Letter from the Editor: We're the Ledger, how do you do?

In every beginning news writing class the professor will teach AP style, how to integrate quotes and other lessons in mechanics or form. Eventually though, the professor will touch-upon the "angle" or "approach" to a story-a way to hook the readers and tie in all the information at the same time. Anyone who has ever picked up a trashy tabloid or watched a nightly celebrity gossip show has experienced the "angle" in the worst of ways. Purposefully twisting information to gain readers or viewers is definitely a misuse of this story writing tool, and unfortunately, manipulated, but attention-grabbing headlines like "Twilight exclusive: Rob and Kristen to marry!" and "Jennifer Aniston: Pregnant at 40!" are used so often in the media we all see every day (even if we try to avoid it). So what's my point? My point is that we're the Ledger, UWT's student newspaper, and we're not a gossip magazine. We won't and do not spin our headlines or stories to make them more interesting. It is our goal to cover campus events and other topics in the most objective way possible. We aim to produce a newspaper that both informs and entertains the students of UWT. Every issue, in every stage of production, we strive to make a paper students enjoy reading. So maybe you won't necessarily enjoy reading this letter, but I'm at least going to take the time to give it to you straight. No angles, no spins, no special approaches. This is who we are, plain and simple. You see, oftentimes newspapers get a bad rap for spinning stories a certain way or subscribing to a certain political agenda. Here at the Ledger, we just want to give you the news in the most objective way possible. Don't think we're being objective? Not satisfied with our product? Tell us. The best way for this paper to function is with open and honest communication-on both our end and your end. Write us a letter, or better yet, join our staff to help make us better! For those who aren't familiar with the Ledger, there are a few things you might want not know about us. For one, we have an open-door policy. That's right; anyone is welcome to stop by our weekly meetings, so stop by if you're curious. Also, we always welcome letters to the editor. Have something to say? Send it to us via e-mail, our Website or in person at our office in MAT 151. Know of something you think we should cover? There are many ways to inform us of an issue or event, however, we do not write stories by request and will not guarantee that a certain topic gets coverage. We're an independent voice for students, not a PR newsletter (although there is nothing wrong with a PR newsletter). Want to guarantee that your issue or event gets in the paper? Buy an ad! We give a 50 percent discount to UW and campus affiliated organizations. To continue to best serve the students, we've made a few changes this for this year. For example, it is our goal to post more frequently (at least weekly) on our Website www.uwtledger.com in addition to our printed issues every other week. Because of this change our meetings are now every Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. So, maybe by now you might be wondering: who exactly is behind the Ledger? While our staff may change from time to time, Ledger staff members are students who are dedicated to making a quality newspaper for the UWT community. Whether it's taking photos, covering campus events or designing pages, our staff dedicates their free time to making the paper as good as it can be. It kind of helps that we love what we do too. And for those who don't know me personally, I'm Alexis. This is my second year as Editor In Chief of the Ledger and third year on staff. We've made a lot of changes since my early days as Design Editor and I'm proud of that. I'm proud of the cosmetic changes to the paper. I'm proud that we've increased the number of issues released per year. I'm proud that we've also increased the number of staff members and general enthusiasm about our paper. And most-of-all, I'm proud that we're always trying to grow and change for the better, even if we've hit a few bumps along the way. I'm graduating this year, so this is my last welcome letter and last year as Editor In Chief, unless some kind benefactor would like to donate me grad school tuition (I kid, I kid). But seriously, it's only right and natural for me to pass the torch and open up the Ledger for the "voices of the future." Think about it, the Ledger has existed for 14 years and I've only been around for the last three. Mathematically, 11/14 of the Ledger's existence has been completely different than what I know today. Do you want a say in how the Ledger continues to grow? Here's my shameless plug: join our staff! Right now we're primarily looking for reporters (preferably of the news variety) but also looking for help with photos, our Website, etc. New students and returning students: I want you to know that we're here for you. Sure, we love what we do and we'd sure-as-hell want to continue what we do even if no one read us, but ultimately our goal is to make a paper you all love.