Another good LTTE, where were these letters before the election?....

[madmom]

After devoting long minutes to careful analysis of Tuesday night's election returns, I now know what Americans want:

We want roads and bridges that are always in good condition but do not require tax money for upkeep.

We want world class schools with teachers who are so dedicated that they will work for minimum wage. (Note: the best one should be in my neighborhood)....





there's lot's more



http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/readersrespond/bs-ed-voters-letter-20101103,0,4515159.story

[MineralMan]

1. Where they always are - on the editorial pages of newspapers

all over the country. I read equally pertinent letters on a regular basis in my newspaper. The question, I think, should be: Why did you not write such a letter to the editor of your newspaper? You can write. That's obvious from your posts here. So, if you wonder why there aren't letters to the editor expressing your opinions, the answer is in your mirror. Write one today. That's my suggestion.

[madmom]

3. What makes you so sure that I didn't? Did you?

[MineralMan]

5. I have no idea whether you did or did not. You asked why such

letters did not appear before the election, so I assumed you did not. As for me, I write letters to the editor all the time. Many are published. It's not my practice to brag about them here. Have a very nice day.

[madmom]

7. Well you know what they say about people who assume anything. I frequently write

LTTE and am like wise frequently published. Bragging is also not my forte. Good day to you.

[rurallib]

2. Well, the editors have choices and they often choose LTTEs that support

the POV that the company is selling.
I had a great LTTE comparing the Repulican party to a kidney stone holding back the flow of progress eventually causing pain and damage to the body(country).
Never saw the light of day in six area papers.

[MineralMan]

4. That's partly true, but not completely. The LTTE section is

very popular with most readers, and keeping it lively is one of the priorities for every publisher and editor. Controversial letters that take an opposing viewpoint are often selected for their ability to attract responses.

Why an individual letter you have written did not make it to the pages may not be related to its subject. As a long-time LTTE writer, I long ago learned that clarity and conciseness is far more important. Letters that use analogies to make their point often do not get selected, due to a perceived lack of clarity. The same is true of satirical letters. Short letters are preferred, since more will fit in the limited space. Perfection of grammar, spelling, and punctuation is essential, due to lack of time and staff to edit such letters.

If a particular letter is unsuccessful at being published, write another one.

Finally, never send a particular letter to multiple papers in the same area. The first time an editor finds a duplicate letter will be the last time any letter you write is published. Exclusivity is absolutely a must.

[Ghost of Tom Joad]

6. Because they woke up with coyote ugly