They say, Your name is at the end of the story. They don t connect the phone numbers and e-mail addresses with the reporter reporting the information. They don t look at bylines. Still, Roser says e-mail is an overall benefit. Reporters can help mediate between the newspaper and the reader, explaining logistical issues such as how space limitations prevented the inclusion of information a reader felt was vital.
Some reporters use e-mail to find sources or leads, schedule interviews and check facts.
Reader input is valuable Readers, on the other hand, give feedback and story ideas. They correct and clarify. They suggest new angles. Some newspapers accept e-mail letters to the editor, eliminating the need for clerical staff to input the text. While answering e-mail takes precious time, that s often offset by fewer phone calls.