It’s silly to go on pretending that under the skin we are all brothers.
The truth is more likely that under skin we are all Curmudgeons. In your communication to the writers of your weekly, The Malibu Times, laying down the conditions for which “Letters to the Editor” will be published, you confirm the Curmudgeon qualities of your staff and tabloid. Congratulations and we miss you at Lily’s Caf.
Doug O’Brien
Don’t torment the letter writers
Although I can understand your frustration when I read your “Don’t torment the letter editor” letter, I am surprised at the tone of the letter. Perhaps its an old story-trying to give the rules of how you would like your letters to the editor written-but unfortunately the human race usually needs reminding quite often.
Besides counseling as a doctor of psychology in the aerospace field for over 10 years, I also designed and did trainings. I critiqued the top executives before they met with government officials and foreign dignitaries. One of the main points emphasized to these executives was to phase (sic) words in a way that would not offend. I could not help but note how your letter could offend many. For example, your comment about hand written letters brings to mind perhaps an older person-maybe writing with an arthritic hand. Or, did it ever occur that perhaps not everyone types, or knows how to send a FAX or email. And perhaps those who send a FAX have no idea that your machine muddles them. Perhaps someone has a learning or writing problem and are doing their best to write a letter that most likely means a great deal to them-to take the time and pain to write. Sadly, maybe many haven’t someone to help them write! I also note in your first paragraph that you mentioned only certain people who write on certain topics. Is there a sarcastic point that you are making here? Once again, this could offend some people… and for those who don’t “get it,” these sort of comments can make people think that only the type of people you mention in paragraph one, are the culprits. As for the length, I agree-but then, it can be difficult to edit one’s own letter when overwhelmed by compassion. Perhaps that’s what happened to the person who wrote the letter just before your letter-it seemed as you said “invariably too long”!
And where is the appreciation of the editor-that people read your paper and take the time out of their busy schedules to even write their comments.
I’m sure there are busy things to do at the paper and retyping isn’t regarded as something enjoyable. I can’t help think, however, that there may be a junior reporter out there who wouldn’t mind-just to be able to be near the press. Or perhaps someone who understands that there are some people who can’t type or write well, may appear with the compassion to help.
Perhaps your letter could have started out thanking everyone for their input this year, letting them know how you appreciate them taking the time to help make your newspaper, and then explaining how important it is to send letters that are readable so you can print them. However, don’t be surprised if you have to remind people about this-the nice box you have explaining the rules seems to the point.
Happy New Year!
Alessandra DeClario