Why do you print letters (usually whinging) far in excess of your limit. January 8 Letters section is such an example.
Personally I ignore them depending on the heading. If subscribers cannot make their point within close to 200 words they should direct their comments to an alternative media source.
Like you, people often need an outlet for their thoughts. The quality of the letter is not as important as the help to mental health.
Lots of other reasons too, mostly good.
I agree and disagree Peter. Brevity is the soul of wit and all that. However, if you are trying to address a complex topic, or respond to the many shortcoming that might exist in much longer letter, editorial or opinion piece, 200 words is all but useless and counterproductive to worthwhile debate. What I object to is how the rules seem to apply variably according to the views expressed.
Recently I was replying to a rambling, admonishing rant of near 700 words and thought that my 226 might just sneak through. Alas no – a paragraph was deleted (about 26 words) with the omission significantly altering the intended meaning.
It’s not the first time I’ve had a pertinent comment removed for the sake of a few words.
I’d suggest that the Echo definitely needs to be stricter here but with a common sense approach that looks at the topic covered, the context of the reply and the difference between ramble and substance. Between quality and quantity. Not just base application of the rules on the side taken by the correspondent.