Kevin Kadooka (The Beacon)
By Kevin Kadooka, Guest Commentary
Having been a photographer and photography editor on The Log staff for the better part of two years and previously a photojournalist for The Beacon for the same length of time, I feel that it is necessary to voice my opinion on their displacement from their current offices.
While it is true that at times students forget that UP even has a yearbook, The Log is one of the few organizations on campus documenting student life; relegating the office to the bowels of St. Mary's will only serve to reinforce this. In its current location, The Log is in clear view of students, who can easily stop by to pick up a copy of the book and provide valuable input and feedback, generally promoting interest in student media. Great lengths are taken by staffers to ensure that each element of student life is equally and fairly represented in the yearbook for alumni and future generations to reference. It seems only fair, then, that The Log should be given its fair share of recognition by remaining in its current location rather than being hidden away in a back room of St. Mary's.
Even with a staff of just 11, work in The Log office is a crowded affair. It is no far stretch of the imagination to realize that it could not possibly contain the 30-odd staffers of The Beacon. Logistically, meeting, storage and workspace would be severely reduced, so as to make most tasks difficult, and others impossible. Considering the immense amount of work put in by students working in student media to produce quality products, it would be a shame to undermine their work by demanding an unfit change in location. Anyone visiting their office during one of their meetings or on a production night can appreciate the hustle and bustle and camaraderie that their current office facilitates.
The role of student media in campus life should not be underestimated, nor should the collective effort of the The Log and The Beacon staff to create valuable publications for the university community. Their displacement by a relocation of Campus Ministry will do no favors to any party.
