Newspaper readers write the darnedest things

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What is the best part of the job of editor? Without a doubt, it's hearing from readers. Even when they complain, we appreciate that they care enough about their newspaper to voice their displeasure. But some are kind. Others just curious. Here are several recent notes from readers. "SV Weekender is published on Saturdays, so why do you have Sunday's date also on the banner?" J.J. of Dixon wanted to know. "Nothing is published on Sunday. ... Take the Sunday date off the SV Weekender!!" We call it SV Weekend (Weekender was a publication of the Telegraph back in the '90s). The two dates are in the nameplate because that edition is available at stores and in news boxes both Saturday and Sunday. Inside pages carry only the Saturday date. The print edition also tells readers to check our online newspaper for news and sports updates, which we publish every day. Usually ... "With the dropping of the Sunday paper, I have been going to saukvalley.com for news and especially sports," a reader reported last weekend by e-mail. "As usual, I went there Sunday to look at Saturday sports results. As of 2:06 p.m., there are no updates at all. ... If SVN expects us to move to the Web, the news has to be fresh." Couldn't agree more. Unfortunately, a technical blip (a computer shut down) prevented some stories from being published. We are aware of the problem, and we have taken steps to try to prevent that from occurring again. Let's hope the computers cooperate. "Your Sauk Valley Weekend newspaper had a headline which I perceive as being tacky," complained J.T. of Dixon. She referred to a "jump" headline (where a front page story is continued to an inside page) that used the phrase "pony up" involving school funding. "The language in this phrase is inappropriate for the quality newspaper you press," she continued. "How did this slip by the Editor's review? ... I do want you to be aware that this reader found the above mentioned phrase to be offensive." Yikes! Our dictionary lists this definition of that phrase: "to pay (money), as to settle an account." If the phrase has an offensive connotation, we apologize. But we are not aware of any such meaning. Can anyone clue us in? She wasn't the only reader we offended ... "I just had to comment on the full page ad that was in last night's paper against Senator Obama," wrote B.J. of Amboy. "I realize that anyone with the money can pay for an ad like that, but I found it very disturbing, distasteful and slanderous. "... As a news organization, you have the freedom of the press. I guess my point is that I am ashamed of the person who bought that ad and very disappointed that you printed it." The advertisement in question, which we published 5 days before the election, referred to the then-presidential candidate as "Barack Hussein Obama," his full, legal name. The ad copy raised questions about Obama's connections to Chicago and Cook County politics. Although we didn't think the ad was disturbing or distasteful, we understand that some people might. Such speech is, however, protected by the First Amendment. Nothing in the ad was factually inaccurate. And though it implied criticism of Obama, the ad did not rise to the level of slander (or libel), which the First Amendment does not protect. We try to be extra careful about those legal matters. "I saw the pictures of the Homecoming Courts in the paper, and it said to go to [Page] C3 for the names of the kids in the pictures," K.B. of Amboy wrote last Saturday. "Well, I went to C3, and the names of the Amboy Court were NOT listed!!!" Oops! Right you are, K.B. But you'll find them in today's Community section. Page C8. Sorry for the oversight. Our recent article on suicide, which included prevention measures, brought this favorable response: "I am so delighted that you are willing to discuss this issue in the newspaper!" Linda wrote. "The best way to disseminate information! "Thank you for doing this! Kids need to know their entire lives will not be like the life they may be living right now." Thank you, Linda. We agree that when it comes to delivering local news, nothing beats the local newspaper - in print and online. And thanks for the exclamation points. They're too often a sign of bad news (see examples above). But you made us glad to get them.