Opinion writing is famous for a host of microlabels -- columns, editorials, op-eds, guest essays, letters to the editor and even cartoons. While each of these pieces serves a distinct purpose, their titles are often colloquially confused and interchanged, meaning an average reader might understandably have a convoluted understanding of an opinion desk. Described below are the functions of each of these pieces of writing.

Columns

The most recognizable subsection of opinion writing, columns are the majority of the Opinion Desk's published content. Their primary goal is to convey an individual writer's viewpoint and spark dialogue in our readership. Most columns are written by "columnists," staffers that are hired separately from the reporting team and specialize in opinion writing. In unusual circumstances, a writer from a reporting desk or a member of the management team will write one, but all opinion columns are produced by official members of The Daily Tar Heel. These pieces do not reflect the beliefs or endorsements of The Daily Tar Heel as an institution.

Editorials

Editorials are written exclusively by the Editorial Board, a group made up of 8-10 experienced opinion writers, the Desk's editor and assistant editor, and The DTH Editor-in-Chief. The Board writes a piece together using the heterogenous experiences and voices of its members. Editorials aim to provide our audience with a researched, reliable voice, focusing on pressing University matters and national news relevant to students. These pieces do not reflect the beliefs or endorsements of The Daily Tar Heel as an institution.

Guest Essays

Also known as op-eds, guest essays are the means whereby the readership of The Daily Tar Heel can express their viewpoints to the surrounding community. They are similar to opinion columns in nearly every facet but their author -- guest essays are written exclusively by non-staffers. UNC students, Chapel Hill and Carrboro residents and even national readers of The Daily Tar Heel are encouraged to submit a guest essay via email if they feel they have a substantive and researched opinion. To be considered for publication at The DTH, guest essays must be under 500 words and every proper noun and fact must be cited. These pieces do not reflect the beliefs or endorsements of The Daily Tar Heel as an institution.

Letters to the Editor

Letters to the Editor are pieces sent to The Daily Tar Heel from a member of the community in response to a specific article. These letters have become endangered in print journalism -- they're often still sent in by older readers, but younger audiences typically gravitate toward expression in the comment sections of websites and social media platforms. Like guest essays, letters serve as a check on our coverage and, as The Washington Post outlined, "raise substantive questions about [a news organization's] practices and choices." These pieces do not reflect the beliefs or endorsements of The Daily Tar Heel as an institution.