Everybody has an opinion and we want to hear yours. Do you want to see something new in town, give congratulations to someone’s accomplishment, or just complain about weather — send it to us. It’s easy. Email submissions@smithfieldsun.com with your thoughts, kudos and complaints. Of course, if you want it to be published, we have a few tips.

Be clear — Whether writing in support of an issue or against it, be clear in your position. Limit your letter to that one subject. Rambling letters about various issues end up muddling your point and leave readers lost as to what you intend to say.

Be concise — A fancy vocabulary is not helpful. Use short, punchy sentences. Please remember to use a spell checker. Even better, have someone read your letter out loud before submitting it.

Be clean — It should go without saying that using profanity is a quick trip to the trash bin. Too much profanity probably won’t even make it past the spam filter.

Be civil — No matter how strongly you may feel about a subject, it usually involves other people. They have feelings, too. It is possible to disagree over an issue without attacking the people involved. A good rule of thumb is if you wouldn’t say it to their face you probably shouldn’t write it in the letter.

Please remember to include your name and a phone number so we can contact you if we have questions.