It is interesting to read the battle of bulge or rather polite differences about the length of letters, between our dedicated, regular and knowledgeable contributors Dineshbhai Sheth and Rameshbhai Jhalla. In a way both are right in their endower to make “Readers’ Column” popular, easily accessible to wider readership.
I feel the length of letters should be judged on the merit of letters, the subject matters and popularity of the contributors. It is right to limit the length between 250 and 500 words. If the subject matter is obscure, not in public domain, then 250 words are adequate. But it is impossible to do justice to the subject matter, such as “Singapore Summit” between unpredictable, enigmatic US President Donald Trump and ruthless North Korean dictator Chairman Kim Jong-Un, a poacher turned game-keeper.
I must admit at one time I was addicted to long letter writing. But it was not difficult to adjust to the word limit. The saying “If there is a wish, there is a way” is certainly true to letter writing, as it is in most circumstances.
My two popular novels, collection of short stories, many published in Asian Voice, “Ivory Tower” and “Olive Grove” with 1000 large pages and some 700,000 words, edited by Rameshbhai, is the proof of my inexorable addiction to writing which has served me well in my hour of need.
The best solution to word limit is for us to be sensible and leave the final outcome on the “Editorial Board” who is doing a wonderful job under difficult, inextricable circumstances.
Bhupendra M. Gandhi
By email
