An invited commentary is a brief piece in which the author explains his or her own experience with a particular issue. Unlike a review piece, the author expresses his or her own thoughts and points of view. It usually addresses a topical, heated, and frequently contentious issue. Invited commentaries are printed alongside other articles in journals, magazines, and newspapers to offer different perspectives on the topic being discussed. Invited commentaries are written by experts who are not employed by the publication company. They often provide unique insights into topics that more widely known authors might not see because of their own interests or priorities. They can also be a great way for young scholars to get their ideas out into the world while still establishing themselves as experts in their fields. Invited commentaries are typically between 500 and 1,000 words long and include a summary paragraph at the beginning of the essay explaining the author's perspective on the issue at hand. The rest of the commentary discusses examples from history and current events related to the topic without explicitly taking sides on whether it is good or bad. Invited commentaries are found in academic journals, magazines, and newspapers. They allow writers from around the world to have their voices heard by an audience of our choosing. These pieces are usually published within months of being written so research institutions and universities can use them as course materials or for other purposes. However, some publications may want additional time to edit or proofread before publishing an invited commentary.