We love getting letters to the editor. Nowadays the “letter” is actually an email, but when residents tell us their thoughts on an issue, their opinions on one of our news stories or our editorials, or comment on local or regional political issues, it reveals a perspective on a topic or the community we may not have.
A letter to the editor tells us our stories are being read and discussed. They also tell us our readers feel so passionately that they’ll take the time to sit down and write a response, be it a critique, thanks, agreement or disagreement on a story or news item.
Generally, the winter is slow when it comes to letters to the editor, so when we can fill our paper with readers’ opinions, we know we’re doing good work and we have readers who are concerned about their community and want to use our Page 4A like a forum to express their ideas to the rest of Camp Verde and the surrounding communities.
The rules for our letters are relatively simple:
? Letters must be 300 words or less. If letters are a little bit over, we’ll cut them to fit, but if letters are more than 400 words or so, we’ll ask the authors to cut them and resubmit. We’d rather have the authors determine which points they want to make than guess.
If your letter covers several topics and runs 600 words, consider breaking it up and sending in two letters addressing each topic. The more timely letter will run first and the second will run a few weeks later.
? No personal attacks. Letters can address points made in other letters, but cannot attack the author’s character or person. Elected officials are public figures and the rules are a little looser, but ranting against a politician doesn’t win readers to your side like a logical analysis about his or her behavior does.
? Letters must include the author’s name, address and phone number, in case we have a question. No anonymous letters will be published.
? Guest perspectives are reserved for elected officials and experts in the field the letter covers. Guest perspectives are also reserved for people representing a government agency or organization making a official statement.
? Letters citing facts must have supporting documents. One reader, whose letter I sent back because he declined to provide documentation, quipped: “It is unrealistic to expect authors of letters to the editor to document their facts.” Actually, it’s completely reasonable; letter authors do it every week. I have a stack of highlighted meeting minutes and underlined budget reports from those authors to prove it.
If you cite numbers or include references to other work, attach the documents. Letters stating just opinions, however, don’t need any documents.
? Send your letters to me at editor@larsonnewspapers.com.
Christopher Fox Graham
Managing Editor
