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_ The Panther Prints

March 5, 1996

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too proud, so please tell your friends -- you know who they are!): If you want the quality and substance of this paper to change, GET OFF YOUR BUTTS AND DO SOME- THING ABOUT IT!!!

When complaints come in, the person usually angrily tears apart the newspaper staff piece by piece (which only lowers our motivation to produce anything good). The editor's response is something to the effect of "If you don't like our writ- ing, write something for us." I agree that this is ideal. Not only will something "good" make its way into the paper (and, hey, they might realize that they like their names in print), but it also gives us "rookies" a

model to follow. However, I know that many of you don't have the time, energy, or literary interest to pursue this challenge. And so, let me give you some different advice (complain- ers, listen up!): Don't blast the paper; tell it what you want.

If you didn't like something, tell us why. If you think we are lacking, show us what areas we need work on and tell us how to improve. And if you find something offensive, tell us you are not impressed but don't discredit the good. Acknowl- edge those parts that could have been successful if used differently, as well as disparaging the bad. For example, one person said (and I agree with her) that she never reads

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the music reviews, not because they _ are bad but because they don't re- view the type of music she listens to (only alternative). Perhaps a better balance would satisfy readers?

If the paper DOES "suck" (not true in my not-so-humble opinion, though I have my own complaints), it is no wonder. Perhaps the staff is just so sick of trying to please you that they've decided to shock you instead. At any rate, suggestions go a lot further than insults. :

Consider this: Peter does his homework wrong and his teacher yells and screams and calls him names. Joanne also does her work wrong but her teacher sits down and shows her how to do it better. Who do you think will improve?

Editor’s note: About music reviews: we review whatever the record companies send us. We simply don’t have the funds to

purchase CDs for review purposes. A fair portion of the reviews are

alternative, but we do try to include reviews of everything from rap to rock to reggae.

HELPING THE WORLD WRITE NOW

CODE Self-sufficiency through literacy in the developing world For information, call +800-661-2633

Panther Prints Wants YOU

Slide Presentation From Beijing UN Conference on Women

presented by

Marion Copleston, PEI Delegate to the Conference

Friday, March 8, 1996, 4:00 p.m. Faculty Lounge, Main Building

Reception to Follow

Sponsored by U.P.E.I. Women's Centre and World University Service of Canada