I got an answer from an editor

[Mojorabbit]

to an email I wrote using the media blaster re the downing st memo.
It begins:
"I wanted to thank you both for approaching this in a meaningful way. Out of nearly 100 e-mails I received about the Downing Street memo, your two were perhaps the only ones to maintain a tone even approaching civility. It is difficult to pursue stories suggested by readers when their suggestions begin with "You make me sick" or "Dear so-called journalist."

It ends
"but I hope this
is enough to let you know that I, like many of my colleagues, am looking
into this. Chin up!"

He also gave me some info he is looking into that I have not heard of but I am uncomfortable posting correspondence.

My point is....There are some good journalists out there and perhaps we might catch more flies with honey....

Thoughts?

[mcscajun]

1. Nobody is ever interested in abusive correspondence, no matter

what the motivation is.

So yes, the 'more flies with honey than with vinegar' approach IS the way to go, IF what you want is to be published. And let's face it, we can't convince anyone if we're not published for all to see.

The best way to get an LTTE in the paper: Keep it short and to the point, tone it down, spruce it up, spell-check it, and just maybe the LTTE will see the light of day.

[Stinky The Clown]

3. If they were actually doing their jobs

they wouldn't get abusive e-mail.

But I agree with your point. It usually is counterproductive.

[SeveneightyWhoa]

11. Are you kidding me?

Does that explain why the BEST journalists and columnists likely get the MOST abusive e-mail? Mostly from freepers and right-wing Bushbots?

Imagine yourself in the same situation, trying to do your job as best as you can, with liberals telling you to report something their way and conservatives demanding that you report something skewed in their direction. Why would you listen to either group of e-mailers if they treated you like shit?

[Carolab]

5. Agree. I've gotten two lengthy LTTEs published in the last 3 months.

This way, they can let you tell the truth, and they won't get into trouble for it.

[Mojorabbit]

6. This was my letter

I am writing to ask you to please cover this story. If the memo is legit then our President lied us into this war. I cannot understand why this is not front page headline news. Our kids are dying and we have spent billions of dollars we can ill afford on this war not to mention the hundred thousand Iraqis who have died. I don't care about Michael Jackson and other fluff stories like runaway bride, I want news that affects me and this country.
I have not heard one peep from the White house re this memo. Why are you not asking the questions and investigating? Please, I implore you, cover this story

I wasn't looking to get it published only to get them to cover the story.

[mcscajun]

7. Good letter -- no reason it couldn't accomplish both purposes.

:)

[Psephos]

2. Important lesson

And a good one!

Peace.

[NMDemDist2]

4. civility is an increasingly rare but valuable commodity in our political

discourse

IMO we should always be professional and courteous in our correspondence. Especially when we want to be taken seriously and want the recipient to do something at our behest

Too rational?? :shrug:

[TheGunslinger]

8. Great job! And that's one thing for everyone to keep in mind!

When writing to the press or contacting an elected official, civility will get you much further than banal comments and insults.

[FrenchieCat]

9. It depends on what you want done....

I think a good mix is best. Good Cop, bad Cop works best.

Don't think that if those angry letter weren't there, that the civil letters would be appreciated as much.

Learned that lesson from the Republicans. They're good at it.

[TheGunslinger]

10. Maybe. But, sending hate-filled letters doesn't do one's side any good.

Just my $0.02

[FrenchieCat]

12. Hate filled is relative....

One can fill a letter with hate, yet make it sound lovely and/or intelligent... and yes, in that sense, civil is good.

So, it's all in the approach.

Some journalists do deserve a get their chains pulled hard...while others just need a gentle nudge. Again, it depends on the objective....and what one is commenting on.

Depends too, if you're writing to a "hack" or a real newsperson.

If you're replying to a sad piece of journalism or if you're bringing up your own point.

If you're wanting to get a letter published, or if you're letting off steam.

It's kind of like our congresspeople, who most are...too polite. Sometimes they should speak softly and carry a big stick....and other times, an ass kicking might be a better call. No hard fast rules required. Better to go with the flow and not be hampered by the "rules".

Again a mix is always good. Letter etiquette should be like free speech...the more voices, the more tones, the betta'.

That's my way....and I'm gonna stick to it.

[tsuki]

13. Look into it until it falls into the memory hole? How many stories

are they "going to look into?"