I am just like you. I like pictures. I like graphics. What I don't like is large blocks of text because let's face it, that's too much like reading for class. Words alone don't necessarily convey a message. Our job is to get you content in an easily understood fashion, and I think words and images together do that best. On the subject of content, The Post doesn't just want to write stories about what Ohio University students need to know, but also about what they want to know. My intention when picking columnists and content for the first week of class was to run what I think are need-to-know topics.
When I was out last weekend, I saw a guy wearing a Cleveland Cavaliers jersey. Before I could even sneer (C-town, baby), I realized the back of his jersey read LeBackstab James. Any uncertainty I had for the page was gone.
On this campus, I rarely have seen newspapers being unfolded, unless it's straight to the crossword puzzle. When does anyone do much more than glaze over headlines, pause at a picture and then yank out the smart phone that hasn't seen light in, God forbid, nearly 10 seconds?
Conclusion: I have about 30 seconds to get your attention, convince you to take this paper back home and then actually read what our reporters have to say. How daunting.
Don't be tempted by your smart phone's featured news links - they all say the same thing. Unless the How to lose 10 pounds in two days article tells you to stop eating, it will say everything you have read before, your mother has advised and you can infer from the calories on the Krispy Kreme box.
The Post, however, has articles to offer you have not heard before. Breaking news. Updates on Athens and Ohio University. Anecdotes. Hot off the press and handled lovingly by our staff's hands - from the reporter's first phone call to the final proofread for tomorrow's paper at 3:30 a.m. We really just have a passion for what we do and want to share that with other people.
Professors have complained to the editor in chief about Post reporters skipping class to write stories; many weeknights have been spent sitting in Student Senate or Athens City Council meetings; and copy editors and designers have spent more than a few nights in the office until the 5 a.m. publishing deadline. All to bring the newspaper to you.
So before you flip to the Sudoku and crossword, check out what renovations The Pigskin Sports Bar & Grill has done, preview the volleyball tournament on page 6 or find out how OU made $8.2 million on page 3.
The Post is a newspaper run by college students to be read by college students. We have done the legwork; take advantage of this free gift from us at The Post to you.
4 Opinion
Natalie McGee
