Words are fun.
Specifically, THAT fun word refers to a lung disease resulting from inhalation of silica dust.
It’s one of my favorite words, and not surprisingly one of the longest in the English dictionary.
But I’m not here to exhaust my column space talking about pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis. I want to talk about words in general, how powerful they are, and my Editor’s Pledge to you for this year as I help facilitate the publishing of lots and lots of words.
In this case, that cumbersome word acted as an attention-grabber. Of course, words can serve many purposes, in addition to grabbing attention.
Words can appear on banners for social or political causes. They can comprise a song with compelling lyrics. They can convey truth or obscure it. And with enough manipulative vigor, they can completely warp a message or even the perception of a person’s character.
For example, apparently “Pro-Life” is the wrong label for me. I am, to many, 1) “Anti-Choice,” 2) “Anti-Women’s Rights” and 3) “Anti-Women’s Health.” As a woman, it’s pretty alarming to hear that I’m so anti-woman.
But that’s not the case at all, is it?
I actually happen to be opposed to state-funded infanticide.
See how much words change the tone?
That’s the beauty—and simultaneously, in the wrong hands, the horror—of words.
It’s why journalists and writers must take such great care to be precise with what they say. In this day, people often cannot even afford the “that-was-taken-out-of-context” justification anymore. Communicators must convey their message with enough conviction, potency, clarity, persuasiveness and brevity to be “sound-bite” proof.
As the sage lyricist John Mayer would advise, “say what you need to say,” and precisely that.
All that to say…
I am deeply passionate about language. As our editing staff stewards this publication, it is my goal that we be thoughtful when crafting and editing articles and encourage the staff writers to do the same.
Speaking of editors! Here is a snapshot of this year’s #EditingSquad and their skills that will be necessary for the paper’s success.
Senior Cimber Winfrey is the online editor. She’s perfect for this position. The Online Signal is evolving, and Cimber is ready to set the pace with creative ideas to make the website a strong multimedia platform.
Katie Kemp, a junior, is on her second semester as news editor. She is a solid writer, and her technical excellence in AP Style will keep the news section clean and professional.
Evan Wheatley, a senior, is the features editor. He is dependable – he consistently writes quality, interesting features and columns.
Katherine Carter, a junior and the opinions editor, thinks critically about big-picture issues facing our nation when writing her articles. She’s also a stellar cartoonist.
Senior Ian Craft is the sports editor, and that is right up his ally. This Josh Turner sound-alike (nicknamed The Man with the Golden Tonsils) has the sports acumen to give us a comprehensive rundown of everything going on in Tiger Nation.
Julia Williams, a sophomore, is the copy editor with an eagle eye for errors. Not only that, she’s also an excellent writer. Be on the lookout for her political columns this election season.
Last but obviously not least, senior Nate Wallace is the video manager. Do yourself a favor, go watch his videos. He’s super witty, and I really look forward to seeing what he creates this year.
Finally, I can’t thank the following people enough for the role they’ve played in my college communications career: Dixon Land, the previous Editor-In-Chief, is a hard worker with a hilarious tag line, “Bye! Don’t do drugs! I put cookies in your bags so you can make friends!” I really depended on his advice and level-headedness last semester as he prepared me for this role.
Dr. Eurich, who knows my affinity for the Oxford Comma despite AP’s stubborn rules, has been a consistent source of encouragement, and she will be a great mentor to Cimber and me with the Online Signal.
Finally, the Drs. Root, or “Jeborah,” as the newsroom staff likes to call them. What I love most about the Roots is that they want us students to make these publications (The Signal and The Ouachitonian) our own. They are always available to offer advice and assistance, but their goal is to launch us into the working world as competent, self-sufficient communicators. Saying “thanks” just doesn’t feel like enough.
So with all that in mind, be sure to pick up a paper each Thursday and head to www.obusignal.com for student-made content. Here’s to a great year! Go Tigers!
By Barrett Gay, Editor-In-Chief
