Have an opinion? Share it.

As promised, The Gazette Insight staff have been taking a look at our guidelines for letters to the editor and guest columns.

We've made some small changes we think will better enable us to offer the broadest possible forum for diverse, informed viewpoints and ideas.

A lot has been made of civil discourse in recent years - of what it means and who decides - and of the difficulty in separating fact from rumor in a time when it can seem as many folks are dedicated to spreading the latter as the former. And, of course, the adage about 'opinion” still applies - everybody has one, and a right to one. So where do you draw the line?

For us, it helps to go back to our purpose: To tap into our collective intelligence; to find new ideas to help our region address common problems and build on community strengths.

That's why we:

' Prefer local opinions concerning timely local issues. Opinions that focus more on the writer's own thoughts than on attempts to discredit opposing views. We prefer authors who take the high road - using logic and argument to support their position rather than sarcasm and name-calling to tear others down.

' Accept submissions that focus more on explaining an issue of public interest than on promoting any particular group or organization.

' Prefer letters and guest columns that don't simply point out problems (although that's important), but also propose solutions and invite our audience to engage with both.

' Expect longer guest columns to offer a unique and informed perspective, preferably from writers with professional expertise or experience with the issue.

There are some details, of course - maximum length and frequency; prohibitions on profanity, etc. - you can find those online at: http://www.thegazette.com/letter-submissions.

You'll notice that nowhere in those guidelines is a requirement that you be a professional writer, city leader, captain of industry or any such thing. One of the cornerstones of our democracy is the idea that we all are smarter together.

On our end, we're redoubling our efforts to be out and about in our communities. Today, for example, columnists Todd Dorman and Lynda Waddington will be at the Cedar Rapids Farmers Market at the corner of Second Avenue and Fifth Street.

Stop by, bend their ear. Let them know how you think we're doing.

We know you have opinions. We want to hear them.

' Jennifer Hemmingsen is Manager of Community Networks and Engagement for The Gazette. Comments: jennifer.hemmingsen@thegazette.com.