This semester, The Lamron took a relatively big step, the positive results of which you currently hold in your hand. We began working with a new printer and switched to a different stock of paper, which undoubtedly makes the paper look better and makes the photos stand out significantly more than they had before.
In addition to this, we decided to move away from the two-section format in favor of just one. We think that adds a level of cohesiveness to the paper that was lacking with the two-section format, which seemed to encourage some readers to grab one section and discard the other.
The switch to a new printer and the reorganization of the sections weren't the only positive changes that have occurred over the course of last semester. We have relaunched our Web site at www.TheLamron.com with an excellent new design of which I am very proud. The addition of a much-needed opinion section with regular student columnists was another constructive change that helped to fill a gaping hole in the content previously offered by the paper.
We hope that with this section and the addition to the E-board of the first ever Lamron Opinion Editor, we can help to facilitate intelligent debate and thought in the academic environment. We are still in the process of developing the fledgling section, and one major need we face at this point is more columnists, particularly someone who will address political issues from an intelligent conservative viewpoint.
The reason that I bring up these changes is not for the sake of trumpeting our exploits, but rather to communicate about the progressive environment that we are trying to facilitate at The Lamron. We are well aware that the paper languished in mediocrity for a long time, and we are trying to change that. One particular area in which the paper undoubtedly needs improvement is that of news coverage. Unfortunately, as students with limited resources, it is incredibly hard to be in the know about all the newsworthy events that occur on campus and in the community.
Having spent a semester in the position of news editor, with the responsibility of determining what content would fill the news section, I can undoubtedly say that it is the hardest job I have ever had working on The Lamron. I quite literally plead with all of our readers: instead of lamenting the fact that there are newsworthy items that don't get coverage in the paper, send us suggestions to lamron@geneseo.edu, to our News Editor Taryn Thompson at tct1@geneseo.edu, or call our office at 245-5896.
The greatest likelihood is that despite our very best efforts, we simply do not know about these happenings. Rather than pushing forward with our own agenda, we want to work with community members to deliver the news that matters to them.
The Lamron has come a long way, but there is undoubtedly a very, very long way to go to continue to make the paper the best that it can be. Mistakes will undoubtedly be made, as they have in the past, but we're determined to move forward and learn as much from those mistakes as we possibly can. All we ask of you is your help and suggestions.