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arguments presented . A letter to the editor might be more effective .
Opinion page policies can vary from newspaper to newspaper depending on a variety of factors , including the newspaper ’ s size , the editor ’ s personal tastes and the volume and length of submitted content the newspaper receives . However , if you call ahead of time to speak with the editor and find out what the newspaper ’ s policy is regarding submitted content . That ’ ll do two things . First , you ’ ll understand the rules and be able to adhere to them , thus ensuring your letter isn ’ t disqualified out of hand . Secondly , you ’ ll establish a rapport with the editor , which means they ’ ll remember when the letter shows up in their mailbox .
TIP ( pullbox ): Transmit your letter in electronic format - no handwritten letters or faxes . Transcription is nearly unheard of in a modern newsroom .
Get Involved
In addition to providing a forum of ideas , a newspaper can also provide you with a mechanism to organize support for your cause . Although classified ads , when paid , are guaranteed to be published , the real estate they occupy in both the print and online versions of the newspaper can make them nearly unnoticeable . Community group events , on the other hand , are usually great fodder for newspaper briefs , which can appear in more well-read sections .
Start a group . If you don ’ t have a club of vapers in your area , there ’ s a good chance that there ’ s a bunch of vapers in your community wondering why there isn ’ t one . Pick a place to meet , set a time and let the newspaper know when it ’ s going to be . You might be surprised by who shows up .
“ Start a group . If you don ’ t have a club of vapers in your area , there ’ s a good chance that there ’ s a bunch of vapers in your community wondering why there isn ’ t one .”
Of course , the newspaper ’ s not the only way to do it . Most major cities have numerous online platforms for communicating within the community , and a simple post on a message board might be the first step to bigger things . Don ’ t be afraid to be the one that gets the ball rolling .
And once you do have a group of people with common interests , deciding on common goals doesn ’ t have to be very far behind . Everything from letter-writing campaigns , to pooling resources to purchase advertisements , to showing up in force at government meetings can become solid options . And , you may even make a friend or two along the way .
TIP : Persistence is the key . You may rule one news cycle , but if enough time passes that your message is forgotten , undesirable laws may pass anyway — and without much fanfare .
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