What does op ed

Submissions should be short — words or less is ideal — but they can be about the topic of a reader's choosing. They can share a political opinion, criticize something the Register published or thank a helpful stranger.

All of these different types of content can be found on Opinion pages both online and in print of publications across the country. As I wrote at the start of this article, it's up to journalists to ensure our readers understand the terms we use. If you're still unsure or you see another journalism term you don't understand, reach out to me and let's chat about it. Brian Smith is the Register's engagement editor and served as a member of its editorial board from He's a native Iowan and graduate of Iowa State University.

Brian works with Register journalists to help them connect with Iowans through social media, events and more. Reach him at bsmith dmreg. Facebook Twitter Email. What do all these terms really mean? Terms like op-ed can be confusing. Let us explain them for you. Show Caption. Hide Caption. Why newspapers still have opinion pages. Opinion pages in newspapers date back to Colonial times, and the America we know and love today is here thanks to them.

Just not in Maine. And I am not going down without comment. Add brief facts to support the presented opinion. Be sure to keep it very brief, perhaps one or two sentences in a paragraph. This example is words without the reference citation. Note how some facts are implied, like the fact that accessing death with dignity is a patient-driven choice. The truth is, 3 out of 4 surveyed adults in [xyz poll] agree we should have a death with dignity law to help terminally ill patients if they want to access it.

Over fifty percent of surveyed physicians in [xyz poll] also agree their patients should be able to access death with dignity under a safe-guarded law if they choose. My oncologist and hospice physicians want the law so they can safely help me die on my own terms. They understand more about cancer and suffering than anyone else I know.

They respect my right to access patient-centered care. The Oregon Death with Dignity Act has proven to work exactly as intended and for exactly whom intended [add reference citation]. It can also include encouragement for others to take an action, e. This example wraps up with words, bringing the total op-ed word count to , well within the range of most editor requirements:. I do not expect everyone to agree with my end of life decisions, but I do expect everyone to acknowledge they do not have a right to make them for me.

That is up to me. I will sort out my own dying details with my family, my physicians, and my faith leader. If you do not agree, I respectfully ask you to tend to your own death. For the love of humanity, contact your legislators today to urge passage of [bill number, title, link to legislature search area to find lawmakers]. Tell them you read my op-ed. Reach out to our local organization [xyz] or Death with Dignity National Center [website] to join the movement for expanding end of life care.

This patient example for a local paper is just one way to approach using the outline. It is written from a specific personal perspective with boldly stated opinions and facts to back it up. It packs a lot of information into less than words. Imagine how much deeper the author could take this if his paper allowed to words for a guest column op-ed.

Title and author information are not included in word count. Be sure to provide complete contact information with the submission:. Full first and last name Mailing address Phone number with area code Email address. Even a day or two of reflection may give you more insights or solutions to editing that will further empower your writing. Practice reading it out loud. This will help you catch any typographical or grammatical errors, and reveal areas where editing may make it easier for others to read it.

Try having someone else read it back to you. Gays have won, Mr. By way of example, compare 'The bysschop weop for 'ermyng'; King Alisaunder, ed. O Jakobowski many tears you'll shed man,You lost your money when you lost your 'Ed-man! If I'd a boiled beetroot face like you, I'd never show my 'ed in a public room again.

He also quotes the expression 'grans danses et grans karolles' from Froissart, ed. See the long account of this in the Knight de la Tour Landry, ed.