After some confusion over the content and meaning of advertisements, op-eds, letters, and editorials printed in all three of our publications, including the Long Island Advance, Suffolk County News and Islip Bulletin, our editorial staff has decided to clarify the distinctions and rules between the types of our print copy.

Our publication has also been slammed for the printing of paid ads from the Republican party supporting President Donald Trump. Several subscribers have threatened to unsubscribe, claiming the printing of such ads insinuates our publication supports the viewpoints of said ad.

Paid advertisements are just that: paid for by whoever decides to place them, and do not reflect the viewpoints of this paper.

The fundamental principle our paper exists on (as it has proudly for decades in our editorial department) is: “It is not our aim to tell readers what to think, but to provide them with food for thought and to make interpretive editorial comment on the news.”

With that said, we welcome any and all advertisements from either side, Republican or Democratic, as well as advertisements from anyone who seeks to place one. Additionally, what most might not also realize is that we are a local business and our very livelihood exists in part from paid advertisements. However, we diligently work to maintain separation between advertising and editorial.

With that being said, we do believe our true editorial coverage has been nothing short of fair, balanced and credible. At this time, we hope our readers understand the difference between editorial reporting and paid advertisements, show us grace, and continue to support their local news, of which we are always in danger of losing.

Rather, if you do not appreciate the viewpoints of said ad, take a look at who took the time to create and pay for it. Those are the businesses, groups, or individuals of which might be more effective to discuss your displeasure with.

Additionally, op-eds and letters are submitted to our publications via readers and are in no shape or form commissioned or requested by our staff, unless indicated otherwise. From time to time, we request op-eds for specific topics, including Veterans Day or Black History Month. If that is done, it is always noted. Letters are solely reader submitted and not commissioned by our publications. Neither letters nor op-eds represent the voice or opinion of our publication. 

ADVERTISMENTS: Advertisements are print ads that appear in our publication weekly. Ads do not reflect the viewpoints of the publication. Rather, they are a traditional form of advertising for promotion. 

OP-ED: An op-ed, short for “opposite the editorial page,” is a written piece which expresses the opinion of an author not affiliated with our editorial board. We encourage all readers as well as elected officials and public figures to contribute op-eds, giving their personal views on local issues, current events, or day-to-day life, to appear on the op-ed page. All submissions 600 words or less will be considered. If space allows, larger pieces will also be considered at the discretion of the editor.

LETTER: A letter to the editor (LTE) is a letter sent to a publication about issues of concern from its readers. Letters to the editor that comply with the printed rules are only edited for length and clarity. All letters will be printed, regardless of topic or political affiliation. We also welcome all letters; we do, however, reserve the right to decide whether a letter is acceptable for publication and to edit for accuracy, clarity and length. Letters deemed potentially libelous or that malign a person or group will not be published. Letters should not exceed 250 words. 

MY TURN: Occasionally, our reporters write My Turns, which are written in the first-person and indicated as a My Turn, about personal experiences and light topics. My Turns are also available to the public at the editor’s discretion.

EDITORIAL: An editorial is a written piece done by our editorial board to reflect the paper’s opinion of a certain topic or issue. The editorial is usually based off an internal story printed in the publication. 

NEWS STORY: These stories are written in-house by our staff and are solely news based, including what happened, who it happened to, where it was, why and how. It will also include quotes from involved individuals.

FEATURE STORY: A feature article is a human-interest story about a person, event, or place. These are also written in-house by our staff.

To submit a letter or OP-ED you can reach us by mail at 20 Medford Avenue, Patchogue NY 11772 or email at liascnib@gmail.com. Please include your full name, phone number or email. Your number and email will not be printed but will rather be used for confirmation.

If too many letters are submitted, we will print a representative sample of the opinions expressed and may run additional letters online. Also, we will not accept letters endorsing a candidate in the issue before any election.