Farewell Columns

[Smash Williams]

The story was heartwrenching, and it was incredibly brave for the author to reveal himself like that.

The headline is hackneyed and almost turned me off to the story before I got there. I get that it doesn't want to give away the punchline, but jeez. That said, it's s student paper, and things like that are part of the learning process. Hope whoever wrote it improves with time and seasoning. And once you get to the story, the headline doesn't matter anymore.

 

[Thomas Goldkamp]

Kind of a random observation, but I think farewell columns for student papers work much, much better than farewell columns when someone is retiring or getting fired.

As far as I could tell, most of the students on campus related to this piece really well, because it was a story about fighting through tough times and reaching the mark of success most of the reader base set out for four or five years ago.

I disagree in a big way. Farewell columns at student papers often suck because they're usually self-serving and follow the same formula. "I was just a freshman when I walked into this office" ... "Friends, good times were had" "Now it's weird to look back but learned a lot and made lasting memories." Farewell columns tend to suck because people just write about themselves, often because they think they've earned it.

I don't think people relate to this piece becuase it's about fighting, reaching some mark of success or because of the 4-5 year shared experience of college. I think people relate to it when someone writes so eloquently about a horrifying, heart-breaking event in their lives, it stirs emotion. Everyone has parents, and I'm sure many readers thought about their own families and lives while reading it.

I guess I need to read more farewell columns. Like I said, generally not a fan. I can't remember more than one or two I even liked enough to remember.

 

[Versatile]

Has it occurred to you that you might think farewell columns at student newspapers work better because you personally know some/most/all of the writers who have written the farewell columns at student newspapers?

 

[Thomas Goldkamp]

Has it occurred to you that you might think farewell columns at student newspapers work better because you personally know some/most/all of the writers who have written the farewell columns at student newspapers?

It's crossed my mind. I actually went back and read one that I had thought was really good a few years ago. Reading it a few years later, it seemed pretty empty.

 

[dirtybird]

Has it occurred to you that you might think farewell columns at student newspapers work better because you personally know some/most/all of the writers who have written the farewell columns at student newspapers?

That actually made it worse for me. I knew the kids, and therefore wondered why they were wasting my time with that many column inches of self-indulgence.

 

[Tarheel316]

I did one at my first shop but none since. If you get another gig, just move on.

 

[Versatile]

I think it's worth telling your readers. But do it on Twitter or a blog. Run a note at the end of your last column, an actual column about actual sports (or whatever it is you write about).

 

[friend of the friendless]

Sirs, Madames,

I wrote one once. Wish I hadn't. Felt like I was delivering my own eulogy.

YHS, etc

 

[Matt Stephens]

I was asked to write one today to run next week and just wrapped it up. Inspired by this thread, my lede reads, "Farewell columns are boring."

 

[murphyc]

If you're the type to do a farewell column, here is a good example to follow.
http://www.registerguard.com/web/sports/28648982-41/hug-liz-thank-schroeder-embrace.html.csp

 

[GidalKaiser]

If you're the type to do a farewell column, here is a good example to follow.
http://www.registerguard.com/web/sports/28648982-41/hug-liz-thank-schroeder-embrace.html.csp

That is what a farewell column should be. Personal, but not self-serving.

 

[Mizzougrad96]

Yeah, I can't stand farewell columns, but that was well done.