A user's guide to Opinion

We, the Editors for Opinion, hope that you enjoyed the breadth and depth of those pieces. But as the new semester begins, we thought that it might be worthwhile to explain to you, our readers, how we see the page: what we do, how we work and how you can help.

What we do: We are committed to making this page the epicenter for informed debate of all kinds at Princeton. This is why we publish the range of content that we do, from many different sources — undergraduates, graduates, professors, administrators, alumni — and on many different topics. We hope that articles appearing here both shape and reflect campus dialogue. We encourage our staff columns and our guest pieces to be journalistic in nature, investigative in spirit and passionate and fair in argument. As a paper for the broader Princeton community, we hope that all the content on this page speaks from and to that community. Other than this, we have no other requirements for what appears here.

How we work: Broadly, the Opinion page publishes two types of content: unsigned and signed. The unsigned, three-times-a-week editorials represent the official opinion of the ‘Prince’ on all matters pertaining to the campus community.

Signed content on the page comes in several forms: columns, artwork and letters. Columns, either by regular or guest contributors, fill most of the page on a daily basis. They represent the individual work of their authors, who are given substantial freedom to choose their topics. We also display a daily cartoon by one of our staff cartoonists, and we strive to publish the best of the many letters we receive at least once a week.

How you can help: If it has not been said explicitly in the past, make no mistake: If you are reading this, this is your paper. Whether you are an alum, graduate student or professor emeritus, and whether you are annoyed by something at the University or wish to praise something in India, we want to hear your voice.

If you’re a member of the Princeton community and are interested in becoming a regular contributor to the page, we accept applications for all positions at the beginning of every semester. We will be accepting applications for the current semester through Feb. 20, and you can see either the recruitment information on our website or e-mail opinion@dailyprincetonian.com for more information.

In addition to pieces by our regular writers, we hope to devote roughly one-third of our space to guest contributions of all kinds. These may be solicited or unsolicited guest columns of roughly 750 words or letters to the editor of less than 300 words. We edit collaboratively with writers for length, style and clarity. Columns must be signed by individuals — up to three — rather than institutions, and we choose submissions for publication based on strength of argument, timeliness, originality and relevance to our readers. If you are unsure about whether something you’ve written meets these standards, send us an e-mail. We promise you: If it’s thoughtful and well-written, we’ll try our best to find a place for it.

Thinking big: Ultimately, this is your page. This means that we wish to hear your ideas, to find you a place to write and to offer you compelling content day after day. We will do our best to make sure that everyone at Princeton will find something of interest on this page on a daily and weekly basis. Come join us: Read, comment, think. Despite some appearances, there is a lot of thinking going on at Princeton, and we hope this is your portal to some of the best of it.