You are reading one of the most misunderstand sections of this newspapers - or any newspaper for that matter. No, I don't mean my column specifically, but rather the opinion page. Save the cracks about my awful writing ability for another time.

Opinions and newspapers go hand in hand. Years ago the sole reason many newspapers were created was to merely to serve as a means to deliver a political message.

Evidence of those early years can still be seen in the names of many newspapers: The Democrat, The Republican, etc.

Today, we strive to keep opinion kept to this lone page. Obviously, sometimes, some reader will disagree with the manner in which something is written or the amount of emphasis something is given. That disagreement often comes from whether or not someone interprets something as fact or opinion.

And, unfortunately, in the real world, sometimes determining what is fact and what is opinion can be difficult, even tricky.

With the goal of keeping opinion to this page understood, the details of this page are often misunderstood as well.

Items that are signed at the bottom are columns. These are the personal opinions of the author. They do not reflect the newspaper's opinion or necessarily any of the opinions of the newspaper's staff.

Opinion pieces that appear under the "Our View" heading to the left of this column in our print edition, are just that, the newspaper's view on a particular topic or issue. These are not intended to be anonymous or secretive. Michael Caldwell, our news editor, and myself jointly share the opinions published there. These opinions are not solely ours, but the opinions we feel are the ones that are "most right" and provide constructive commentary and debate.

Letters to the editor, which appear below the editorial cartoons we publish, are often the most controversial part of this page. Mostly because when a reader is passionate enough about an issue to spend the time to put his or her words down on paper, that reader generally spends time and emotion in expressing his or her opinion.

We work to verify the identify of the author and to make certain no complete untruths are published there, when a writer dances along the line of fact and opinion, reality and perception, the issue becomes cloudy.

For example a letter we published last week upset a local family. The letter was from a member of that same family.

And while we read the letter prior to publication as a poignant piece about a serious issue, some of the family members read the perceptions mentioned as statements of facts, statements, which they contend, are false.

Unfortunately, that kind of thing happens when letters to the editor cover touchy subjects. The recent flurry of letters we received about issues surrounding superintendent changes in the Rock Hill School District is no different. Some argued controversial Superintendent Lloyd Evans is the greatest thing since sliced bread. Others argue he's the worst thing next to moldy bread. Which is true?

Determining the truth falls to the individual reader, that's why they call it an opinion.

Kevin Cooper is publisher of The Ironton Tribune. He can be reached at (740) 532-1445 ext.12 or by e-mail to kevin.cooper@irontontribune.com.