College OTR - A Different Side of College Life

Not long ago a friend of mine introduced me to College OTR (On The Record) proposing that I do some writing for it in my free time. If you dont know about it check out the site, but here is what it's about: "OTR is a new network of campus-specific blogs, written by students, for students, making sure that whatever happens on campus goes "On The Record." Think of us as your campus paper on crack -- quicker, funnier, and better-looking (even though we may be missing a few teeth)." It's basically the different side of college life that you wouldnt see in a college newspaper or other publication.

One thing I've noticed recently throughout advertising, marketing and PR is a certain drift toward making brands irreverent in the hopes of appealing to a more cynical younger audience. The Gieco caveman commercials are a simple example of this. College OTR to me is just another example of how younger audiences dont want to be preached at by big media.

So what exactly should universities be doing with sites such as OTR? Well first of all dont ruin it by trying to control what people say. What I would do is pay attention to what people have to say either about their university or another, attempting to learn about what affects their students and what their students care about.

To students, College OTR is an outlet that goes against the grain. From my personal experience at school I know a bunch of people who want to write about campus life but cant stand the output and people who produce the school newspaper. To those people I would highly recommend getting your name out there by writing what you think needs to be said. Use your creative writing ability to make a difference by "sticking it to the man" as Jack Black would say in "School of Rock." But seriously, if you are having trouble getting involved with university sponsored organizations then check out College OTR, it just might be the outlet you've been waiting for.