Growls

One of my favorite blogs that I usually visit daily is Cafe Hayek published by George Mason University economists Don Boudreaux and Russ Roberts. One of the features are the letters to the editors written by Mr. Boudreaux, who is also a columnist for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

In his Tribune-Review column yesterday, Mr. Boudreaux writes about his letter-writing. For example, he’s been writing letters to the newspaper editors for seven years, and about seven percent of his letters get published. One of the reasons he gives for writing to newspaper editors is that it’s “an excellent exercise in sharpening (his) writing skills.” In that regard, he writes:

“Good writing is not a natural talent. Like becoming proficient at playing the piano or shooting hoops, becoming a good writer requires plenty of practice. My daily letters to the editor are a great way to practice my writing.

“In fact, writing letters to the editor is an especially good way to polish writing and communicating skills. The ideal length of a letter to the editor is 150 words. That's not a lot! (By way of comparison, the length of this column is about 750 words.) Fitting a complete and effective idea into a mere 150 words requires the writer to pay attention to every word — to waste not a single one, making sure each word conveys as much meaning as possible.”

Don points out one reason for writing letters is that it’s cathartic. So the next time you read something in the local fishwrap, get out your pen or pencil and writing pad, or get your computer warmed-up. Boudreaux concludes his column by writing:

“Doing so not only will help you become a better thinker and writer, it will enable those who read your letters to become part of an important public conversation about matters vital to the public interest.”