Does The Examiner treat letter writers with disdain?

Some time ago the letter below was sent to The Examiner and seemingly there has been no response. It is a simple, and a very good, idea. You do have to wonder why the editor is so reluctant to move on this. What has he got to hide? What is the problem here?

After all if you want the world news the last paper you would buy is The Examiner. However, if you want local news and local people's views you might want to buy it. The letters to the editor in particular are what a lot of people want to read. Not publishing a letter, arguably, amounts to cultural engineering!

Is that a legitimate role for The Examiner?

THE LETTER
Dear Mr. Southwell.
I appreciate that you can not print all of the letters that are sent to you for inclusion in the newspaper. You would go broke.

However, letters to the Editor is a growing service that all newspapers are having to deal with. In addition; like myself a reader for more than 30 years, readers may feel so strongly about a specific issue. That they may only send in one letter say every ten years to be included in the Newspaper. To them at the time it is very important.

Can I suggest that the Examiner include a count at the bottom of each letter that simply says " x similar letters received". This would at least acknowledge that all letters have been considered. More importantly, it would give all readers a benchmark to gauge community and their own opinions and interest against.

As an alternative; and in addition you could load all letters on to a specific section your web page. I estimate this would take no more than an hour per day of staff time. This would enable you to deal with all letters, be seen to be offering a service to the Community and individual readers as well promote your own business and advertising.

As a further option you could allow letters to be posted on a section of your web site directly by readers/customers.

I do not be live that you can overlook addressing this issue. Residents/readers/customers have less and less opportunities to express their views, concerns and be heard.

I am sure that if you addressed these suggestions openly, building in safe guards for potential miss use it would significantly enhance the Examiners standing in the community, its business and journalistic standing as well.

I am available to discuss these issues at a convenient time.

Regards and thanks. John

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