Tom Frazier: How about a town hall with editors?

According to Vogue Magazine in 1958, "Sir Alec Issigonis and University of Wisconsin philosophy professor Lester Hunt are credited with the expression, 'A camel is a horse designed by a committee.'"

A camel is a horse designed by a committee. It has a certain ring to it. But I'm suggesting the Sun-Star should form one, a citizen's panel -- like a focus group.

Many government agencies have them, political parties have them, automakers have them and software companies have them.

But I don't think many media companies have used focus groups.

Back in 2005, the Chicago Tribune used focus groups to provide feedback on headlines, layouts and photographs. There are others mentioned here and there.

As far as I know, there has never been one in Merced.

Why not?

I get lots of feedback from fellow readers. Sometimes it's very specific, about one letter to the editor, one columnist, particular articles, or the size of Monday's papers.

But quite often, it's vague but also quite important. "The Sun-Star is not a good 'community paper.'" or "They try really hard, but they are not giving us what we need (or want)."

And so on.

I often ask questions of the folks who make these comments. I get answers and opinions, but usually in the form of concepts -- nothing specific -- just passionate feelings exposed.

These are the things Sun-Star editors need to hear.

And readers need to hear why things are done the way they are, how stories are selected (or not) and the difference between opinion columns and news stories.

It's two-way communication.

I'm in the middle now -- this column is designed to keep the pulse of the audience. But I don't think it's enough. I do think the audience would like to have more input.

A while back, I suggested the Sun-Star have an open house, but was immediately told by Executive Editor Mike Tharp that "We can't afford it" or something close to that.

Well, Mike, you can afford to listen to your audience, even it if you don't meet onsite. As one of my good friends claimed, "You can't afford not to."

Maybe "focus group" and "committee" sound too permanent.

Let's have a "town hall meeting."

I know that "town hall meeting" may be a supercharged phrase these days. If you don't think so, visit the Sunspot forums and do a search using that phrase. You will soon see the wrath of readers directed toward some of our political leaders.

Give me the go-ahead and I'll have readers provide input, develop an agenda, and find a place and time. I'll even find a good moderator if you want.

It could be that readers won't provide any input -- this column will fall on deaf ears. But I don't think so. I believe there is a "silent majority" out there that will jump at the chance to have some input.

When it's over, it's possible that things will stay just as they are, no changes will be made. Even so, we will understand each other better and that alone is a worthy goal.

How many humps do you think this camel will have?

Tom Frazier writes Sun Dog and can be reached at sundog@promessage.com.