How to write and get your comments published in the media

Here are some general ideas on how to increase the chances of your article being published:

• Conform to the guidelines of the particular publication or website (e.g. length, format, author details)
• If you are responding to an article or event, do it quickly; while it is still topical and in the public eye
• Don’t make personal criticisms; challenge the facts and their interpretation, but not the writer
• Don’t take other people’s comments personally, concentrate on defending your argument, not yourself
• And, of course, be clear and concise and don’t try to cover too much ground in your article.

As an example, here are some guidelines from the Mail & Guardian

(And here is a humourous take on how not to get your feedback published)