The Negatives of Op-Eding

Op-eds, according to some, are the haiku of opinion writing. They encourage young writers to hone their skills and step up to the challenge of writing op-eds, which require an instant thesis, qualitative research as evidence and a convincing tone throughout. In about 750 words mind you.

Those same people highlight the power of a well placed op-ed in launching the author in the national limelight. This, of course, is true. However, I'd like to point how the exposure granted through an op-ed can sometimes backfire. Just take a look at the criticism hurled at US Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales today after his op-ed piece about the firing of eight US attorneys in December was published in USA Today yesterday.