In the July 26 Slant section, Eugene Weekly, rightly so, castigated The Register-Guard for having days with no citizens’ letters to the editor published.
Though not quite at that level of concern, perhaps a look into EW’s own house is in order. In most issues, there are only two pages of citizens’ letters, competing with numerous ads. Odd, because letters to the editor always rank high in the yearly reader’s poll of favorite things about the Weekly. The other letters are relegated to the online version with it’s new, user un-friendly format.
Come on EW, the letters are the first thing many of us look for to keep a pulse on what the community is thinking. Do we have to be plugged in to all the tricknology? Also, why is the satirical, political comic “This Modern World” missing on occasion? Googling it, I have seen no reason.
I realize that this free paper exists because of advertising, but shortchanging public opinion only diminishes its value to the commons.
Scott Fife
Eugene
Editor’s note: We love printing readers’ letters and print almost every letter we receive, with preference given to local topics. During elections or when we get a lot of Trump mail, we do put extras online.
A Note From the Publisher
Dear Readers,
The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.
That’s because of you!
Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.
Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.
We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.
And, of course, we’ve continued to bring you the stories and features many of you depend on: investigations and local government reporting, arts and culture coverage, sudoku and crossword puzzles, Savage Love, and our extensive community events calendar. We feature award-winning stories by University of Oregon student reporters getting real world journalism experience. All free. In print and online.
None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.
As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.
Thank you for standing with us!
Publisher
Eugene Weekly
P.S. If you’d like to talk about supporting EW, I’d love to hear from you!
jody@eugeneweekly.com
(541) 484-0519
Comments are closed.