Suggesting politeness when contacting media: goal is to be heard...

[DeepModem Mom]

not to antagonize. I don't mean to suggest that we refrain from sending the media strongly-worded messages. I'm just suggesting that insults, name-calling, profanity, or disclosing the contents of personal replies could be counterproductive, and could result in all of us being tuned out.

I recently received a gracious, personal email reply, from someone very high up in a cable news organization, to a polite but strongly-worded email indicating why I was no longer a viewer of the network. I immediately replied to the email, with thanks for a personal response. I felt I had been heard. The person knew a loyal viewer had been lost, and knew why. My effort may or may not produce results, but I did not want to prejudice my case, and those of others who might send similar messages, by antagonizing someone who had listened to me, and responded.

Believe me, no one has been angrier at, or more concerned about, media unfairness than this DUer. I have not only screamed at my TV many times, but have screamed a few recorded messages into CNN's viewer comment line. I believe I can be sure that my screamed messages were erased without being noted. While letting out anger feels good, I've tried to learn to keep the old civil rights words in mind as I protest: "eyes on the prize."

[cthrumatrix]

1. excellent tactic...do this with calling your rep.

[Flubadubya]

2. kick

:kick:

[NoBorders]

3. curious: what was the response?

what did this person say in response?

[DeepModem Mom]

6. The person respectfully disagreed with most of my points --

but I know that the same points are being made not only by other viewers but by media professionals. IF the management of this network is concerned about viewer opinion, and/or journalistic reputation -- which they may or may not be -- it's possible that efforts to change their news coverage could have an effect.

[NoBorders]

8. I wrote cnn a similar note

didn't think it was overly harsh, but it was pretty negative. No response though--yours must have been pretty good!

[DeepModem Mom]

10. Probably was just the right place at a lucky time --

I've written plenty of emails with no response whatsoever!

[Feanorcurufinwe]

4. OK, who was it?

'fess up.

[TrustingDog]

5. great advice... don't sound like a wild-eyed librul. n/t

[iconoclastic cat]

7. I agree. I have only gotten back arrogance when I send bile.

[prolesunited]

9. I agree with this point emphatically

If you come off as a raving leftwing looney, they'll dismiss your points, no matter how valid.