Tuesday’s paper seems to be running a little light on content and I’m not sure why. Normally, I would expect Monday’s paper to run low, but it was appropriately filled. Editors discussed this at their 5 p.m. budget meeting Monday. This meeting takes place everyday and is where editors decide which stories will run and where they will run for the next day’s issue. The issue, it was determined, seemed to be that reporters were not turning in any articles, nor were they available when editors attempted to contact them.

I’ve worked at the Star for six semesters and I’ve probably heard every story in the book when it comes to not turning in articles. Which leads me to question why some current reporters want to work at the Star in the first place if this is the case. Yes, I understand everyone is busy with school and friends, but this newspaper is as real as the Chicago Tribune or New York Times. Readers depend on this paper for news and it seems there may be some who have forgotten that.

If there are other obligations preventing you from doing your best, I suggest stepping aside and letting other students attempt the job. I’d also like to know what readers think of the situation. Do you prefer to read fewer stories that may not be as interesting, or do you not really care? I’m curious.

On another note, I’m starting a feature titled, “Be the public editor.” I would like students to guest-critique the paper by completing a questionnaire with their observations and opinions on the current day’s issue.

Their responses and mug shots will then run in the print edition. Often times, we as a paper get so caught up with what we think about a certain issue that we forget to ask students what they think. This will give students a chance to tell us from their perspective what we’re doing well or poorly.

E-mail me at [email protected] about getting involved.