TERRE HAUTE —
As an old year turns into a new year, I am inclined to look back and assess the newspaper’s performance on behalf of readers the past 12 months. When I do, the volume and quality of reader letters we publish always amazes me.
Every year for as long as I have been overseeing T-S opinion pages (22 years now and counting), our Readers’ Forum has published somewhere between 1,100 and 1,200 submissions. Some years have produced more, but never less. Several hundred more letters are submitted but not published.
The volume and variety of these published letters is undoubtedly one of the reasons that opinion pages remain highly popular content among readers, not only here but at newspapers everywhere.
Of course, there is no shortage of opinions for consumption these days, thanks to the Internet. But these tend to be on broad topics rather than local ones, and Internet opinion sites are loaded with anonymous posters whose heavy-handed and sometimes uncivil behavior chases away reasonable voices.
Newspaper letters columns, however, rarely, if ever, allow writers to remain anonymous. And it’s the T-S policy to decline publication of material deemed uncivil or containing personal attacks. That doesn’t mean the discussion can’t be passionate and robust. In our letters columns, it often is.
So, I’m looking forward to another year of vigorous debate and lively exchanges in the Readers’ Forum. And for those who may want to get involved for the first time in 2013, or those who just need a reminder, I offer some tips on putting together a letter that increases the likelihood that it will be published.
• Always provide us with your full name, address and a phone number for verification purposes. Only your name and city of residence will be published with the letter.
• Using email (opinion@trib
star.com) is the preferred method for receiving letters. It allows us to publish your comments more quickly. We accept letters via fax or mail, but because we have to re-type them, there could be a delay.
• Keep your submissions brief and on point. Space on our pages is tight, and readers are more apt to read shorter letters than longer ones. While there are no strict word limits, please follow these guidelines to enhance your chances of getting published: Less than 400 words should be your goal. Shorter is ALWAYS better.
• Readers know that we do consider and publish longer letters. But it’s unlikely we will publish any submission with more than 700 words. I repeat: brief is best.
• We do not accept letters that include customer-service complaints about businesses, or letters that air personal grievances with any person or entity, public or private.
• Avoid using web addresses in letters, especially longer ones. They take up valuable space and provide little useful information.
Adhere to these guidelines, and your letter will most likely be printed, usually within a week after we receive it. Keep in mind that the most common reasons letters we receive are not published is because of length, failure of the author to include required personal information, or they are no longer timely when space becomes available.
The T-S has great letter writers who keep things vibrant on our opinion pages. We would like for even more of our readers to join in the discussion.
Max Jones can be reached at 812-231-4336, or by email at max.jones@tribstar.com. Follow him on Twitter, @TribStarMax.
Opinion
MAX JONES: There are simple ways to get your letter published
- Opinion
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RONN MOTT: Why Syria?
Russia is making a lot of noise in favor of Syria. They are supplying Assad’s army with more armaments and basic things such as ammunition and such.
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LIZ CIANCONE: Another beloved dog goes to heaven
We are short one granddog. This past week, “Indy” could no longer use her back legs and she went to that great dog kennel in the hereafter.
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READERS’ FORUM: June 18, 2013
• Beware those who follow Ayn Rand
• Poor excuse for gas price hikes
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MAX JONES: For loyal readers, a bit of news from the T-S newsroom
As journalists toiling to create a content-rich, relevant and compelling community newspaper each day, we feel a special bond with our legions of readers across the Wabash Valley and beyond.
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GUEST COLUMN: One Million Bones exhibit meant to raise awareness, inspire action to end genocide
The National Mall: A grassy corridor in Washington, D.C., lined with America’s greatest museums and monuments.
Ending at the U.S. Capitol building, it is a symbol of our belief in the power and greatness of America. Last weekend, we turned it into a mass grave.
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EDITORIAL: Insisting on ISTEP quality lawmakers’ primary duty
Now that everyone, on both sides of the aisle, seems backslappingly happy to agree that this spring’s ISTEP school testing debacle was unacceptable, that at least some of the results lack credibility and that the issue carries high-stakes significance, what next?
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The Obama Debate: Is he a liar or incompetent?
