Call it the 'Herald' bar mitzvah

By David Altschuler

Thirteen years ago, Stephen Lange-Ranzini, TD '86, and Richard So, TD '87, were sitting around the dinner table when they came up with this crazy idea. How about a new publication to inject life into Yale's dreary journalism scene? They envisioned a newspaper that could provide provocative features and complete irreverence in one fell swoop, a home for serious journalism that didn't take itself too seriously. A break from the Daily grind, you might say.

On Valentine's Day 1986, the Herald was born. And 13 years later, our forefathers would be proud. Now in our teens, we're a far cry from the eight-page black and white tabloid published out of an off-campus apartment. With more than 40 editors, a cozy office on Park Street, a weekly issue that weighs in at 28 pages, and even an interactive online edition, we've made a lot of changes in not a lot of time.

FILE PHOTO The 'Herald' proudly celebrates 13 years of serving the Yale community.

That said, our mission remains the same. Week in and week out, we try to bring you fresh and engaging features that make you think, laugh, debate—and keep turning the page. Only in the Herald can you read the latest on University tenure policies, learn how to break into a car, check out what's going up at the Dramat, get the inside story on the men's hockey team, and find out if cartoonist Ken Moon, TC '94, GRD '01, is getting play, all in one satisfying sitting. And I dare you to find anyone else who will print your dirty valentines.

Just as important as our commitment to our readers is our commitment to our writers. The Herald is first and foremost a learning tool; we provide interested, motivated students with both the freedom and the guidance they need to become professional journalists. Rather than cram stories down a writer's throat or impose stringent requirements on who can write what, we try to foster a writer's independence while providing the individual attention necessary to develop his or her talents.

That's all well and good, but what's in it for us? What on earth would cause an already stressed-out Yalie to give up Thursday nights, stay up until an ungodly hour, tolerate Yale's most disgusting bathroom, listen to an inordinate amount of KC 101, and spend week after week editing articles and correcting pages?

The love of journalism, right? Well, that's is only a small part of it. What makes the Herald special—what keeps us coming back semester after semester—is the people. Herald editors are a dynamic, talented, and pretty damn good-looking bunch. But more than that, they're just good company. Whether it's over a carton of Main Garden in the office, a margarita at Viva's, or a hot dog at Opening Day at Shea, Heralders just like spending time with one another. Drop by our office during our weekly Wednesday night pizza break and you'll see what I mean.

So to anyone who has ever written an article, taken a photo, drawn a comic strip, sold an ad, or given their blood, sweat, tears, sleep, midterm grade, or anything else to the Herald, I extend my sincerest thanks. You've made the Herald the best place for journalism this side of Harkness.

And to the Yale community that has provided us with an audience, I hope you're thirsty for more. We're not your typical teenager.

David Altschuler, a junior in Silliman, is the editor-in-chief of The Yale Herald.

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