Readers and the Monitor difference

Dear CSM staff: Thank you for your coverage of the election-night results. The electronic edition was timely, easy to read, and it was a pleasure to read an OBJECTIVE evaluation of the evening's progression. Thank You.
– Kurt Dreas

I am writing in regard to a series of articles written by Scott Peterson. My brother, 2nd Lt. Jesse Wolfe, is in the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force in Fallujah and the amount of contact he has been able to be in is very minimal. Thank you so much to Scott and to all the work that everyone at csmonitor does to provide us with the stories and updates of what is going on over there. It is so hard to sit back and just wait for any news and just to wonder what it is going on in his world. The job that your journalists do is so important and gives the families at home something to hold on to. Thank you again and keep up the good work.
– Tara Wolfe

The recent series "Talking With the Enemy" was excellent. I continue to think about ways I could modify my own behavior to lessen polarization, and ways I might bring people of different persuasions together to listen to one another. This kind of provocative and broad thinking is why we subscribe to the Monitor.
– Judy White

I want to express my gratitude for all the good work you have done for the world!

I would like to share an experience with you. I grew up in China. After 1949, the communist government took over China. There were so many prosecutions between 1949-1976,and especially during the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976). The government controlled all the media during this time.

My grandfather was a manager for a firm before 1949. After the communists took over, he was classified as a capitalist and forced to do labor work on a shop floor. They took every opportunity to humiliate him, leaving him living a very difficult life.

There was an internal newspaper named the Reference Information, which circulated among the party officials and a few people. My father was not a party official, but an engineer, who had made a great contribution to his field, so he was allowed to subscribe to this newspaper for some time. This daily paper published the major articles from the western press, and articles from the Christian Science Monitor showed up very often, in particular for major world events. My grandfather and our family enjoyed those articles, in particular those from the Monitor. To us, the Monitor's articles had the best quality.

He would walk more then a hour from his place to our apartment to read these articles every week, and some times every day, as he did not have enough money to take a bus. It was the independent view, the uncontaminated and unfettered view from God encouraging him and helping him and our family through those very difficult years, and sometimes he would share the good news with other people in his situation.

In those dark ages in recent Chinese history, many people felt that there was no purpose to life, yet your articles were enlightening many Chinese people and giving them hope and even saving their lives! Words cannot express our family's gratitude.

Please keep up your good work, continue to shine the great Light and "bear witness of the Light"!

My grandfather was able to live many years after the Cultural Revolution and saw the fall of communism.
– Mark Liang

I am very tired of knee-jerk news reporting with its partisan bias. The CSM is remarkable in its insightful analyses and its thoughtful views on events. Thanks for the good journalism much needed these days.
– Robert T. Neely

Thank you so much for the electronic version of csmonitor. I share articles with my computer classes from time to time. I fell in love with Peter Ford's article about Slow Food. The language was exquisite.
– Janice Gintzler

The series of articles on a "sane" way in which to discuss one's political views has been so helpful and ... "sane". Your entire approach to the news is such a breath of fresh air. Thank you, thank you!
– Sharon Welker
Prescott, Arizona

What can I say? You are the best! I am a disabled 75-year-old man, with use of one hand. I sold Monitors after Wed. night services here in Seattle at 1st Church, when 8-10 years old, but cannot now use print edition. Thank you for the service you provide on the Internet.
– Ken Griffin

I enjoyed the article "Electoral tug of war in the final stretch." Your articles are clear and concise – just what the reader is looking for these days. Thank you.
– Sybel Kimmel

I have always had a bias against the csmonitor simply because of the name. However I have changed my mind. I just read 3 articles ... and find the work to be excellent. I will come back to your site often.
– Jim Atteberry

I am so grateful to have found your newspaper. It is consistently interesting, informative, and inspiring. Thank you.
– Jennifer Chapman

It always amazes me how your group is capable of providing the highest quality of journalism without a dime of corporate influence. At least, if it's there, it's pretty hard to see. Others who venture into the realm of independent media are normally trying to expose a general world-view of theirs, which is unfortunate and in my opinion, corrupts the view of journalism further. Your site is a paradox in that it is close to a utopian view of what journalism can be.
– Erik Hollensbe

I am a longtime reader of your newspaper, and feel that it is easily one of the best in this country.
– Tony Azios

As neither a Christian nor a regular reader of your product, I must nevertheless congratulate you on what I've seen as some instances of journalistic integrity in this age of mainstream media back-patting of the corporate beneficiaries of public conception.
– Charles Groce

I just want to express my extreme admiration for the integrity of the CSM in even handed reporting, and high journalistic standards, clearly it would not be a crime if there was a bias from a publication that was rooted in Christian principles, but I am left incredulous at how fair and balanced the CSM is in reporting the important news of today. Thank you!
– Chris Farwell

Seen your articles in the Gulf News FRIDAY magazine and thought I would check out your website. Found the article on the blind meal fabulous. Keep writing these kind of articles – it does waken us up here!!!
– Minita Mouriess
Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates

The CS Monitor web site is a welcome relief from the other news sites which I have been reading. The site is nicely designed and full of good articles!
– Cynthia Deupree

