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billm317
08-13-2007, 06:59 PM
This is a great way to get his name out there for free.

http://dailypaul.com/node/1334


An important way to get the media to pay attention to any subject, whether it is Dr. Paul's candidacy or anything else, is to write them about that particular subject.

As someone who has had letters printed in the main stream media that were actually critical of the media outlet that was publishing my letter, I have some advice on the subject.

First, follow the ground rules set up by the newspaper, radio or television station or network. If they say only one letter per month, then only send one per month. If they say keep it to 200 words or less, then keep it to 200 words or less. Ignoring a media outlet's prime rules will get you assigned to the garbage can in almost every case.

Wrap your letter around a news story, opinion piece or previous letter you saw in the same publication you are writing to. Refer to the item's headline with the date. Praise them when you can. The media, like the rest of us, like to be praised. Be accurate and the letters editor will reward you.

Back up your arguments with facts. Attribute facts to credible people or organizations. Know who the recipient of your letter will deem as credible.

Don't try to tell them how to save the world in one letter; the more specific the topic or argument, the better.

Never worry that a letter is too short.

Personalize your argument. If you are a doctor, Iraq War veteran or a home-school parent, don't be afraid to use your expertise to make your case.

Be at least somewhat rational. It's okay to be passionate, angry or a bit off the wall. It's still a fairly free country. You can call President Bush a tool of the oil industry or Ted Kennedy a bad driver. Humor and subtlety are superior to preaching, scolding or spewing ideological tripe.

Use e-mail. Handwritten or typed letters still have a chance, but nowadays e-mailers have the upper hand.

Use spell-check and good grammar. Don't use ALL CAPITAL LETTERS or e.e. cummings typographical tricks or unusual fonts. Letters editors will only be annoyed.

Include all your personal info -- real name, address, all phone numbers -- so the paper can reach you easily and quickly. In this age of litigation, verifying letters is a big deal.

Don't write too often. You don't want them saying, "Oh, this guy again."

Never write a letter using a template of talking points provided by special-interest groups or political parties. These perfect, mass produced letters are easy to spot and are discarded on sight. Letters to the editor should be written by you, John Q. Public, not PETA or the NRA or the ACLU.

Above all, be respectful.

I can tell you from experience that these guidelines work.