Civility Policy for Letters to the Editor and Commentary
The Crestone Eagle values diverse viewpoints and believes in fostering a robust exchange of ideas. To maintain a respectful and constructive dialogue, we require all submissions to adhere to the following standards of civility:
1. Respectful Tone
Submissions must avoid personal attacks, name-calling, or inflammatory language directed at individuals, groups, or organizations.
Criticism should focus on ideas, arguments, or actions, not on personal attributes such as race, religion, gender, appearance, or other personal characteristics.
2. Prohibited Content
We will not publish letters or commentary that include:
Hate speech, discrimination, or derogatory remarks.
Profanity, vulgar language, or offensive humor.
Incitement to violence or illegal activity.
Demonstrably false information.
3. Constructive Contributions
Authors are encouraged to present their views clearly and constructively, contributing to meaningful dialogue rather than divisiveness.
Suggestions for solutions, thoughtful critiques, and well-reasoned arguments are especially welcomed.
4. Engagement with Previous Content
Submissions responding to previously published material should engage directly with the ideas, arguments, or information presented in the original material, and can be submitted as Letters to the Editor or published as Commentary.
Letters or commentary that challenge previously published content must adhere to established facts. While we welcome differing viewpoints, submissions that rely on misinformation, distortions, or nonfactual narratives will not be accepted.
If a submission includes claims that dispute the facts in our original reporting, the author must provide credible sources or evidence to support their argument.
Criticism should address the substance of the article or argument rather than disparaging individuals or groups involved.
Responses to previously published content must contain new ideas, not repetitive or redundant information.
5. Word Choice and Tone
Submissions should avoid aggressive, sarcastic, or confrontational language that may escalate tensions rather than promote understanding.
Explicit claims must be supported by evidence.
6. Editorial Discretion
The Managing Editor reserves the right to edit submissions for grammar, spelling and length while preserving the author’s original intent.
The Managing Editor and writer reserve the right to include disclaimers or fact-based clarifications in conjunction with submissions.
Submissions that fail to meet our standards may be declined, with or without explanation.
7. Encouraging Diversity of Thought
We strive to include a variety of perspectives and welcome challenging or unconventional viewpoints, provided they are expressed respectfully and backed by sound reasoning and evidence.
Letters to the Editor and Commentary must include the author’s name, town/city, organization affiliation (if relevant), and contact information in case The Crestone Eagle has a question. Contact information will not be published with your letter. Anonymous submissions will not be accepted.
Letters to the editor must be 250 words or less.
Commentary must be 650 words or less.
Submit Letters to the Editor and Commentary by the 20th of each month to editor@crestoneeagle.com.