Letter to the Editor: In Response to “Who Do We Want to Be?” – Eric Stoykovich

Dear Editor,

With its 120+ year history, the Trinity Tripod has gone through many editors and nearly as many editorial practices. Its current mission statement focuses correctly on the journalistic principles of “accuracy, integrity and purpose,” though those values must be practiced through every story and item in the paper. At a time when old-fashioned news outlets and traditional news gathering practices are in short supply across the country, it is important for the Tripod to remain true to these values. Developing a policy on the use of generative AI by writers or editors of the paper would help ensure that the Tripod remains a human-generated endeavor.

As a historical record of events, people and places on Trinity’s campus, the Tripod can be an invaluable source for those interested in researching the past. The fact that the paper still has a print version as well as a digital presence contributes to the shaping of civil discourse on campus and beyond. I would encourage the Tripod to continue to attend and report on (or provide opinion and criticism on) as many events and activities on campus, particularly ones in which students are involved, as time and energy allows. Yet, more stories does not necessarily lead to a better newspaper. Just as other newspapers designate space based on certain local, regional or topical subjects, the Tripod could share at the beginning of each academic year with readers its strategy for how and why it covers certain campus events, activities or stories.

Thank you for inviting us—readers of the Tripod—the opportunity to write about the work you undertake daily. These are my own views and not necessarily those of my employer.

– Eric Stoykovich, College Archivist and Manuscript Librarian