You Can Express Your Ideas To Newspaper Readers

I’m a junkie.

More than that, I’m proud of my addiction. Best of all, it’s a habit I enjoy and don’t want to kick.

My undeniable urge? I write lots of letters to the editor.

I can’t help myself. When I’m offended, disgusted, incredulous or just plain mad as hell over a D.F. Oliveria editorial, an inaccurate Associated Press news story, a Tony Snow column or a sexist advertisement, I’m compelled to feed my longstanding habit.

A popular myth in America holds that the press is committed to always seeking and writing the truth, regardless of who might be offended. We’re inclined to forget that newspapers are funded by advertisers who have their own agendas and political views - and newspaper owners, editors and reporters know it’s unwise to bite those hands that feed them.

Moreover, the press tends to accept, often with little skepticism and scant investigation, the public pronouncements, political spins and publicity posturings of authority figures in government and industry. Under these circumstances, it would be naive to always accept at face value what’s printed in the press.

Letters to the editor give you a chance to offer your insight, knowledge and opinion on issues you don’t feel are reported adequately, accurately or fairly. Your words can make a difference because the beauty of a letter to the editor is its ability to reach relatively large audiences.

According to several surveys, the letters to the editor section of a newspaper is read more frequently than any other.

Often, these letters are perceived as a highly credible display of mainstream, grass-roots sentiment by legislators and other influential readers. In addition to the influence they carry, they cost only a stamp and a small investment of your time and thought.

Not all my letters make it into print, but I’ve seen over 80 percent published, and every one that makes the op-ed page encourages me to write again.

So, in the interest of encouraging your letter-to-the-editor habit, here are a few ways to increase the chances of getting your letter printed.

Short, concise letters are more likely to be published than long, meandering ones. Keep them under 250 words and break them into four or five paragraphs.

Try to respond within two or three days of the publication of the piece you’re commenting on. Replying to editorials, whether you agree or disagree, is very effective.

Let some passion show, but don’t be shrill or abusive. Editors tend to discard letters containing personal attacks. Even if you’re dying to call D.F. Oliveria a preachy, ignorant, arrogant, SOB, stifle the urge.

Your letter should be logically organized. Stick to a single issue per letter. In the first paragraph, briefly rehash the argument you’re responding to. In the next state your position. Follow with a paragraph or two presenting your evidence. Close with a short, catchy restatement of your position.

Use facts, figures, and expert testimony whenever possible. Readers respect the opinions of people with special expertise, and it bolsters your case. Try to view the letter from your readers’ perspective. Make sure the arguments make sense to someone without technical knowledge of the issue.

Proofread your letter for errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar. The newspaper will edit to correct these mistakes, but your letter is more likely to be published if it’s as error-free as you can make it.

Read your letter to a friend for objective input. Then put it aside until the next day. Re-reading your letter with a fresh mind often helps you spot errors in reasoning. But don’t let the letter sit so long it loses its timeliness.

Always include your name, address, daytime phone number and signature. The paper won’t publish this information, but does need it to verify that you wrote the letter. Direct your letter to “Letter to the Editor” at the paper’s address as provided on the editorial page or letters page.

Don’t be discouraged if your letter isn’t published. The paper may have received more responses on the issue you’re commenting on than it can handle. In any event, keep trying. If your letters are informed and well-written, you’ll make it into print sooner or later.

When what the press says, or fails to say, doesn’t sit well with you - let off some steam, make yourself heard, express your views, invite public debate - write a letter to the editor. It’s one habit that’s healthy for responsible citizens who want to keep the free exchange of ideas, and exercise of democracy itself, in the best of health.

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