The Rules Of The Roundtable

From the editor

Two big changes impacted the Roundtable page over the last year. First, the introduction of public art was a success. A number of our readers are very capable of expressing their opinions visually. Several local artists won recognition through the weekly Golden Pen nominations.

Second, the degree of verbal abuse leveled at the staff that produces this page is disappointing. We all understand a passionate argument, but some callers are routinely crossing that line and becoming incredibly abusive. That will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Letters are limited to 250 words. The limit helps us fit more letters on the page.

A letter must give the author’s daytime phone number, for verification purposes.

We will not publish anonymous letters.

The letter-writer must live within The Spokesman-Review circulation area, or be responding to one of our articles.

We will not publish letters that in our judgment are libelous or contain personal attacks.

We are not bound by the Constitution to publish every letter sent to us. About 60 percent of the letters we receive get published.

The editorial board is not involved in the selection of letters.

We look for letters that are concise and present a fresh point of view. The same old arguments about abortion, welfare, health care, guns, etc., are less likely to be published than a new slant on those topics.

Artwork in any medium, from sculpture to cartoons, can be submitted for possible publication.

Artwork will be published in black and white.

As with all opinion pieces, there is no pay for artwork, although it will compete for the Golden Pen award.