Each week we receive more than 1,400 letters from our readers. They arrive first class and, unlike the mass third-class mailings that are the subject of our cover story, they are always deeply appreciated. We find them especially interesting when they comment on, or even sharply criticize, our stories. The fact is, we too often have debates about what we publish. This week's cover story by associate editor Jill Smolowe, as well as the cover image itself, raised such internal concerns when it was proposed.
Our first worry: the Time Inc. Magazine Co. is one of the largest direct- mail generators...