I want to start writing op-ed-style pieces on this blog. I wrote the first earlier today, but am wary about posting it because it contains a story about three friends that paints two of them in a negative light. I didn’t use their names, but they would know who I’m talking about were they to see the post.
Should I post the article? Here are some specific details, to help answer that question:
- The ideas I wrote in the post are close to what I said to one of the friends when the conversation happened a few days ago. So he knows how I feel about the topic, at least in the specific sense.
- I tried to balance the critique of the two friends by saying more about where they’re coming from (i.e. there’s a history to the conversation that’s deeper than the issue I address in the op-ed. The op-ed is more from a global viewpoint.)
- If they saw the article, the two friends might be mad. I’m not sure, but my guess is they would.
So what to do? This is a constant struggle in journalism, because we’re always writing about people we know or at least who have shared their thoughts with us. At the same time, if I have something worthwhile to say about an important topic, and the best way to get into it is with an illustrative story, should I censor myself just to prevent a bit of real-life conflict? I’m really not sure!
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If it was about me I would want to know, I think. But then again, I’m paranoid.