WE at The National have some of the best letter writers contributing to our pages, but Ian Richmond of Pensioners for Independence has some advice for Yes groups and individuals to use local papers to get our points across.
He said: “Newspapers, in particular local newspapers, are a cheap and accessible way of getting your message across to a wide audience.
Most local newspapers started life as advertisers and added local news to engage the readership, so letters are a gift to hard-pressed editors.
“Try to establish a rapport with the editor and the reader – you are more likely to persuade people.
“If you are unsure of your writing abilities then several heads are better than one. Swap letters around for comment before you submit them.
“Local issues are essential. If you tackle national issues, put a local slant on it. Use a variety of letter writers local to the coverage.
“Facts are good. Submit Freedom of Information requests. Governments and council have to respond to them. We recently found out that the UK Government has saved £500 million in pension costs as a result of coronavirus deaths.
“We used that to hit our local Tory MPs with the fact that the UK pensions are the lowest in the developed world.
“Photos are good. One of our members smashing up a TV to protest against the abolition of free TV licences for over-75s went national.
“Give it a go – it’s too good a resource to ignore and if you are nervous editors will withhold your name and address on request.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel