The Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA) encourages readers to write to the Editor on matters arising from articles and letters published in The Australian Chiropractor. Letters are encouraged because they provide for an open and dynamic exchange of views.
Anonymous letters and articles will not be published. However, in exceptional circumstances the name of the author may be withheld.
Letters from non-members or un-financial members will not be published. They may, however, be invited to write an article.
Letters will consist of a maximum of 600 words. The content should be concise and specific in terms of addressing a particular issue or theme.
Content of the letter must be of interest or benefit to members, bearing in mind that differing views promote healthy debate.
Letters may be submitted by post or email and must be signed off by the author. They must reach the editor by the 15th of the month prior to the month of publication.
Letters must be courteous. Letters can be forceful, even emotional, but should never attack the character of the original author. Arguments must be put forward in a civilised, non-inflammatory manner and be supported with verifiable facts and references. There should be no more than five references per letter/article.
Letters which impact on the Associations will be discussed by the editor with the appropriate President prior to their being published.
In reviewing letters the editor may seek legal advice, or advice from other experts, or further substantiation of the comments from the author, prior to publication.
The editor will endeavour to publish letters to the editor in the issue immediately after that in which the original article or Letter to the Editor was published.
The editor may edit a letter but not alter the nature of the comments made. The editor must advise the author of such action prior to the letter being published.
Directors of ACA, when giving their personal opinions in letters to the editor or articles should clearly indicate that fact and sign the article as an ACA member of the Branch of which they are a member.
The editor may publish a letter if the author’s viewpoint is influenced by a particular interest provided the author advises readers about it. Any interest that might be considered to give rise to a conflict of interest must be clearly stated.
The editor will not publish a letter or article if the comments and/or contents are not well founded or do not, in the opinion of the editor, contribute usefully to professional debate.
The editor has the authority to refuse to publish any letter which in his or her view does not satisfy the requirements as set out in the editorial policy.
The decision to publish a letter rests with the editor, and the editor’s decision is final. If the editor is uncertain as to whether a letter should be published, it should be referred to the President, and if necessary circulated to the full Board.
Ariel Tate
Managing Editor
[email protected]