Steve Gaunt Pontificates
Introduction from Steve
What's all this pontificating malarkey about then?
Local newspapers, are supposed to reflect the views of the local
community, seems reasonable idea right?
Wrong!
Try to get a letter published. Easy you might think, reply on a
controversial subject that has already appeared on the letters page
of your local paper.
Believe me you have little chance of having your views published.
Why?
You're a local citizen your views should be heard.
Ok, that's fine, but as far as your local paper is concerned you,
supposedly, must fit their view of what a local letter contributor
should be.
Here is a short list of what might help.
1. Find out the political persuasion of your local paper (ours appears
to be True Blue) they wont admit to any bias of course but the clues
will be there. Then write your letter so that it slag's off the
other parties actions, if the other parities are in the majority
on your council then just write in knocking the councils latest
plans.
Don't try to put any balance in you contribution it will go straight
in the BIN.
2. Rattle on about nothing in particular (this one is a sure-fire
way to get published). An excellent example is this." I would
like to thank the (local Bus Company) staff who handed in my purse
after I had a fall as the bus was entering the bus station Friday
last. I also want to thank the kind people on the bus who helped
me to my feet I am 85 years old and Huddersfield born and bred I
support your "Isn't Huddersfield an excellent place" campaign
I for one am proud of my Town."
3. Be member of a political party (Doesn't matter which one) if
you are of the opposite persuasion to the paper the will use your
letter to provide the balance they would otherwise be accused of
lacking.
4. Be the local Victor Meldrew start by having a few 'Lost purse'
or 'Fall' episodes then get yourself a natty pseudonym like "CONINGUS"
you can now have your moaning letters published almost every day,
(you have become a commodity). Don't get too lucid or thoughtful
though, your job, is to be 'the moaning old so and so' who is published
to give the readers a laugh.
Your views on Steve pontificates.
I would be a hypocrite if I didn't allow any replies to my pontifications
so if you want to contribute send your piece to steve_gaunt@huddersfield1.co.uk
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