From the Editor’s Desk: New ed board takes the reins
Greetings. My name is Jeremy Bauer-Wolf and I am the newly elected Editor-in-Chief of The Towerlight.
First and foremost, I’d like to extend my thanks to the former editorial board. I could not have survived my two years as Arts and Life Editor without their continual nagging and harsh treatment of my writing.
I fully attribute my skills as a writer and a journalist to the Towerlight’s staff—but also, of course, the dedicated professionals in the mass communication department.
I would especially like to acknowledge my predecessor, Lauren Slavin, as I feel she served as a remarkable example, mentor and best friend.
A little of my background—I have been with the Towerlight since my freshman year (2009). I don’t recall why I stumbled into the office, but I remember my intention was to be a photographer. I had no journalistic experience, nor did I want to gain any.
I was an English major, for god sakes, why would I need any other skill? But upon writing my first article for the news section, and subsequently another, and another, I fell in love with the art. Journalism is truly an art form. I transferred to Arts and Life, where for the next two years I busied myself in expanding the section as I saw fit.
And now, approaching my senior year, I have realized my aspirations to expand the entire paper.
I have observed during my tenure with the paper that a stigma exists—that the Towerlight tends to dramatize, or the term more frequently used—“sensationalize.”
The idea being that sensationalistic stories, by foregoing accuracy, results in news that public will follow or discuss, or has some sort of impact on the University.
In my time at The Towerlight, I’ve seen journalism breathe life into unbelievable stories of students.
Journalism allows you to feel for others, know details about their lives that otherwise would go unnoticed—it allows you to empathize. That brand of journalism is the type I’m passionate about, and what I intend to share with you.
I have seen an article rally a community in mourning, highlight astonishing artistic talent, call into question policy, and most importantly, spark critical debates. Sensationalism should not be confused with news that has impact.
Entering the last four issues of the semester, and throughout the 2012-2013 academic year, I would like you to assist my staff and I.
Help us generate news that has impact.
If you have an event you’d like covered, or know of an important movement or incident on campus, contact us.
Stop by the office in University Union 309 or submit a form through thetowerlight.com.
Email editor@thetowerlight.com. We can’t ensure coverage, but we will always consider your ideas.
I’m looking forward to working with you, Towson.
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There are a lot of negative stigmas associated with The Towerlight. One of them is its atrocious spelling, grammar, and generally butchery of the English language.
You misspelled ‘dramatize’ and you might want to brush up on how paragraphs work. http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/606/01/
I agree, Dan G. Sometimes I wonder if the editors and columnists write out articles in something like this comment box, and then post without proofreading.
Perhaps if you spent less time on social media, like your senior editor wants, then you’d actually be able to proofread your and your writers’ work.
Dan. G- no need to worry, he WAS an English major. He left for a reason, obviously.
Fortunately, the field of journalism accepts short, choppier paragraphs that are occasionally just a single sentence, because it’s what makes the content more readable for a general audience. If you wanted to read term papers or a thesis, feel free to do so. Studies for decades have proven that it is easier to read in shorter bursts, so it’s common for paragraphs to break more frequently at natural pauses.
In short, quit trying to be a proofreader and consider the article for it’s content. Stop being so damn arrogant.
Correction: its
Yeah, it’s not the length of the paragraphs that is the problem. Also note the spelling and grammar issues.
SMH, I normally don’t go all grammar Nazi but Bauer-Wolf is talking about changing the negative stigmas associated with The Towerlight while at the same time perpetrating some of those stigmas. Look at this years Valentines Day issue cover: http://www.baltimorestudentmedia.com/pdf/2012/2912.pdf
They misspelt ‘eligible’. Its one thing when minor spelling and grammar errors pop-up in articles occasionally, but when the culture at the paper becomes so relaxed that the simplest of spelling errors appears on the cover it is not only an embarrassment to The Towerlight but to the university as a whole. What does it say about the education that the staff of the paper is receiving?
I cannot blame Bauer-Wolf for the oversights of past Editor-In-Chief’s but my hope for a serious improvement in the quality of writing for the paper were significantly crippled with his first column.
Dan G. – why not elect to write for the paper. You think it could be improved? Stop bitching from the sidelines and DO something about it. Anyone can complain. It takes a winner to ACT.
It’s not wrong to offer constructive criticism.
What is wrong is being a brat when given it.
My biggest problem with The TL is that I feel they don’t take criticism well, as evidenced (among other instances) by their printing of the SGA president’s letter that they then responded to in order to “prove him wrong” instead of just taking it on the chin and realizing that he did have a point. Having been friends with some staff members over the years, I’ve seen this as quite an issue.
Then I sit here and read these comments and I pray that my opinion isn’t lumped in with the previous commenters’. There is a way to offer criticism without being childish about it. It seems as though Mr. Bauer-Wolf is looking to confront some of these issues, why not give him a chance?
Oh, and if you’re really that interested, I’m pretty sure they “hire” (I don’t know if it’s paid or not) proofreaders…even if it’s unpaid, it’s obviously of significant importance to some people so go help out!
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