Letter writing and press release suggestions

[Winston001]

This has been mentioned by various posters here and there but I thought a specific thread could help.

A steady stream of letters to the editor in each of our regions is a good way to keep this issue alive.

Attacking the media itself is pointless. We need their interest and support.

Letters should be short and sweet. Pick one, or at the most two strong points. You can always write a second letter or another biker will jump in.

Do not get into political abuse. If you criticise National, half the readers will switch off immediately and your good points will be completely lost.

There are various excellent letters on other threads but IMHO the writers let themselves down by descending into anger. Try not to do that because anger distracts from the issue.

Justifiable Outrage is different to anger. Ixion conveys this very well. :Punk: Bikers need to appear as normal members of the community who are bewildered at being picked on. We need public sympathy and support.

Do not simply state that ACC and Nick Smith are wrong. Explain why. If its too technical just refer to Professor Charles Lamb's findings.

I'm sure others have helpful ideas too. :D

[Winston001]

Journalists need stories. That's how they survive. I used to think you just pointed them at something and left them to it. Uh-uh. :blink:

The better constructed a news story is, the greater the chance of your slant being published. Reporters are people too. If they are presented with a well-written paragraph it is easier to copy it than rewrite.

So - the point is, when you find something which the media should be interested in, package it up before calling them. Don't simply say - Oooo looky here, that's a bit sus.......

For example much has been made of a division of ACC signing off as "insurance". Many young reporters would say So What?? - No history, shallow education. So they have to be spoon fed.

For example:

"I notice ACC is now branding itself as Insurance. Here is a letter from XXX of ACC. The concept of insurance encompasses risk assessments, weighted premiums, fault - and ultimately refusal or limitation of cover.

NZ's ACC scheme by contrast is a no fault community compensation scheme. It is as far away from insurance as is our public education system.

How long has ACC been an insurance operation? Who motivated the change? Why - what possible purpose could it serve? s ACC being prepared for sale to overseas insurance companies.....???"

Etc etc you get the idea. It won't always work but you can try various media types until one runs with it.