The experience was rewarding certainly but also deeply humbling. As an untrained writer and individual citizen of no particular distinction, I realized that, given the opportunity to give public voice to my opinions, I now had the responsibility to at least attempt to express my opinions in a responsible and, hopefully, readable way.
To that end I have tried to give my honest opinions on locally relevant issues, reasonable researched and supported by fact, without attacking or disrespecting other views. I can only hope that, on balance, my writings have honored the responsibility provided me by the paper and its readership.
Whatever others will say of The Olympian, good or ill, I will be ever thankful for the opportunity to take an active part in the discussion of local issues.
One other item I resolved at the beginning of my term was with regard to comments on my articles. I view the comments section as the public’s area to say whatever they wish to say, within the bounds of The Olympian’s guidance and, hopefully, focused on issues raised in the articles. Out of respect for the reader I resolved that it was not my place to reply or attempt to defend my submission there. Instead, I resolved to reply only to those who emailed me directly. I did endeavor to respond to all who emailed and enjoyed the exchange of ideas with them.
I extend my thanks to all who took time to respond in either case. That you would take time out of your day to read my article is appreciated. I have tried to adapt my writing style, where I can, in response to input I gleaned in the comments section. And, I have learned from some of the opinions expressed there. And I hope that in reading any of my articles you have learned something of use to you in your daily life.
Finally, regarding the comment sections of my articles and of others across The Olympian site, I would offer some feedback of my own in hope of spurring conversation and thought. I will speak generally, instead of responding to specific postings, in hope of keeping to my resolve.
First, I found many comments where the writer actually appears to have read the article and attempts to support or rebut the general theme and/or the specific points. I personally applaud this type of response as I find I learn a lot from them and it gives me hope that we may yet retain the ability to disagree without being disagreeable. Where I see such comments, outside of my articles, I have gone out of my way to respond or “like” them.
My second, and final, observation regarding comments is that there are, sadly, a far greater number of comments containing ad hominem attacks and rants. As I stated earlier, it is the public’s right, within certain bounds, to make any comment they wish and I stand by that. But having a right to do a thing does not mean that doing so is a good idea or that it is particularly useful.
For myself, just as I choose to encourage thoughtful commentary by giving positive feedback, I choose to discourage attacks and rants by not responding.
Thanks again, gentle reader.
Kevin Deleon, an employee of the state of Washington and of the Washington Army National Guard, is a member of The Olympian’s Diversity Panel. He can be reached KreggieD@aol.com.
