"I found it both sad and humorous that the title of the article 'Utah risks loosing its best teachers' had such an awkward misspelling in it. I agree with the points made by the author of the article wholeheartedly, but the editor (presumably) did a disservice in titling it."
Or this reader:
"I hope that the writer did not spell 'loose' or I would say he might not be one of the best teachers. Utah risks losing its best teachers. Or they may be let loose to try other careers."
There certainly is a big difference between loosing something and losing it. The article talked about the prospect of losing teachers, not letting them loose. Thanks for having such sharp eyes.
Several callers left voice messages that mentioned a headline over the celebrity news at the top of page A2 on Wednesday. Over a small story about Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner baptizing their daughter Violet were the words "Baby dunked."
In this country we may dunk for apples and dunk donuts, but we don't dunk babies because that would be child abuse. Usually in the Methodist Church, where the ceremony was carried out, water is sprinkled on the child's head.
Certainly writing a small headline above a tiny story is a challenge, but we can do better than "Baby dunked."
Unhappy note: One reader - a loyal Tribune reader - sent an e-mail with a summation of his New Year's thoughts:
"I have been a regular reader of The Salt Lake Tribune for 30 years. I have never communicated to the newspaper about its content until now.
"Just a few thoughts after reading your column today.
"1. I'll miss Holly Mullen. I don't understand why the Trib placed an absolute ban on her writing about non-local matters. Excellent columnists are rarer than local columnists, it seems to me. Anyway, I'll miss Holly. You should have been more flexible if you wanted to keep her.
"2. I too hate the sticky note ads.
"3. I dislike the Trib's new emphasis on local human interest stories and graphics at the expense of hard news. But my wife loves the graphics.
"4. I also think the Trib hates George Bush. In fact, I think every well-informed, impartial American hates George Bush.
"5. My paper delivery is perfect. Every morning right on my front porch. It is one of the best things about the Trib."
It's wonderful to have readers, but it's even better to have readers who let us know how we are doing.
Too much coverage: Not all readers were thrilled with The Tribune's coverage of the adoption of an orphan from India by the family of Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. These sentiments are typical of disgruntled readers:
"The coverage of the Huntsman's adoption has been over the top. It is nice they have done this. But come on, page after page of pictures and articles day after day.
"I must confess that I read only one of the articles. I skipped the rest as I had all of the information I wanted about that. I know that you cannot please everyone and I certainly may be in the minority, but the Huntsman coverage has pushed it beyond reason for me.
"My attitude about reading the paper has changed. I used to save it if I didn't have a chance to read it that day. Sometimes my stack would be several papers high until I could find time to sit and read. Now I am not sure I will even continue my subscription."
I understand your love of newspapers. When I was a child and my family lived outside of New York City, we subscribed to several newspapers a day.
But I would never let a certain set of newspaper articles force me to cancel a subscription - no matter how much they rankled me.
From time to time, editors will order too much coverage of one event. I suspect we may have had one too many Huntsman adoption pieces. While the coverage from India and about the trip to Utah may have been riveting, the stories produced once the family got home were a bit repetitive.
Think again before you cancel your subscription; we may just surprise you with some wonderful articles that are just to your taste right after your paper stops coming.
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* THE READER ADVOCATE'S phone number is 801-257-8782. Write to the Reader Advocate, The Salt Lake Tribune, 90 S. 400 West, Suite 700, Salt Lake City, Utah 84101. reader.advocate@sltrib.com
* 43: Number of people upset over Huntsman adoption coverage
* 2: Number of folks who think The Tribune hates President Bush
* 31: Number of people who hate sticky note ads


