Odyssey isn't what you think it is. It is either so much more (or so much less, depending on your opinion), and it is one of the most incredible, rewarding, challenging, and frustrating experiences I have been blessed to experience.

Let me begin with some classic criticism of Odyssey, so I can put you into the level of criticism writers, editors, and our incredible editor-in-chief get on a daily basis:

"Sometimes when I scroll through Facebook and see one of the articles from The Odyssey, I consider snapping my laptop in half, or finding the tallest building and jumping off. I mean, the site is really bad. I don't know who decided that it would be a good idea to take a bunch of privileged white #MakeAmericaGreatAgain people and allow them to write about how much it sucks being white."

-Steve Benko

Well, I'm not even really sure where to start with that quote. First of all, not everyone who writes for the Odyssey is a privileged white Trump-humper (if you like that phrase, you're welcome, I use it nearly constantly). The Ohio State community is diverse; people of all backgrounds, religions, upbringings, and views all come together to collaborate on ... well, basically everything. And our community is not alone or a unique situation. Most Odyssey communities are similar to ours. I like to think ours is special (and we sure as hell are), but in this sense, we aren't. Second, those articles you see that make you want to snap your laptop in half and jump off a building? They infuriate us too. The articles that get shared by the ~Odyssey Facebook~ are the most controversial, the ones which will cause tons of traction and shares, both positive and negative. So yeah, when I see a post titled "Reverse Racism Is A Thing" or whatever, it boils my blood.

But that's the incredible thing about the Odyssey. I can write about whatever the hell I want. I can write about rainbows and butterflies (I don't, but I totally could), or I can write about politics (which I do ... a lot. And get a loooot of hate). Our contributors write about a wide range of topics, from "X Things to Do In Ohio This Summer" to "X Things I'm Tired of Hearing From Conservatives" to movie reviews, responses to other articles, and commentary on current events.

And get ready for the kicker, haters of the Odyssey, I'm about to destroy your main complaint: No one is claiming that Odyssey is a news site. No one is claiming that Odyssey contributors are right or justified in their opinions. No one is claiming that we know what the hell we are talking about. But if I do, I cite my sources. I try, when I write, to explain WHY I feel that way, and to clarify always that these are my feelings, my opinions, my thoughts. I expect the same from my contributors, and EICs expect the same from our community. You're right in complaining about the lack of source citing - that's a problem that Odyssey is actively working to fix. But frankly, for a lot of articles, it isn't necessary. For any article on this platform, it isn't necessary. As much as I love Odyssey, NO ONE should be getting their news from Odyssey articles only. Supplement your news diet? Sure. Confirm your world view? Probably. Challenge your world view? I would hope so.

Finally, I understand. I understand that Odyssey has its problems, and you might not agree with the articles written and shared on your timeline. But here's the thing: those articles say more about the contributor than the community. Understand what the Odyssey is intending to be, rather than whatever evil, horrible and life-altering thing you have made it out to be in your head.

And if you really hate the Odyssey - join us. Write about it, and share your thoughts on the world stage. See how you feel about us then.