What is an "Op-Ed?

[AmyT]

Hello, world!

I just finished an article that analyzes the Patriot Act. It has the tone of a well-researched blog post maybe? I quote some experts, some American poetry, Thomas Jefferson, the Constitution, etc. There are also solid examples throughout the article. However, it does have an "opinionated" "commentary" sort of style since it is analyzing a political issue. However, on the other hand, it has a sort of historical, patriotic opening and conclusion. I could see it ending up on a political action committee website... that sort of style.

I read on the forum that op-ed articles aren't allowed but I am (obvious) confused about what that is exactly. Any guidelines? I don't want to get an article rejected for being the wrong type of article vs. something actually wrong with it.

Thank you to all who read this post.

~Amy

Ps: Just sold my first article -- for $50!!! So excited! Thank you CC!

[jadedragon]

I'm just another writer but that sounds like a well researched article. Why not submit and get the answer?

[AmyT]

Thanks for the input, jadedragon! I'd really like to submit it.

Just wondering if there is any "official" definition of an op-ed or if someone has gotten rejected for being too "op-ed-ish."

Thanks,

Amy

[Ed]

Basically, we do not accept opinion-based or editorial-style content.

From our sometimes friend Wikipedia: An op-ed, abbreviated from opposite the editorial page (though often believed to be abbreviated from opinion-editorial), is a newspaper article that expresses the opinions of a named writer who is usually unaffiliated with the newspaper's editorial board. These are different from editorials, which are usually unsigned and written by editorial board members.

Ed

[AmyT]

Oh, well. I decided to go for it and submit this article (after about three weeks of "should I?" "or should I not?") and it was rejected. I understand Ed's reasons though and would just recommend to go on the safe side for these types of articles. I did, however, see a few editorial-type articles (especially under the current events/news section) on CC but I guess it's hard to predict which ones will be accepted and which ones won't.

Amy

[Elizabeth Ann West]

Those might be left over from a public request. Every once in awhile a public request pops up asking for content on current events, one routine buyer likes to ask about famous people.

[jadedragon]

Throw it up on a revenue sharing site if you can't make it work for here.

[AmyT]

Thanks, jadedragon!

Unfortunately, it is over 1,000 words so it's not like it's going to be nice pay. Oh, well. Learned my lesson and will avoid in the future.

Amy