Letters to the editor

We have been delighted to note an increase in both the quantity and quality of letters to the editor in The River Reporter over the past few months. Some of this expansion is accounted for by the fact that, in the words of the old Chinese curse, we are living in “interesting times.” The power line, the Crystal Run Healthcare/CRMC debate and county budget woes have all inspired plenty of passion and controversy. But we would like to think some of it is a trend that can be encouraged and perpetuated.

The opinion pages, after all, have the potential to be the most vibrant part of the newspaper because they are the one place where there is a two-way conversation. This is where the voice of the community makes itself heard, and where our readers can respond, not only to us, but also to each other. From exploring last year’s bobcat controversy to the current heated debate about the relationships between healthcare organizations, a newspaper’s editorial pages can become a forum that allows us to think problems through together.

As the discussion becomes broader and more intense, however, it becomes even more important that participants observe the basic policies set down by the newspaper governing the “Letters to the Editor” section. These policies may be found in the small print at the top of the first column in that section. Similar to Roberts Rules of Order in a public meeting, they are designed to make sure that everybody is heard and discussion is kept orderly and civil. Since fine print frequently gets ignored, we are using this editorial to bring some of the most important points into big print and explain not only what they are, but also why they are necessary.

Include your phone number. Your telephone number will never be printed, but it is one tool we can use to weed out fraudulent letters. You may get a phone call from us verifying that you are who you say you are.

The correspondent’s name and town will appear at the bottom of each letter. This also helps us to verify writers’ bona fides. In addition, the town of residence may help readers to evaluate what the writers are saying. Are they in a position to know something about the issue? Is the issue something that affects them directly?

Letters are printed at the discretion of the editor, and are subject to review for potential libel. We are under no obligation to print anybody’s letter, although we do print virtually every letter we receive that obeys the rules, covers a local topic, is from our readership area or subscriber list and is neither libelous nor crackpot. Potentially libelous letters are run past our lawyers. If a letter is modified or outright banned in response to our lawyers’ opinions, we will inform the writer.

Letters should be limited to 300 words. This is the most frequently ignored policy, and one of the most important. If we allow some people to write as much as they please, it frequently means that somebody else will not get heard at all. That’s not fair.

In addition, shorter letters are generally punchier, more focused and communicate better. Readers are more likely to begin reading your letter, to get through to the end and to be persuaded by what you say if you distill your views into a short space.

We do sometimes print “My Views” of about 600 words in length. We choose “My Views” on the basis of the breadth of the constituency affected by the issue discussed, the skill with which the writer deals with it and the amount of space available in the paper. Chances of getting a “My View” printed are extremely low, while chances of getting a letter printed are extremely high. We would advise those who want to have a shot at a “My View,” but also want to be certain their views get printed, to send us both a long and a short version.

Once again, we would like to thank our many correspondents for the life they bring to the opinion pages. You give us story ideas, keep us honest, make us think and share the benefit of your knowledge, experience and wisdom with the community. Keep it up.

Also in this issue:

• Some facts about the sales tax

Dr. Punnybone

Auntie MTV