This newspaper — and we are sure much of the public — enjoy your Letters to the Editor. Those letters along with our own views and those of other newspapers and columnists help stimulate public debate.

But that does not mean that this newspaper can or will print all the correspondence that it receives. Here are a few guidelines to remember when writing to us.

Writers should limit letters to 500 words. We will ask you to resubmit your letter if it is too long.

All letters will be verified prior to publication to ensure that the signature on the letter is the author’s. Writers should include their addresses and daytime phone numbers. Anonymous letters will not be published.

Also, we will not publish poetry or tributes to family or friends. “Thank you” letters will be published only when they have general public interest and may be edited so they are relevant to most readers and do not include lists of businesses or individuals who have supported a cause.

We also ask that you not send open letters, form letters, copies of letters sent to others, material from the Internet or letters attacking other letter writers.

During political campaigns, letters endorsing candidates will be accepted. However, such letters should focus on issues in the campaign and the candidates’ qualifications as they relate to those issues. Excessive flattery or criticism about a candidate’s personal life will not be used.

In most cases, a writer whose letter is published must wait one month before having another letter published.

Finally, The Laurinburg Exchange reserves the right to edit all letters for length, style, grammar, inappropriate content and libel.

That does not mean that writers with strong views or espousing a particular philosophy will be excluded. But we would like the letters to be of general public interest. Complaints or compliments about businesses, individuals or groups that deal with private matters will not be used.

If we feel we cannot print your letter, we will contact you as to why. Please feel free to contact us, if we have not verified receipt of your letter within a few days.

We look forward reading what you have to say — sincerely.