Write a Letter to the Editor

Letters to the Editor of your local paper and other state newspapers can be a powerful tool for public advocacy.   Here are some tips:

1. Always include your name, address and phone number(s).  The newspaper can be expected to call you to verify your submission before it publishes your letter.

2. Follow up with a call to the newspaper on same day it’s emailed to make sure that your letter has been received (and doesn’t languish in an editor’s mailbox).

3.  Keep it short and concise.  Many newspapers have word limits in the 200 word to 300 word range.  Two to three paragraphs should be adequate.  In your first paragraph, introduce your problem and sum up your objection.  In the second paragraph, include a few sentences to support your view.  End with a great summary.

4.   Let your sense of humor and irony shine through.

5.  If your letter is in response to a recent news article, identify the title and date of the article in your letter.

6.  Check spelling, punctuation an grammar.    Have a friend proof-read your letter if you’re not sure of spelling and grammar.

Daily:

Non-daily:

Campus:

{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }

Daniel Morris September 7, 2011 at 5:14 pm

Hi Dee,
Got your message via Go Marcellus Shale. Chesapeake got me before the Marcellus shale news broke, so I got low-balled on the lease bonus. Royalties are 12.5
I received you comment on my lease on Go Marcellus Shale.
Thanks!

Now they want to drill on my surface and have already applied for permits, well numbers: DANIEL MORRIS MRN 6H and DANIEL MORRIS MRN 3H

The negotiated amount for disturbance was $25k (verbal). I got a paper to sign for the disturbance check in the amount
of $20k. There were no negotiations. I wrote on the paper that the amount was not what was agreed upon and wrote in $25,000 over their amount in red ink and returned the paper unsigned.

Any ideas or comments are appreciated.

Reply

Dee Fulton September 8, 2011 at 1:40 pm

Daniel, I recommend a legal consult. Dave McMahon with WV Surface Owners Rights Organization may be able to assist. He specializes in oil and gas law. wvdavid@wvdavid.net
You may consider citizen activism also. Our state needs many laws to deal with the threats to public health, environment, and regional socioeconomics. It’s going to take a huge grassroots effort to overcome the corruption among our politicians, the majority of whom are supportive of the gas industry while ignoring the injustices that the industry is wreaking upon surface owners such as yourself.

Reply

Guy Chesterfield March 6, 2013 at 8:24 pm

NEW DRILLING & FRACKING STUDY BY NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL:

Your input is really important in this new comprehensive study. “A few questions ask about you, but your responses will remain completely anonymous.” They want to reach very many people who have concerns about fracking or want to know more about fracking. Please do forward it to people concerned and should participate. The responses are needed by March 19, 2013.

THE FORM TO REPLY IS HERE: http://fluidsurveys.com/s/nrc/

Reply

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