Alva Review-Courier -

First, let me clarify journalism categories a bit as some readers may be confused. This column is a “personal column” in journalism lingo. It falls in the category of op-ed (opinion-editorial). Columns in less personal vein such as opinions about politics are usually labeled as editorials. Op-ed columns may contain factual information but they may also contain the author’s opinion.

On the other hand, news writers are expected to present the news without editorial comments or opinions. Investigative reporting and event coverage are news.

Another type of news is feature writing. This focuses mor...