I could tell you all about how I got started at the Stater. About why I chose Kent State. Why I want to be a journalist.

My hometown. My friends. My dreams, my goals, my aspirations.

As the editor of the Fall 2007 Daily Kent Stater, I could tell you my story.

But none of that matters right now. What does matter are your stories.

This semester, I want the Daily Kent Stater — and our new converged Web site, KentNewsNet.com — to belong to the readers. I want these pages to be filled with your voices, with information you want to know and with the stories that are important to you.

But there’s no news in the newsroom. The only way I can make that happen is if you let me know what those stories are.

During the next few weeks, I plan to visit as many classes and club meetings as I possibly can, and the Stater will be holding open forums throughout the semester with student groups to hear what’s on your minds. But I don’t want to stop there.

My e-mail ([email protected]) and the Stater’s phone number (330-672-2584) are on page two of the Stater every day. Feel free to use either to give us feedback or story ideas. Stop by the newsroom: either while we’re still in Taylor Hall during the next few weeks or once we move to our new space in Franklin Hall. And if you actually recognize me from the headshot at the top of this column, kudos — come introduce yourself.

Let me know when we’re on the right track. Tell me when you think we’re missing a big story. I mean it when I say I want this to be your paper. The media should truly be for its audience.

The Stater staff has always tried to be for the readers, but we’re students too. It’s easy for us to get caught up in our story quotas, in our photography techniques or in our new Web features. We can get immersed in our journalism bubble.

Don’t let us do that.

You’ve always been able to respond to stories through letters to the editor, guest columns or comments on our Web site. Please continue to use these, but don’t stop there. Whatever you’ve thought of the Stater in the past, forget it. If you liked us before, great: I hope you’ll continue to. If you didn’t, I hope you’ll give us another chance. This is a new semester and a new start for everyone.

We’re reinventing ourselves as a complete partner with TV2 and Black Squirrel Radio through KentNewsNet.com. Check us out and let me know what you think.

I look forward to working for each and every one of you. This is your semester.

Rachel Abbey is a senior newspaper journalism major and editor of the Daily Kent Stater. Contact her at [email protected].