1.   And so it goes as I try to explain the rigors of column writing, and as they roll their eyes like fruit symbols in a slot machine.

2.   Column writing is much different from reporting.

3.   Compare real column writing with your local stars.

4.   Does this mean the senator one day will degenerate into column writing?

5.   Good column writing requires risks.

6.   I tried to explain to them that column writing is much more difficult and time-consuming than it appears.

7.   If I were in the business of providing a public service rather than column writing, I would say both sides are right.

8.   Last week some colleagues shared their thoughts about the most difficult parts of writing a column and what they hope to accomplish with their columns.

9.   There are jobs and tasks a lot more difficult than newspaper column writing, but this can be hard work and subject to error.

10.   Unlike radio drama, which shared this golden age, column writing is still alive and mostly well.