. http://www.nypost.com/postopinion/letters/letters_editor.htm
Please offer comments to the NY post article click the URL above and follow the instructions below. This is one of the most imortant press coverages to date as it will open the way for future press in the New York area, so if you can, follow through asap and send in your favorable coments about this issue.
Thanks,
silentlambs
Suggestions on Writing Letters to the Editor
Be brief, be quick and leave your phone numbers. These are the three most important things to remember when writing letters to the editor.
Be brief, because there's a lot of competition for a small amount of space.
Be quick in writing because the best letter in the world won't get run if the news paper gets it 3 or 4 weeks after the original article it refers to was printed. And leave your home and work phone number on your letter. Many papers won't print letters unless they can call the author to verify that he or she wrote it.
Other tips:
1) Use statistics sparingly. They can get confusing and overwhelming very quickly.
2) Mention an article already printed by the paper. This dramatically increases the chances that your letter will be run.
3) Remember your audience. In most cases you're trying to sway the public, not your adversary. Therefore, you should take pains to seem moderate and fair. This doesn't mean you should be bland. But you should write with the average person in mind, and use phrases and arguments that resonate with them. You don't want John Q. Public to be turned off your rhetoric and think, "Well, both sides are extremists" (as often happens with the abortion issue for example).
4) A catchy first line is helpful. Instead of "I'm writing to respond to the Star Tribune editorial of August 3rd’" try "As a gun owner, the August 3rd editorial left me wondering if Star Tribune editorial writers live in the real world."
5) Don't mention criticism that has been leveled against you or your client. Avoid saying "I am not a crook, thief and a liar as reported in last week's Star Tribune." Better to say "Star Tribune reader’s wonder who's telling the truth in the controversy over___."
6) Use short punchy sentences. This makes it easier for the reader to follow your thinking and easier for the editor to cut your letter if necessary (and better to have an edited version of your letter printed than none at all).
7) Many papers accept letters by fax and email as well as U.S. mail these days. It never hurts to send your letter via both fax and email. Feel free to follow up with a phone call to make sure the appropriate person got your letter.
INTERVIEW TIPS
Use "I" statements.
No one can dispute you when you are talking about what you know, how you feel, what you've been through, etc.
Use feeling words.
Like sad, worried, upset, etc. . .
When you talk about your feelings, people connect with you emotionally (as opposed to when you try to sound cerebral or intellectual).
Don't speculate about the future or other parties.
Deflect these questions by saying "You'll have to talk with (them) about that. All I know is . . ." (then go back to your experiences and feelings, plans, etc.)
Say "I don't know" when it's appropriate.
People don't think you're an expert on legal matters or whatever. Don't get caught guessing about topics beyond your own experience.
Better sad than mad.
The public sympathizes more with someone who's expressing sorrow than someone who's expressing anger.