Dear Odyssey,
First, I would like to say that I write this open letter with all due respect. Since I have joined Odyssey, I have been granted a huge opportunity to build connections with other writers within my chapter, to be privileged to have my work published online and to be able to grow as a writer by working closely with editors in the program. For me, Odyssey serves as an outlet I can turn to each week to submit pieces unique to me. I began this journey in my first year of college and hope to pursue writing content all the way until I throw my graduation cap in the air.
With all of those wonderful things being said, I truly do love Odyssey, for one of the first qualities that drew me to want to write specifically for you, is the layout of what our articles looked like. For one, I miss it. I miss how it looked.
So... why change what works?
The original layout allowed writers to see the number of shares their content received, was easier to read, and no matter the advertisements inevitably scattered throughout the article, it never took away from how pleasing our articles looked. Now, there's barely color, it looks standard black and white with zero uniqueness and appeals to it. I appreciate the way Odyssey has leaned toward shaping it's content more toward social media, but I believe the current layout takes away from it.
Furthermore, I am less inclined to share my own articles because I do not like the way they look. When I joined Odyssey, I fell in love with how my articles were presented. I speak behalf of many on my chapter and many other writers I know from other chapters who miss it as well.
The Odyssey Online, when it first began, was well-known for its website's layout. It was simply unique, easy to read, unlike any other content site, and was a layout I was more proud to share on.
All I ask is you consider going back to the original layout. Many of us like it better. Don't change what already works and makes Odyssey what it is.
I'd like to close saying I love to be a writer and inspire that no matter what society forces upon you, do not change what works. I miss the old layout and I am sure deep down, you do, too.
With all due respect,
A Passionate, Dedicated, and Committed Odyssey writer
