Ink, eff my life and the Student Press

Volunteers, students and people who care. Those are the people who get involved with the student newspaper.

While we can’t cover everything, and we certainly have our own points of view, the vision of this newspaper has been to push the envelope. Not just this year, but for the past 100 years. I, like Michelle Thompson, was annoyed at the fact that no one we asked knew anything about the BUSU elections. I would also like to state that we asked many more than 4 people and that the answer was essentially the same as those printed in last week’s Quill.

Is there a barking dog who bothers people in the building? Yes. Does it bother everyone? No. However, the student that wrote that letter deserves a voice. The same idea that applies in a classroom of people reluctant to ask a question applies here. If one person sends a letter, how many more are out there with the same issues but not writing?

Vulgarity? Do we use it? Yes. Has it become common place in our society? Hell yes. Is it everywhere you look some days? Yes. It is offensive to some and not to others. Perhaps; though, underlying all the vulgarity is the social commentary that vulgarity just doesn’t matter anymore. Or, consider that maybe we use it with the sole purpose of inflaming you, or making you consider your own use of the word fuck?

We’re not alone in this either; the Canadian University Press has run countless articles not just using the f-word, but complete articles discussing its use in media - all laden with the word fuck. I’d suggest you go to www.cup.ca and take a look, but who has the time for that? They are there if you’re interested though.

Is our humour different than yours? Of course it is. Did you know that Canada is known all over the world for its poop jokes and potty humour? I did. It is plastered all over the internet, and while it may not be funny to some, it clearly makes others giggle.

All of this leaves you with the question- are we volunteers, underpaid staff, and activists just doing this job for shits and giggles?

Well, one of us, just got a tattoo of The Quill - and it is glorious, fun and not something she will ever regret. That may make us/her crazy.

We don’t get paid much, in fact, most of us don’t get paid at all. My own pay cheque from The Quill covers my rent and half of a vehicle payment. I don’t do it just for fun. I and the rest of my staff do it to provide you, the students, a forum for your own interest, a place to voice your concerns and a media outlet that is becoming more widely circulated and accepted in Brandon. All that being said, we don’t do anonymous. Own your voice, voice your concerns, and have the guts to put your name on it like we do every week.

Is Brandon ready for a mainstream alternative media? The jury is still out on that one. Judging from the letters to the editor this week, we are at least being read, and that is a success as far as we are concerned.