More on layout

I wholeheartedly concur with the most recent writers' opinions on the new layout of The Jakarta Post.

Mr. Amir Sidharta's letter (Nov. 20) expresses his dismay with the Post's attempt to change itself but cannot understand why he should be so dismayed. May I suggest that it is because the content has become uninspiring and hardly keeps the reader glued to his/her seat. I, too, find it difficult to stay awake when reading many of its articles, particularly "opinions" expressed in the form of interviews. As to your Sunday editions, I can only wish there was a way to subscribe to the other six days only.

Ms. Herlina's letter (Nov. 21) criticizes the two loose pages. I put this in the same category as your first attempt at setting out the crossword puzzle (since corrected) and my reaction is the same: What kind of thinking went into that decision? However I do not agree with her solution; my opinion is that there is definitely no need to split the Post into two sections.

Earlier criticisms suggested the Post was becoming tabloid- like. I don't think so. The current size is handy, the same as the International Herald Tribune, but perhaps your readers are not impressed with the bold red lines across certain pages and the garishly colored press photographs, presumably trying to compete with newspapers with whom you should not be trying to compete.

Frankly, I do believe you should try to get your act together. It could well be that the displeasure you have caused your readers, together with the increased price, has made you vulnerable to an enterprising competitor. And it seems many readers would welcome that.

W J CLAYSON

Yogyakarta