Damned if I do; damned if I don’t.

This is something I have learned since I joined The Chart. With everything I write, someone is either going to be bored, pleased or flat out ticked off.

This came to be the case last week. What was intended to simply grab our fellow students’ attention turned into a complete fire storm and I loved it.

I really do appreciate the enthusiasm.

Even more surprising to me were the responses to those who know me personally.

It seems people around me do not quite understand what I do, so let me set the record straight. I’m a journalist folks; my number one priority is to try and cover the news-may it be something you like or not.

However, a story does not constitute my personal opinion.

By no means do I want to “attack” anyone. Well, at least not in this way.

I’ve constantly heard people complaining about how they do not read the paper because a lot of things in The Chart are boring or what have you, but when someone grabs your attention you blow a fuse.

Over the past week and in general, I have heard it all ranging from how it was a complete waste of time, how could I do something like that, and the list goes on.

I think I have said this a million times and frankly I am starting to wear myself out. If you do not like something, offersuggestions. I challenge you.

It is always easier to sit back and complain about something than to actually present a solution.

Well, I personally want to thank those who actually read it altogether and did not just see a headline, flip out, and hop on the angry bandwagon.

What is unfortunate is it takes for an story considered to be negative to get people’s attention and feedback (especially “friends” of mine). Thanks a lot guys, I appreciate it.

For those who do know me personally and are accustomed to my outgoing nature and often times saying off-the wall things, I do not understand why you would expect anything less occasionally in my work. I understand a negative reaction to a story, but goodness.

People, let’s be adults about this. There is no need to kick and scream if something you do not like is said in the paper or anywhere else.

There is no need for innocent students to be confronted for having a not-so-desirable opinion about the way others dress. That is the funny thing about the First Amendment. It enables us to say just about anything we want.

I think to be so sensitive about something, which is all of non-existent, is a little more than pathetic. God forbid someone should call out athletes to dress how they are treated.

Most college students would love to be seen with the respect and adoration many athletes on this campus receive, and yet people are upset because others look at them as representatives on this campus.

Think of what athletes on this campus could do if they put this same kind of passion on the court or on the field.

Athletes should keep in mind the same students who may not care for their appearances are still at the games cheering you on even when you are not playing at your best, and those students do not lash out at you afterwards.

Grow up.