'Speak Out' feature allows readers to share opinions
By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
Need to get something off your chest but don't want to write a letter to the editor? Our web site (www.reminderpublications.com) has a new feature, Speak Out, which is just what you're looking for.
Speak Out is our version of a web site forum, but without the mean spiritedness one can find on other sites.
I spent five years on talk radio and I understand that for some people the only way they feel comfortable expressing their opinion publicly is by an anonymous means.
Generally I think it's best for people to stand up with their opinions and take responsibility for them, but that won't be required on Speak Out. I do hope, though, that some people will sign their opinions.
What will be required are good clear thoughts, outspoken opinion and lively discussion.
There are some ground rules, which you will find on the web site. Basically, we won't tolerate profanity, explicit sex talk and libel. You can bash a public person all you want, but you can't slam your neighbor.
Dan and Chris Buendo would like Speak Out to mirror the personality of their newspapers family oriented publications that are also issue oriented.
Speak Out will be monitored and we encourage readers to alert us to posts that are inappropriate. We will make every effort to remove offending posts as quickly as possible.
We encourage people to address community issues, so here's a few to consider:
Hampden: What are your students going to do without a town library this school year?
East Longmeadow: Do you want a Lowe's built behind the Stop & Shop Plaza?
Springfield: Are the city's teachers getting a raw deal?
Chicopee: Should Goyette be elected to a second term?
Granby: When will the town see clear to fund new municipal buildings?
Agawam: Is the proposed shopping center really a bad deal?
Holyoke: Has "Celebrate Holyoke" become out-dated?
Westfield: Should Westfield State build a new access road from Route 20?
West Springfield: What would you like to see built on the site of the closed Showcase Cinemas on Riverdale Street?
So what's on your mind? See you at www.reminderpublications.com.
These are my opinions alone. To send a letter to the editor, e-mail it to news@reminderpublications.com or mail it to 280 N. Main St. East Longmeadow, MA 01028, attn. Letters to the Editor.
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