There is more to it.

Writing two essays arguing for opposite sides of the issue was a preferred assignment by my high school literature teacher. If the argument on one side was more convincing than on the opposite side, she lowered the mark. I would not recommend it to an opinion writer. It is better to present arguments for and against in one column.

But, a column is a perfect format to test the public response to a risky point of view.

Lastly, I know about a married couple with different last names who were writing for the same publication articles arguing with each other. They turned their disagreements into money-making for the family. But it was a long time ago when polemics were encouraged.

Now, most publications have their agenda and do not welcome polemic with it. And this is how columns lost their appeal.