2. Be brief. Short letters are best. Just because we have a 250-word limit doesn't mean you need 250 words to make your point. Short letters are more effective - and more likely to get read. All letters are subject to editing for length and clarity.

3. Address your comments to the newspaper and its readers - not to a third party. We don't run copies of letters sent to other people.

4. Be civil. Sarcasm can be effective, but don't overdo it. You can criticize, but avoid highly personal attacks.

5. Letters on abortion and similar perennially divisive topics aren't accepted unless they respond directly to news events and add something new to the debate.

6. Try again. We receive far more letters than we have room to publish. If your letter isn't published, try again on another topic.

7. At election time, remember we don't run letters just endorsing a political candidate. Letters discussing the candidates' stands on election issues are more likely to make the cut.

8. Please use your own name or two initials and your last name. No anonymous letters or "pen names" can be used.