A few thoughts and thanks as this chapter comes to an end

This is my last opinion column. After five years of contributing on a near weekly basis, I can say it’s been a wild, sometimes frustrating, always enlightening ride.

I am enormously grateful for the time I’ve had to occupy this spot, and for the opportunity to reach people all across the great state of Wisconsin. You can be sure I received my fair share of criticism in return, but there were also folks from towns small and large who reached out to thank me for giving a specific voice to a wide variety of issues. I learned at least as much from you as you likely did from me.

Given the increasingly bleak environment for traditional print media, I still have hope for the future of the Journal Sentinel as its diligent reporters and editors attempt to find ways to do more with less. My column — and all opinion columns — are ending to make room for what’s called “solutions-based journalism,” which is reporting that aims to lift up those people and organizations already working on possible answers to problems. There’s more focus on holding community events in conjunction with that reporting, to both humanize and make accessible your local journalists, and to provide forums for connection, discussion and, hopefully, action.

I’m all for it. Frankly, I’m OK with turning the page on this chapter of my own work. I plan to set my freelance sights on more substantial, investigative, feature-style reporting. You may yet still see my byline in this publication from time to time.

I’d like to take a moment to thank each and every person who reached out via email or in person to offer your constructive input about my writing and the topics it addressed. Whether you agreed with me in full, just a little, or not at all, I was incredibly heartened by those of you who took the time to engage in a respectful and meaningful way. I hope I did right by it.

You can be sure I got my fair share of really outrageous feedback, too. In fact, it seems some of my most dedicated readers hated everything I stand for — but they still wrote, week after week, which presumably means they’re still supporting me and the publication. So, thanks!

Special shout-out to Dr. Jerry Zelm, ostensibly a health and wellness motivational speaker, who consistently reminded me that there are people in the word hell-bent on belittling anyone who suggests a worldview different from their own, and who never quite understood the difference between opinion writing and news reporting (he was not alone in this).

To everyone who ever resorted to the use of patronizing words and phrases like “My dear,” “little girl” and other gender/age/identity-related “put-downs,” thanks for ceding the debate to me without a fight. To all of you who encouraged me to move to Minnesota if I love it so much — no dice. I’m afraid I’m in this thing for the duration. Wisconsin is worth fighting for.

Some of you may be surprised to know that my opinion section “nemesis,” Christian Schneider, is actually partially responsible for my column. It was he that recommended me to the editors back when they were seeking someone to fill the liberal niche. Christian and I disagree on many things, but we’ve found a way to remain friendly/ respectful, and I thank him for that.

Through my interactions with readers — activists, politicians and regular folks across the state — I remain optimistic for our future. I have to. Because when we are willing to really talk with one another, to meet face-to-face, and to respect one another’s basic humanity? When we remain curious and open to experiences that differ from our own? When we actively seek to have our minds blown by new information? We can and will find common ground — and a better way Forward.

Emily Mills is a freelance writer who lives in Madison. Twitter: @millbot; Email: emily.mills@outlook.com