Editor/ Publisher

I’m going to tell you something I probably shouldn’t, but the truth is I don’t have a filter in real life, so why should I have one in a column on the editorial page?

Stepping into the role of editor/publisher was one I knew I would grow into, and felt ready to tackle. What I wasn’t ready for was editorials.

In newspapers, the editor, publisher or editorial board creates an opinion about a topic relevant to the community. Someone then writes the editorial.

Let me tell you a secret: Before I became the editor at the I-R, I don’t think I ever wrote an editorial. Not even when I was in journalism school!

There. I said it. Out loud. In print. For everyone to read.

The reality, however, is that I spent my time in newsrooms in a variety of other capacities. My entry into newspapers was as a staff photojournalist.

“Don’t feed the photographers” is the general rule of thumb in the newspaper world. Several years later, I transitioned into the role of city reporter/indepth feature writer.

As someone who covered local government, I certainly wasn’t encouraged to share opinions about what was going on at city hall or the local cop shop.

Fast forward to my time as editor of the Catholic newspaper, where we did not accept letters to the editor, or really write editorials. Once again, if I had an opinion, it wasn’t exactly appropriate, or encouraged, for me to share my own thoughts or ideas.

Editorials were just never part of my direct experience or formation.

Then I arrived here. Let me tell you, the most terrifying part of the first few papers I worked on was the editorial page. Up until now, I was never asked for an opinion, and if I shared one, it would have been frowned upon, so to now be in charge of a page where opinions are freely expressed is a whole new world.

Some days, I have a lot to say. Others, not so much.

Honestly, I agree with reader Jerry Marsh on the topic of letters to the editor. I love them! I enjoy reading the thoughts and opinions of our own readers. It helps me continue the “get to know you” process of learning about Ellsworth County.

Of course, at the paper, we deal in facts and cannot print personal attacks or inaccurate information.

Over the weekend I was out and about and had a few readers share some kind words about our editorial page. I won’t directly name anyone, but I want to tell those readers how grateful I am for your feedback — how meaningful it is. The editorial page, editorials and letters to the editor are an area where I continue to learn. I started from zero and have had to learn and grow as I go.

I am grateful for your patience as I navigate this page, and also for your feedback and interaction.

Bonar is the editor/publisher of the I-R and can be reached at kbonar@indyrepnews. com.