Having worked for The Tidewater News for almost five months now, I feel like I have learned a few things about working with people and other’s mindsets in general. I’ve come to realize how easy some people are to work with, and how stubborn others are.

I have also realized that for many, as soon as they hear I work at the newspaper, they automatically change their demeanor toward me because they are so afraid of what they say might end up in the paper.

Many people actually really dislike reporters, and I’m okay with that.

The thing that bothers me the most, though, is how often I hear the phrase “off the record.” I certainly enjoy the many conversations I have with people and the relationships I have built with several community members because of those conversations, though.

I understand that there are certain topics many of you can’t voice an opinion on. I also understand that many want to tell their views without being quoted.

But what I don’t understand is that if someone feels so strongly about a subject, why don’t they want to voice their opinion to others? If you do or don’t want something to happen, then tell others and tell them why.

Exactly what is everybody afraid of? That their neighbor or longtime friend won’t like their opinion? Well, I’m sorry to say, but if your neighbor or longtime friend won’t talk to you anymore because your opinion is different than their’s, what does that really say about them?

There are certain topics that need to have more conversation. More people should speak up and announce their opinions — because how can anything go the way you want it to, if you don’t fight for what you believe in?

So my challenge to you is that if you have an opinion or feel strongly on a certain subject that we report on, tell us “on the record” how you feel. The topics we report on affect you and the community you live in. Your opinion matters, whether it is for or against something.

It makes my job a whole lot easier if I am able to give opinions on a subject from all angles.

Another way to get your opinion out there is by sending a Letter to the Editor or submitting a Your Turn column. Both of these can be submitted at editor@tidewaternews.com.

REBECCA CHAPPELL is a staff writer at The Tidewater News. She can be reached at 562-3187 or rebecca.chappell@tidewaternews.com.