This story is part of The Commonwealth Times’ special coverage in honor of its 50th anniversary.
Compiled by Georgia Geen, Executive Editor
“It was a clubhouse atmosphere where they made quite clear who they favored and who they did not, and most of the ones they didn’t eventually stopped just trying … The ‘C’ also stands for ‘circle-jerk.’” — 2016 blog post from former opinions writer Sean Korsgaard
The ‘C’ also stands for ‘circle-jerk. — Sean Korsgaard
“The Commonwealth Times is a sorry excuse for a paper … Simply put, the Commonwealth Times sucks (present tense and, most likely, future).” — Alexander Fogle in a Feb. 26 1991 letter to the editor to The CT
“I did not like the quality of writing in The Times. Every place I’ve been we’ve always had a very active student newspaper that I’ve enjoyed, except this place. It’s no secret.” — former VCU President Dr. Edmund Ackell in an interview with The CT published Sept. 21, 1981
“[The CT is] a defensive little group of kids that think they have this wonderful mandate from students for existing.” — anonymous VCU journalism student in Dec. 7, 1980 letter to the editor to Richmond Times-Dispatch
“I feel I really don’t need to cite any more examples of how worthless the Commonwealth Times is, because the paper speaks for itself. Besides, no matter what I say here, it would not influence any half intelligent person because they most likely have already formed a similar opinion of the Times.” — Roy Manuel, urban studies student, in an April 22, 1980 letter to the editor to The CT
“I see you stooped to a new low … I’m speaking of the bare ass you so proudly bannered on’ your ‘centerspread’ in last week’s issue. What do you think you’re doing? … (Mind you at this point that I’m not making any reference at all to the disgusting copy accompanying the photos, stuff about barber poles on some fellow’s wong; for example).
… Good God I say. Clean your act up. Larry Flynt one day, and for God’s sake, I hope it will be Jim Jennings the next!!
Hoping you roast in Hell, I close sincerely yours.” — Oscar Willis Le Guereye, human sexuality and juvenile justice, in Feb. 28, 1977 letter to the editor to The CT