Many newspapers would envy the number and quality of letters to the editor the BDN gets from its readers. Our letters to the editor are lively, diverse and reflect an engaged, informed and – in the best sense – opinionated readership. At its best, the letters section of this page is a public marketplace of ideas, in which Mainers respond to the issues of the day. Public policymakers and community leaders pay attention to the views expressed in the letters, and are wise to do so.

Beginning today, the BDN adopts a new policy for letters to the editor. The new policy is printed in a box with the letters on the right side of this page. The key changes are that letters must be no more than 250 words, and must include a town of residence and a daytime telephone number at which we can contact the letter writer to confirm his or her identity.

The move to shorter letters will allow us to print more. As noted above, the BDN, unlike some newspapers, receives far more letters than can be printed. For some, writing shorter letters will be a challenge. Editorial writers struggle with similar constraints – there’s always more to say, another angle to pursue, it seems. The best read and most persuasive letters are those that take on a single issue, preferably one that has been in our news pages recently, and expresses a clear, logical opinion on that issue.

Though strong opinions are good, writers should maintain a civil tone, and not use the forum to attack or denigrate people and institutions. A focus on policy decisions, rather than those making those decisions, should keep letter writers on track.

We primarily print letters from people who live within the BDN’s coverage and circulation area. With the rise of activity on our Web site, we receive more and more letters from readers around the U.S. Again, while many are former Maine residents, we feel letters from those who live in the area should be given priority.

Lastly, the BDN’s policy establishes a 60-day waiting period between publication of letters by the same writer.

In this age of ever-increasing venues for opinion and commentary, the BDN values this interaction with its readers; we see it as part of an ongoing dialogue with the community we serve, and hope readers will understand and respect our choices.