Chapter 10

Specialty columns are those that follow the personal interest of the writer.

This is one place where the writer must have a personal background in the subject. A tech writer, such as myself, must also be a tech enthusiast. Likewise, travel writers must be willing to globe trot.

There are many different specialty fields to choose from, so writer's should stick to what they know.


Columnists should also remember that here "He said, she said" will not carry commentary. The readers of specialty sections are often experts on the subject. So the writer must know what they are talking about. And more importantly, his or her opinions must be based on logical, visible facts.


Then there is the story. Writers always need engaging leads. A specialty writers should be able to define conflicts and problems, present solutions and exit through anecdotes or situations that he or she think may come of it.

The writer's reputation is at stake here, but so is the media's. Writers must remember to temper their work with preparation and the knowledge that there is no "single truth" as the author puts it.

The writer's opinion must focus on the here and now and not just on reputations built up in the past. For instance, a tech writer who gave a new Apple product a rave review simply because he or she likes Apple might cost readers money on something that is not right for them.