Speakout is a phenomenon. Love it or hate it — and everyone has an opinion — it has been one of the best-read parts of the Press-Republican since we brought it back a few years ago.
We introduced Speakout back in the late '70s, and it ran into the '80s. People used to be able to call in a comment, which was recorded and then transcribed. Too much work for us, and, frankly, too indiscriminate in terms of who could participate. Anyone with a phone and an opinion could leave a rambling, sometimes incoherent, message.
So when we revived Speakout, we restricted the length to 100 words and will take only submissions that are sent by e-mail. It saves us some work — we can clip and paste them — and mostly it ensures that the people who send them at least have the ability to use a computer and type. We hope that raises the respectability of the entries at least to some degree.
We like Speakout because it gives a voice to the voiceless, allows people to comment on issues without fear of retribution and raises community issues that don't normally get aired through the normal channels.
But we are a little tired of the whininess of some of the Speakouts. There is no need for people to gripe about minutia, to be insulting or to just do a lot of complaining with no valid suggestions for improvement. We, like others, are offended by writers who generalize or stereotype about large groups, such as correction officers, teachers, sports officials and people on welfare. And there is nothing gained by reading comments that sound like a personal grudge.
Speakout has always been heavily edited. If you think the ones you read in the paper are marginally offensive, you should see the ones we have cut. In the past few weeks, we have been even more choosy about which Speakouts we allow through. We aren't trying to manage opinions, just trying to make sure that if people are allowed to speak in anonymity they have something constructive to say. We will not all agree on what's constructive, but that is the nature of opinions.
We are also trimming many of the comments. Once you have made your point, you don't need to ramble on or throw in closings jabs.
As we have been doing since Speakout restarted, we are also cutting off topics once they have run their course. We need to hear about the writing on coins and what child-care workers are wearing for only so long before all viewpoints have been fully aired.
We aren't trying to take the fun out of Speakout — and we all know it can be entertaining at times. That is part of what makes people want to read it. We still think it's important that Speakout keep its very local, colloquial flavor. But we just ask that you be constructive and civil if you want your Speakout to appear.
Opinion
April 19, 2010
EDITORIAL: New standards for Speakout
- Editorial
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Editorial: Incentives lure doctors
As doctors retire from area hospitals, it is challenging to fill positions. But a state program has proven valuable in luring physicians to the North Country.
- Editorial: The irrepressible Gary Carter
- Editorial: Educate youths on road safety
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Editorial: Incentives lure doctors
- Cheers and Jeers
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Cheers and Jeers: Feb. 20, 2012
CHEERS to Franklin County Chief Assistant District Attorney John D. Delehanty and Christmas Bureau volunteer Bob Bryson.
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Cheers and Jeers: Feb. 20, 2012
- Letters to the Editor
- Speakout
- In My Opinion
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In My Opinion: E'town water, sewer essential
Elizabethtown has a history of economic ups and downs, Town Supervisor Margaret Bartley writes.
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In My Opinion: E'town water, sewer essential
