An OP-ED OFFERING is a type of writing that consists of a COLUMN and an ESSAY. A COLUMN is a piece of writing that is published in a newspaper or magazine, usually on a regular basis, and is written by a particular author. An ESSAY is a short piece of writing that expresses the writer's opinion on a particular topic. OP-ED OFFERINGS are typically written by experts in the field and are meant to inform and educate readers on a particular subject.