Ed Walker
11-27-2003, 10:27 AM
"Keep it short. When writing, a one page letter is best. Two pages is OK. If it's much longer, you run the risk that the letter will only be skimmed rather than read, and the points you're trying to make may be overlooked.
Stick to one subject. If you are writing concerning on a Plan Amendment that addresses a number of issues, it's OK to comment on all the issues in one letter. However, if you want to write, for example, about king mackerel and red grouper, which are in different fishery management plans, write two separate letters.
State your opinion right at the beginning. Then state why you have that opinion. If you don't explicitly state your position, then the reader has to guess, and he/she might guess wrong. Also, if you put your position statement in the middle or end of your letter, you run the risk that it could be overlooked.
State your credentials at the beginning. Are you a recreational fishermen, commercial fisherman, marine scientist, etc.? If you are representing a group, tell us the name of the group and how large the membership is.
Make sure it's legible. If the reader has to work at deciphering your handwriting, it will distract from the message you're trying to get across. A typed or printed letter is best. Also, make sure your printer cartridge or ribbon (or pen if you're hand writing) is producing clean dark print that will photocopy clearly. When your letter is received in the Council office, staff will make copies to send to each Council member. "
Applies to letter written to any of the organizations.
Stick to one subject. If you are writing concerning on a Plan Amendment that addresses a number of issues, it's OK to comment on all the issues in one letter. However, if you want to write, for example, about king mackerel and red grouper, which are in different fishery management plans, write two separate letters.
State your opinion right at the beginning. Then state why you have that opinion. If you don't explicitly state your position, then the reader has to guess, and he/she might guess wrong. Also, if you put your position statement in the middle or end of your letter, you run the risk that it could be overlooked.
State your credentials at the beginning. Are you a recreational fishermen, commercial fisherman, marine scientist, etc.? If you are representing a group, tell us the name of the group and how large the membership is.
Make sure it's legible. If the reader has to work at deciphering your handwriting, it will distract from the message you're trying to get across. A typed or printed letter is best. Also, make sure your printer cartridge or ribbon (or pen if you're hand writing) is producing clean dark print that will photocopy clearly. When your letter is received in the Council office, staff will make copies to send to each Council member. "
Applies to letter written to any of the organizations.