Show From Our Exchange Desk what is an editorial From The Montezuma Valley Cortez Journal Periodically it is good for fl n newspaper to remind itself and its readers of the definition and the purposes of the editorial First of all the editorial is exactly what its name implies It is the opinionated writings of the editor or of the editorial writer Sometimes the editorial is ii used to entertain But usually the editorial is used by the writer to inform his readers about a topic It also is used to provoke provoke provoke pro pro- voke some action where public apathy is undermining the progress of a community or area Its purpose is to tomake tomake tomake make readers come to their own conclusions The editorial is not meant to sway away public opinion without giving the opposition a chance to present its side of the topic The fair editor provides his readers with ample space for retaliation through a Letters to the Editor column Balancing off the editorial with letters from readers readers read rend ers is one of American journalism's great and longstanding stand long ing traditions Through it the newspaper can create a public forum dedicated to the creation of a more Informed informed in In- formed citizenry All too frequently however readers who disagree with an editorial merely raise their objections among a afew few friends Their point of view is heard only by a few while an editorial or letter appearing in The Journal has hasa a j I ten ial readership of about And even when the objector does take time to write a letter to the editor all too frequently he refuses to sign It thereby disclaiming authorship and making his l letter tetter ineligible for publication The Journal welcomes signed letters from its readers We realize reaUze that only through an informed and outspoken public can this community this state and this nation survive and progress |