What's happened to the Letters page?

Mark Richardson

We received a letter this week that started out: "I no doubt believe that you are receiving an overwhelming amount of opinion pieces such as this over the new young driver's legislation."

But the truth is that no, we didn't get many submissions at all. In fact, this was one of three letters we received – on any subject – that was at all suitable for publication.

Now don't get me wrong, we hear from readers all the time. We get letters every day from people asking for help with their cars, or for advice.

Those are passed on to our advice mechanics and columnists.

But actual Letters to the Editor, for publication on this page in Wheels?

It's hit and miss. Some weeks we'll get a hundred letters; usually, we get a dozen or so. Sometimes, we'll get one.

It didn't used to be this way in the old days of snail mail, but now you can read a story on our website at wheels.ca and comment on it in the time it takes to type some (often unconsidered) thoughts. Others can read your opinions and comment on them.

It's quick and easy, and if it's not objectionable you're guaranteed to be published.

As well, a reader with a concern for something mentioned in a story might just write directly to the journalist, whose email address is often published at the end of the piece.

As this section's editor, I encourage direct feedback between readers and writers – it helps ensure we're always aware of your concerns.

However, these are not letters to the editor, to be published in the Wheels section. If a letter is not sent to "The Editor," it must be considered as private correspondence and so it will not be published without obtaining permission from its author to do so.

That's too bad – Wheels writers frequently forward their more interesting mail to me, and many letters are clearly observations intended for sharing with a wider audience. But by the time I get to see them and seek permission to publish, it's sometimes too late.

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a column about a proposed law that would prohibit children under the age of 14 from riding as passengers on motorcycles.

I must have received at least 50 emails of comment directly from readers, but none addressed to me as the editor of Wheels, for publication. The column online at wheels.ca had 22 comments attached to it within three days.

But I believe that many people are still pleased to be able to see their names and their thoughts actually in print, valued more highly than fleeting pixels on a screen.

At Wheels, that option is available to you as a concerned reader. But remember to include your full name, address and phone number so that we can verify you're who you say you are.

If you want to share your thoughts and concerns in print as well as online, send us an email at wheels@thestar.ca, or mail a letter to Wheels, Toronto Star, One Yonge St., Toronto, Ontario, M5E 1E6.

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