Viewpoints - IT'S YOUR LETTER, YOUR STAMP

"In my opinion ... "

"I just want to say ... "

"I can't believe you printed ... "

"No one seems to be paying attention to ... "

"I'm am so mad I could spit."

These are vital sentiments that could provide the impetus for a letter to
the editor.

Let your thoughts and feelings propel you to sit down at your writing desk
with a pen and paper, or go to your typewriter or computer, and write a
letter to Viewpoints, instead.

As Viewpoints editor, I am directly involved in the process of reading,
selecting and editing more than 75 letters, faxes and e- mail letters daily.

These letters are interesting, varied and quite passionate. They inspire
deep reflection and sometimes even make me chuckle.

When a large volume of letters on one event or topic hits my desk, I can
feel distinctly the pulse of the city's opinion vein. Most days it's pumping.

The perspectives and heartfelt emotions in your letters show that Chronicle
readers really care about the issues renting space in their heads and they
want the rest of Houston to know how they feel.

I receive many letters from writers upset about an issue or mad at the
Chronicle, but I also occasionally receive sweet ones written to thank or
to commend an act of mercy or helpfulness. They all are appreciated.

I keep track of letter-writers' names and try not to repeat them for 90
days so that more people will be able to have their letters published.

Since not everyone who writes to Viewpoints is a Chronicle subscriber, as a
courtesy so they won't miss it, I call each correspondent selected to let
them know their letter will be printed. Most people really appreciate my call.

Each day I select letters on a variety of topics so the column will be
interesting. I also select letters that express different facets of an
issue so as to show the diversity of readers' opinions.

As requested in the Letters Policy, to be considered for publication,
complete information, including name, phone number and address, is required
on each letter. If your letter doesn't include the information needed, it
doesn't get very far in the selection process.

But most letters that are rejected are unusable because they are simply too
long. The ones most likely to be picked are the shorter ones, written
concisely and succinctly about one topic.

The next time the Chronicle gets your heart racing, please, send a letter
to Viewpoints.

- --JUDY MINSHEW, Viewpoints (LTE) Editor

'Why was my letter rejected?'

Here are questions and comments often heard:

* Despite the declarations, "I know you'll never print this because you
don't print letters you don't agree with," or "I'll never see this in print
because the media aren't interested in the truth," all letters are read and
given equal consideration.

* "The only letters you have published about Rep. X have been critical."

We strive for balance, but there are times when all of the letters received
only represent one side of an issue.

If you think both sides of an issue are not being addressed in Viewpoints,
please write to us.

* "Don't print my name ... ."

Letters requesting anonymity cannot be used, nor can we use "open" letters,
third-party letters or letters written under a pseudonym.

* "When can I expect to see my letter in print?"

Letters can be under consideration for several weeks.

Those commenting on general topics such as education or politics that have
no crucial time element can be held longer than letters responding to a
specific event or a recent item in the paper.

Letters submitted by fax or e-mail could appear in the following day's
Viewpoints.

* "I don't have a computer, a fax machine or a typewriter."

Equal consideration is given to all letters -- hand-written,
hand-delivered, mailed in, faxed or sent computer-to-computer (e- mail).

We don't have access to a decoder, though, so be sure your letter is legible.

If you're e-mailing a letter, use standard English grammar and punctuation.

If you are sending a letter by fax machine, be sure the text is dark enough
to read.

* "My letter was a great letter -- why didn't you print it?"

Everyone thinks their point of view is unique and that their letter should
be printed.

But in fact, we often receive many letters that express the same opinion.

Because of limited space, letters making the same point as ones previously
published will probably not appear in Viewpoints.

Also, in order to allow more letter writers an opportunity to share their
opinions, there is an informal 90-day waiting period for repeat letter
writers.

* "I dare you to print this letter."

Double-dare us, we dare you.

'You changed my letter'

All letters are subject to editing.

Most letters are edited.

Editing is done for length, clarity and for grammar, accuracy or for
newspaper style.

Well-reasoned longer letters sometimes appear in Viewpoints, but in order
to accommodate a larger number of letters, brevity is vital.

Editing is not done to change the meaning or the intent of the letter.

Letters that contain slanderous or libelous statements will either be
edited or rejected.

Letters with incorrect information will be edited.

Like the boss says, "While we all have a right to our own opinions, we must
all share the same set of facts."

'Did I read that right?'

Satire and sarcasm, although great literary devices, seldom work in a
letter to the editor.

The problem is, many readers take the written word literally and we don't
have a flashing blue light to indicate a tongue-in-cheek approach is needed.

Even the most skilled writers have trouble indicating when a joke is
intended, so we usually steer clear of the potential problems that come
from misunderstood humor.

Here's what not to do

Letters that will not be used are:

* Letters that are too long.

* Form letters

* Poetry

* Profanity, slanderous or libelous statements.

* Letters that stipulate "no editing."

* Letters with no address or phone number.

* Letters from classrooms of students.

* Letters from far-away, out-of-towners.

* Letters requesting money.

* Letters promoting some enterprise.

* Letters using puns or sarcasm.

* Letters of a personal nature, not of general interest.

Postscript ...

If all of the above information were submitted as a letter to the editor,
it is possible that the following is what would appear in Viewpoints: Keep
it short, keep it clean and sign it.

Make sure it's legible and please include your address and telephone
number. Keep those cards and letters coming.