The Art of Feedback

The tagline to each column I publish includes my e-mail address. Crusading journalist that I am, I have always believed that media - and the editorial pages of a newspaper, in particular - should serve as the basis for a two-way dialog between those who write and those who read. It's the veritable heart and soul of a newspaper, and it's the first thing I read every morning.
 
I'm not alone in admitting I am nowhere without readers. It often takes me longer to think of a provocative, value-added topic than it does to actually research and write the ensuing piece. If I reach one person, I have succeeded. The e-mail address gives readers a low-risk means of sharing their thoughts with me.
 
The ultimate thrill is, of course, seeing letters to the editor in response to a published article. Between these two feedback channels, however, readers consistently let me know what they think about my stuff. Here's a sampling from my inbox this week in response to the cigarette butt piece:
 
"Great column...you cover many issues....litter, health and consideration for others and our environment."
 
"Just a note to tell you I really enjoyed your article this morning. You hit the spot really well. I hope if even one smoker heeds what you say it will be good. Thank you for the insight."

"I really enjoyed your article this morning in the Freeps. Like you I hope everyone soon realizes how maniacal smoking is and then we non-smokers will no longer have to smell that awful smell!"
 
"Loved your article on cigarette butts in this A.M.'s Free Press. It was so well written. Now let's just hope that at least a few of the people who need to read it...do."

Dear Carmi Levy!! Your article in the London Free Press - July 14th, 2004 regarding smoking litterbugs was right on. Both my wife and I experience daily the exact same things you alluded to. It seems that some smokers just do not get it. They are fortunate that they do not live in Singapore where their actions would get them jailed. [Snip] Thanks for writing this excellent article. More public awareness is no doubt needed before things will hopefully change for the better.