That makes this an appropriate time to reiterate Journal letters policy and to reinforce the importance of letters to the Journal and our community of readers. The letters space is a place to express yourself, a place for community discussion and debate. It is Montezuma County’s public square and bulletin board. When not on the street or at a coffee shop, it is how we talk to each other.
As with any space open to the public, it requires rules. What should be understood, however, is that the rules governing letters to the editor are meant to guarantee letter writers’ access to this page, not to restrict it. Like rules of the road or the conventions of common courtesy, their purpose is to ensure that everyone gets a turn, that no one unfairly dominates the discussion and that the tone and language do not embarrass or intimidate others who might join in.
We appreciate readers’ letters. And within these simple guidelines, it is Journal policy to publish all the letters we receive – even if that means getting more space for letters in the print edition.
So:
Letters are limited to 350 words. That includes the writer’s name and town, but not the headline, which the Journal supplies. That rule is inflexible – a 351-word letter gets a one-word trim. Letters that require large cuts or where trimming might alter their meaning are returned or discussed with the writer.
Letter writers are kept to one letter per month. That rule is not quite so rigid in that what constitutes “per month” can be variously interpreted. But the idea is simple enough – let others have their turn.
Likewise, the Journal does not publish responses to responses. If Writer B comments on Writer A’s letter, Writer A does not get to fire back. That would too often lead to a never-ending back-and-forth that would benefit no one. Everyone gets to say their piece, but there are no volleys.
The Journal does not publish anonymous letters. They must be signed and include the writer’s town. Closings – cordially, sincerely, yours truly – are left off.
While we try to recognize time factors or events, as a rule, letters are handled on a first-come, first-served basis. If we have a lot in the queue, it will take longer to publish your letter. Particular placement – on a Tuesday or a Friday, for example – is not considered. Neither is special placement on the page. What goes “above the fold” or on any given day is as much chance as anything.
Above all, we keep our thumbs off the scale. Letters are edited for length, clarity, style and to eliminate libelous or tasteless material. (If offensive enough, they are simply tossed.) They are never edited or rejected on the basis of the political or ideological ideas expressed.
During this election season, our final day to print election-related letters will be Friday, Nov. 4. That means that all letters must be received by Monday, Oct. 24 for publication.