An op-ed, derived from "opposite the editorial page" or "opinion-editorial," is a persuasive written piece communicating a specific viewpoint on a pertinent issue, typically found in newspapers or online news platforms and contributed by guest writers outside the regular staff. The goal is to influence the reader’s opinion, presenting a clear argument bolstered by evidence and strong reasoning, often authored by experts, public figures, or individuals with a unique perspective. Addressing current events, social issues, or cultural debates, op-eds aim to enrich public discourse, maintaining accessibility for a broad audience despite their expert authorship. They are concise, usually ranging from 600 to 800 words, and represent the author's opinion, not that of the publication, contributing to a diverse and vigorous dialogue.