RSS
Readers have options for expressing their views
Readers sometimes seem to be a bit confused about the difference between the Sound Off column items and regular letters to the editor.
Both are ways people can express their views but there is one major difference. We require letters to the editor to be signed and we run the name of the home town of the author. Also required is such information as telephone numbers and specific home addresses. We don’t publish the latter information but we do need it for our records.
On the other hand, Sound Off callers don’t have to leave anything but their home town. The anonymity obviously makes these individuals feel more comfortable than those writing letters.
It’s always good when people stand behind their views by allowing us to run their name and home town. But by the same token, we understand the desire of some readers to remain anonymous.
There are some benefits if people wish to sign their letters. They get up to 250 words to express their views while Sound Off callers are allotted only a few sentences.
Also, it’s more likely that the letter will run sooner because we run letters daily while the Sound Off column appears only on Saturdays and Mondays.
You can argue which option to a reader is better — staying anonymous with Sound Off items or writing a letter to the editor. But the bottom line is that we have readers who support each one, so we try to accommodate.
Both are ways people can express their views but there is one major difference. We require letters to the editor to be signed and we run the name of the home town of the author. Also required is such information as telephone numbers and specific home addresses. We don’t publish the latter information but we do need it for our records.
On the other hand, Sound Off callers don’t have to leave anything but their home town. The anonymity obviously makes these individuals feel more comfortable than those writing letters.
It’s always good when people stand behind their views by allowing us to run their name and home town. But by the same token, we understand the desire of some readers to remain anonymous.
There are some benefits if people wish to sign their letters. They get up to 250 words to express their views while Sound Off callers are allotted only a few sentences.
Also, it’s more likely that the letter will run sooner because we run letters daily while the Sound Off column appears only on Saturdays and Mondays.
You can argue which option to a reader is better — staying anonymous with Sound Off items or writing a letter to the editor. But the bottom line is that we have readers who support each one, so we try to accommodate.
posted by Allan Adler at
7:30 AM
3 Comments:
Where, on what web page, titled what, do I find the information to submit a letter to the editor?
Dear Mr. Wilson,
You may submit letters to me. My email address is allan.adler@oakpress.com. For the record, my phone is listed among those on the "Contact us" tab on theoaklandpress.com home page. Readers are always welcome to call me with questions or for information.
I am very disappointed with The Oakland Press doing away with their editorial page that also includes columnists, guest opinions and letters to the editor for their subscribers of daily home delivery.
I always looked forward to opening my newspaper to the editorial page and see no longer a reason to subscribe to home delivery if I have to look up the editorial page on-line. Mary MacMaster-Orion Twp.
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home