographical diversity. Over the months, we tend to have a lot of people writing a lot of words about Pinehurst and Southern Pines. But how about Robbins? Or Seven Lakes? Or one of my favorite little places in all of Moore County, Cameron? Or your farm in the middle of nowhere?
Bottom line: If you think you might like to write something for us, give me a call or send me an email, and we can talk. Columns are typically in the 750-word range, by the way.
I am not necessarily talking about a commitment to a weekly or biweekly column. That can be a horrendous burden to undertake (tell me about it), and it can lead to some clunkers on weeks when one doesn’t really have much to say. For starters, how about dipping your toe in the water with a one-time essay?
Again, don’t feel as if you have to tackle some weighty matter. You may have something else on your mind. How’s that new dog of yours doing? What do you think about reality TV? What do you miss most about your recently deceased grandmother? What do you want for Christmas? How has parenting changed in your lifetime? What makes young people tick these days? What do you most love about living in Aberdeen? Why do you have such a fondness for pickled eggs?
A couple of words of caution. First: No matter what the subject matter, you need a thick skin. Never can tell what is going to rattle the chains of our Web commenters, and they can be merciless.
Second: As anyone in our newsroom can tell you, penning printworthy words can be harder than it may look. As Pulitzer-winning sports writer Walter W. “Red” Smith said, “Writing is very easy. All you do is sit in front of a typewriter keyboard until little drops of blood appear on your forehead.” But it can also be uniquely rewarding.
Anyway, let me hear from you. Who knows? You may be the next Jim Dodson.
Steve Bouser is opinion editor of The Pilot. Contact him at (910) 693-2470 or by email at sbouser@thepilot.com.
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Comments
The_AnonymusProfit 7 months, 1 week ago
Hey steve give The_AnonymusProfit a column
NORBVR 7 months, 1 week ago
You'll also need a thick skin for the editing of your work. After many light house letter awards, the edit on what became my last letter to The Pilot was so shocking I couldn't even recognize what I had written! I was stunned to see my name below the words. So, no, I'm not made of the "write" stuff. No loss to the Pilot or her readers : ) I wish the new writers well.
The_AnonymusProfit 7 months, 1 week ago
Note to steve my Column can only be edited for grammatical errors.
Thatcher 7 months, 1 week ago
I suspect that no one will be the next Jim Dodson. Terrific writer. Cheers!!
MikeNC 7 months, 1 week ago
Speaking of Jim Dobson: Two points, I think it's time we see him sipping a Hot Toddy, rather than a Lemonade or Mint Julep in his rocking chair. Second point: What knee up does Jim Dobson have over others at the Pilot or Pine Straw that one needs to be scored against in becoming either a new contributor, or remaining contributor to the Pilot? Should we get a tingle up our pant leg at the prospect? Diane
MichaelFlorence 7 months, 1 week ago
Steve
I would like a shot at writing a column for The Pilot
Michael Florence - Seven Lakes I am in the book
Thanks Michael
SH59 7 months, 1 week ago
First: No matter what the subject matter, you need a thick skin. Never can tell what is going to rattle the chains of our Web commenters, and they can be merciless.
If the Pilot would just fix the reply button then there could possibly be some good conversations and when the children want to throw stones they can do it in their own little world adn let the rest of us actually hear each other.
debsalomon 7 months, 1 week ago
Re: Thick-skinned. As a Pilot/PineStraw staffer who writes about one column per month for Op-Ed I can verify that no mater what your column subject, the online commenters lose no time in mounting a familiar partisan argument that can get quite nasty....even though the threads have nothing to do with what was written in the column. Sometimes the nastiness becomes outright funny. God bless free speech!
The_AnonymusProfit 7 months, 1 week ago
This paper needs the AnonymusProfits wisdom
debsalomon 7 months, 1 week ago
Maybe so, AnonymusProfit, but that means revealing your name. And submitting to spelling and punctuation corrections. They'll want a photo, too.
MikeNC 7 months, 1 week ago
Maybe so debsalomon, but TAP then has that well used tactic of creating fictional pseudonyms to use in conjunction with his real pen name. He could continue on in complete anonymity commenting on any article or column he chooses to. He could also use such monikers to comment on his written word, making his column appear more popular than it is in reality. It happens all the time, especially on Sundays. There have been many personalities here in the columns that only reside within the hardrive of someone's computer and imagination. BUT...I also believe that TAP would in fact knock out some great reads for The Pilot.....Mike
Thatcher 7 months, 1 week ago
I'm with you, MikeNC...TAP needs his own column. And apologies to debsalomon, but TAP already has a "photo." The Pilot should run with that one. Sure to shake up some things. Cheers!
Toda 7 months, 1 week ago
Sounds like a journalistic opportunity. My name and face are out in the public arena. You have my contact information ~ Tommy
Thatcher 7 months, 1 week ago
Good for you, Toda! While I may disagree with many of your positions, I am quite impressed that you are willing to put yourself out there, run for office, etc. I respect anyone who enters the arena. Best of luck! Cheers!
Reggie_Mantle 7 months, 1 week ago
"TAP needs his own column."
To appeal to that all-important 'tard demographic?
Aberdeeniac 7 months, 1 week ago
My vote goes for MikeNC and TAP....... Too many libs on the Pilot.......
Thatcher 7 months, 1 week ago
Reggie_Mantle is back, with important updates. Cheers!
