Patrick Smith's Mailbag

What emotions are most likely to incite a reader to write to TIME? Our unscientific survey reveals that those whose opinions have been happily confirmed in our pages are a lot less likely to let us know about it than readers who are "appalled," "infuriated" or "outraged" (the three most popular words in the mad mail).

--WHEN LETTER WRITERS ATTACK: Razor-edged vituperation may not add to enlightened discourse, but it has its pleasures--when you're not on the receiving end, at least. Our readers get wrathful at outspoken supporters of controversial politics, such as Lisa Bochard [NATION, May 24], shown with her...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!