I read the letters on the opinion page daily and I find an unusual silence from your liberal progressive contributors lately. Could it be because they don’t have anything to expound upon? Well, maybe I can give them some material.
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A Fathers Day Tribute: Transition — from child to father
Transition seems like a big word to use as his story unfolds. Transition was probably never used in conjunction with speech, his speech, but it demonstrates his life, as it does in many lives lived in his generation.
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READERS' FORUM: June 16, 2013
Horrible crime cries out for stern justice
Confused about groups’ merger
Global warming fraud exposed
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The Obama Debate: President has served us well
I have not heard a positive thing by those in this area about this president since his 2008 election and 2009 inauguration. Why this manifestation, I just can’t understand.
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RONN MOTT: Not hurried a bit by 21st century tech
Unlike so many of you, I do not get up in the morning and run to turn on my computer. In fact, if you need to reach me in a hurry, I would say that 19th century invention of Alexander Bell’s would be the best way. If you do email me or use some other electronic convenience, better give it a couple of days because I am not in that big of a hurry.
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READERS' FORUM: June 15, 2013
America needs another hero
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EDITORIAL: And now we wait for justice
It is a word we would rather never have on our front page — homicide. That we had to use it twice on Wednesday’s front page is sad, but unavoidable.
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READERS' FORUM: June 14, 2013
Mott statements contradict history
Display the flag
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RONN MOTT: Kill the Umpire!
I don’t know who appointed Major League Baseball’s umpires “Gods,” but if they have been appointed “Gods,” they have appointed people who cannot see or think very well.
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READERS' FORUM: June 13, 2013
Bad odor from gas prices
Build personal library
Morning after? No worries
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EDITORIAL: Remembering Sister Jeanne
Terre Haute is mourning the loss this week of an accomplished and beloved community activist and leader whose life’s work is an inspiration to all who strive to serve.
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EDITORIAL: Embrace the value of traffic planning
Never underestimate the value of a good plan to deal with a crisis, large or small, even if the final analysis of the management of a specific crisis is, “It could have been worse.”
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READERS' FORUM: June 12, 2013
Like it or not, change coming
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RONN MOTT: What’s happening?
I know I may have looked at these situations differently when I was in my twenties. The world, my life, my career, and the growth of my family all lay ahead of me. So perhaps now, many years later, I see it differently.
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READERS’ FORUM: June 11, 2013
• Great support for local cause
• Another idea on housing issue
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LIZ CIANCONE: Withdrawn society not very social any more
My Best Friend and I went out for lunch the other day. It was a sit-down place with our own “server” (in my day I was called “a waitress”) and everything offering personal attention. The manager even came over to ask if everything was all right.
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READERS’ FORUM: June 10, 2013
• What is the cost of our austerity?
• Vintage campers to gather at rally
• Seek a healthy food alternative
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EDITORIAL: It’s time to assess ISTEP
Later this month, the company behind this spring’s abysmal online administration of ISTEP testing for 27,000 Hoosier schoolchildren is being called to the principal’s office.
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Readers’ Forum: June 9, 2013
• Taking time to help the world
• Reform by politics will not improve education
• Questions from a wondering mind
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FLASHPOINT: Storm chasers must heed warnings, remember why we chase storms
The tragic death of noted weather researcher and former Discovery Channel storm chaser Tim Samaras has shaken all of us in the meteorological community.
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Will you be happy if you win the lottery?
A Psychology Today article titled “What Will You Do if You Win the $550 Million Powerball Lottery?” caught my attention. Helping lottery winners with their money is my long-time gig.
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RONN MOTT: The ‘wilds’ of Collett Park
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EDITORIAL: Fix fraud, don’t punish needy
Waste and fraud in government programs should be rooted out vigilantly. Legislation should fix a problem with a fitting solution, not punish the needy.
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READERS' FORUM: June 7, 2013
Thanks to those who helped VYFL
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Oklahoma City Thunder Players Tour Moore
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Inside Kim Kardashian's Premature Labor
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Video: worst way to load cargo onto a plane
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Sesame Street Tackling Tough Topic Parents in Jail
Miss Utah Fumbles Interview Question
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NBA FINALS: Spurs Win Game 5, Lead Series
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