Letter from the editor: i's relationship with its readers
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.One of the nicest things about i – unprecedented in my Fleet Street experience – is the newspaper’s relationship with its readers.
It has been a huge pleasure for me to experience that first-hand this week. Goodness, it keeps you on your toes, though. John Pratt wrote to say he wanted to know what I actually meant by calling Inspector Morse “sexy” and “thinking woman’s crumpet” the other day. Well, John, I’ve spent a lot of time this week trying to analyse precisely what it is I find attractive about John Thaw as Morse. I think it boils down to this: I don’t think I’ve ever heard him mention the word “football”.
Simon MacFadyen takes issue with my aversion to David Suchet as Poirot. I have obviously never seen Poirot, he says, arguing that the Belgian detective’s "leetle grey cells" are more than a match for the “Oxford grump”. I have seen Poirot, Simon, but while I love the Agatha Christie stories, I was put off by David Suchet’s moustache. It has the appearance of a black slug. Call me picky, but I don’t find that an attractive look.
Jenny Fish has a more serious issue on her mind. She wants to know to whom she should report any sightings of avian pox, which is spreading among Britain’s garden birds, and particularly great tits, as reported in i on Wednesday. Sightings of birds displaying symptoms of avian pox – warts or tumour-like growths, especially around the eyes and beak – should be reported to the RSPB Wildlife Enquiries Unit. You can phone them on 01767 693690 or report online at www.rspb.org.uk/advice/helpingbirds/ health/sickbirds/avianpox.aspx
Whether you’re watching birds, or watching the detectives, have a wonderful weekend!
Stefano Hatfield is away
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments