What can I do? Why didn’t you consult more of us first?

Date 29 September 2016 Author Bill Bila Category Youth

Some people recently have contacted me about some things I have just published.  Here are the three top pieces of feedback I got, and my response to each of them.

What can I do?

Thank you for asking.  No one is stopping you from writing a letter to the editor of your local, national or any international media outlet. You, as an individual can and should write when you see something that you thing is wrong and worth correcting.  You don’t need to wait. You don’t need to consult with a group. You don’t need me. It’s always useful to get a second opinion, or someone to proofread your idea but you don’t need an association or a long list of people to sign.  One letter by one person is enough! You can inspire others to use your letter, copy it, maybe make a few changes and send it too.  Maybe if you’re lucky, two or three of you can come to an agreement quickly and then you all feel better making a little contribution. You never know, there may be others who are doing the same and you adding your single voice makes a difference to let the editor know, “many of us disagree with you.”

Why didn’t you consult with more of us first?

Sending something from a large group of people requires time and energy.  Sometimes a simple message sent immediately is more effective.  If everyone in the group has an opinion to offer, you get stuck making many changes, you end up changing the message.  You lose time.  That may make sense in a negotiation, but when reacting to a media story time is of the essence. Sometimes it would be better if three different letters got sent to show there is some complexity and variety about a certain issue that was not treated well in the press, rather than wait and build consensus. A letter to the editor is not a negotiation.  It feels good for everyone to get it out quickly.

I think this is a waste of time. This is not a priority.

Thank you for telling me.  If it is a waste of time, you don’t have to sign. You don’t have to do anything.  If there is something else that is a priority, then do it. Show by your example what is a better thing to do.  In the meantime I will do what I can, what I know how, and what I can manage with my limited time.  I am letting people in power know how I feel.  If you want to take the time to prevent me from acting rather than doing something yourself, well, I advise you to get out of the way, because I will not be stopped. I am writing a letter.