Aberdeeniac 7 months, 1 week ago
@ThePilot.... Level the playing field....... Way to many libs......
peterprints 7 months, 1 week ago
Years ago, I worked from my home and had the opportunity to respond to letters in The Pilot. I was lucky to get published on a regular basis and when my right wing friends stopped inviting me to parties, I knew I was scoring points. As time went on, I submitted a letter that responded negatively to a column by Geoff Cutler (at the time I had no idea he was a regular with the paper) about Henry Ford. The next day, Steve Bouser called me and asked if I would consider becoming a “Guest Columnist”. Any “would-be writer” would be thrilled with such an invitation and I was. At The Pilot, I had my picture taken. It appeared next to my letter that weekend and, I have to say, it was one of the better moments of my life. A few days later, I read an editorial in the paper that made my blood boil. When you have time on your hands, that happens a lot. I wrote a brilliant response, I know, I sound like Ralphie in a A Christmas Story talking about his “Theme”, but it was good. Within hours of submitting it, Steve Bouser responded. He thanked me for my letter and then informed me that since my editorial status had risen to “Guest Columnist”, I could only submit a letter every other leap year. In a flash of understanding, I realized that my new title marked the end of my writing career. So, if you want to keep exercising your free speech, revel in your anonymity and don’t let anyone refer to you as a “Guest Columnist”.
by peterprints
The_AnonymusProfit 7 months, 1 week ago
Thanks for yalls Support :-)
geoffcutler 7 months, 1 week ago
Let me get this straight. You responded to a column of mine and the next day Bouser called you to begin penning a guest column??? You were really out to get my Conservative ass, weren't you, Steve, you *&%^! (Just kidding.)
peterprints, whatever you wrote about my column, it must have been good to get that response from Steve, so don't give it up. Keep writing and send them in. Like the man says, he's looking for folks like you.
The_AnonymusProfit 7 months, 1 week ago
Steve I will accept a once a month column, I can be reached at olric152@gmail.com Thank you again in advance.
debsalomon 7 months, 1 week ago
Declare the can of worms officially opened!!
MikeNC 7 months, 1 week ago
Sunday's not until tomorrow Deb...Mike
lucubrate 7 months, 1 week ago
I hand delivered my opinion about two weeks ago, I was wondering if after you read it, did you find it to be just a bunch of malarkey, and threw it in the trash, because I have yet to see it printed in the paper. LOLJB
Me and MR. GEE by lucubrate
justpassingby2 7 months, 1 week ago
I would suggest going over to the community college and finding some young blood and maybe some new ways of looking at things. Not a bad way of building your future readership also. Let's face it , the last time we learned anything new from The Pilot's columnists was bouser telling us that people were lying on the internet!
Zoey 7 months, 1 week ago
There is no such thing as public opinion. There is only published opinion. ~ Winston Churchill
JD 7 months, 1 week ago
Steve I will accept a once a month column, I can be reached at olric152@gmail.com Thank you again in advance.
Enjoy the spam I signed you up for. And everyone knows Ryan. Let him get his column so that the Aberdeen Times can get some more page hits.
This paper needs the AnonymusProfits wisdom But what happens when he has none? Will it just be copy and paste from Glenn Becks website?
The Pilot has enough unprofessional writers, what's one more hack?
handyssc2 7 months, 1 week ago
Great! Just what we need more white male columnists. I thought Bouser was trolling for diversity. How about a few black columnists? Or (god forbid) some female (of any color) political columnists. After all political pundits are predicting that women (and latinos) are going to swing this election. Nah... that might be too much of a stretch for this crowd.
The_AnonymusProfit 7 months, 1 week ago
I was not able to find an aberdeen times opinion section. O jd my email is spam proof
JD 7 months, 1 week ago
spam proof
pfft that's what you think Ryan. Enjoy the newsletters.
The_AnonymusProfit 7 months, 1 week ago
Jd my mail goes to my phone none as pf yet
JD 7 months, 1 week ago
my mail goes to my phone
Well neither you or your phone can spell check. If you want to be an opinion man then you need to upgrade small son.
Aberdeeniac 7 months, 1 week ago
"EmphasisGreat! Just what we need more white male columnists. I thought Bouser was trolling for diversity. How about a few black columnists?"Emphasis
I think if you're black and a conservative that would be a win situation!!!!! However, if you're black and a conservative the libs will treat you like you live in the masters house..... Do we have someone that can do this? If so you got my vote!!!!!!
peterprints 7 months, 1 week ago
Geoff,
When I responded to your article, I was new to the area and to writing to The Pilot, I responded to an article you did about Henry Ford, I took the tone of your column to be that business can do no wrong...I don't agree. I pointed out a few things about Henry and business in general. With the hindsight of reading many of your columns and articles since then, I would have been better to put my pen back in my scabbard...keep up the good work.
geoffcutler 7 months, 1 week ago
PP, I've been trying to remember the piece, and I think I got tweaked because I thought you took some shot at my great-grandmother. I agree with you to some extent about big business, especially when it's unethical. Anyway, I meant what I said. Steve must have seen something he liked in what you wrote, so...why not? Take care!
justpassingby2 7 months, 1 week ago
How about a few black columnists?
In Moore County (southern thing?) they think not lynching blacks makes them good liberals. As far as women go, what they have writing already shows how the great southern liberals view women too. Once you lived lived here you get the true meaning of how slow things are in the south.