Your news is the most relevant and contains the most objective reporting ever. I'd like to receive the daily issue on my Palm PDA. Make it easy for me, please.
– Andy Maxwell

I teach kindergarten in Charlotte, VT and we've been requesting a full day program for 11 years. Last spring I read and cut out your article. Two nights later I referred to it and incorporated it into my speech to the school board. It really helped and things went well. Not well enough, but we were closer last year than ever. I'll use it again this fall as we prepare our decision pack.
– Ebeth Scatchard
Charlotte, Vermont

I find your paper to be most thorough, fair, and balanced. It's remarkably sensible and easy to read as well as comprehend. I applaud all of your hard-working, dedicated, and talented staff of writers. Your editors can't go unnoticed as well for their strict discipline and insightfulness. Please continue the good work and God's speed.
– Stanley McCoy

I must say that, usually, Internet articles I find are rarely up to standards I need for school project purposes. The quality of your online publication, however, is greatly appreciated by myself and some of my fellow students. This site's commitment to morality and a frank look at topics is well deserving of praise. Thanks!
– S. Yuis

I don't anxiously expect to have my letter published in your columns. Maybe you only publish letters of American citizens, and I happen to be a French woman living in France. I just wanted to express my thought. I read Christian Science Monitor almost every day on the web and I do like it. Thank you to help me in making my own opinion.
– Angela Delmont

I have to say what a wonderful news source you are. Your articles seem to be sincere and well balanced. You tell the truth which in this day and age of say one thing and do another and what they glibly refer to as "spin" (perhaps that used to be known as "lying"), you are really a breath of fresh air.

I remember reading your print edition in college. Now I've rediscovered your organization on the Internet. Thank you (truly).
– Tom Stouras

I have had on a few occasions the opportunity to read your publication and have found it most informative. The articles in the Christian Science Monitor are like a breath of fresh air to me.
– Patrick J McKelvie

Your excellence in journalism is very much appreciated. Thank you.
– Suzanne Gentling

My father was a journalist who subscribed to the Christian Science Monitor by mail. I remember as a child asking him why, with all the newspapers in our house, he subscribed to CSM. He told me he felt that "the Monitor" was the most balanced, objective newspaper he could find. He referred to CSM as "pure" journalism. After years of absence from CSM I have recently begun reading it online and find it calm, direct, balanced, full of real news. Thank you for presenting all sides of issues in a way rare today. Thank you for remaining "pure."
– J.D. Scudder

Blessings on you CSMonitor – you are much loved!!
– John Burnett

I just recently subscribed to the Monitor, and I love it. I want to thank you so much for the way you approach news – you're hard-hitting, unbiased, and genuinely interested in exploring the past, present and future implications of every article you publish.
– Jeff Rosenberg

I am a long-time reader of the Monitor. (When) I was not yet of an age to read it. I remember it being delivered to my family home. Now in my "third" age it has become, over the years, an important part of my life. ... I would like to congratulate you for maintaining your high standard of journalism, for giving me much pleasure, and information I do not find elsewhere.
– Margaret L. Malval
Ridgefield, CT

I have been citing to my friends the CSM as a model of a newspaper without an "attitude," without a chip on its shoulder. And, oddly enough, it does not blunt incisiveness but rather enables you to get inside the issue or person being showcased. In this vitriol-laced time, what a relief. (I am a Presbyterian minister, semi-retired)
– Dr. Peter Fribley

I am Jewish and would just like to take the opportunity to thank you for being fair and just in a world that condemns the right, and condones the criminals.

Thank you for your moral clarity which existed long before the world understood what morals were. You are ahead of your time.
– Susan Naftali

I thoroughly enjoy and intellectually as well as spiritually benefit from reading your periodical.
– Bo Moore

Studied your newspaper decades ago in journalism school. Still the best.
– L. Benning

Like many Americans I am not a big fan of reporters. I like your news service as it tends to be more balanced in my opinion. For me, this was confirmed when I read the simple story "A journey into the epicenter of the Sadr standoff". Great story! I found myself in suspense, imagining driving the road the journalists did. You reported back your findings, without judgment and I commend you.
– Dave Gifford
Tucson, AZ

What a pleasure to find a rational, thoughtful and factual website. I am so impressed, and so sorry I had not visited you before. You are now my home page. And thank you for not having ads with flashy distracting animations everywhere. You are an oasis of intelligence in today's crass news market.
– Trish Fullerton

Thank you for a refreshing daily paper. I always wondered why the few news clippings I'd catch online from CSM were so unbiased and balanced compared to the vast majority of US media, when I would expect a paper with "Christian" in the name to take a rather conservative tack. Then I found www.csmonitor.com/aboutus/about_the_monitor.html which explains it all.

Thank you again for a paper that is a wonderful contribution to knowledge.
– Jon Brown
Irvine, CA

CBC is the radio station that is mostly tuned in at our house. Today is the second time that we have heard Scott Baldauf reporting from Najaf, Iraq, replying to questions from a CBC interviewer. It is exciting to hear this well done and informative reporting on our Canadian station with credits given, loud and clear, to The Christian Science Monitor. Thank you for your efforts on our behalf.
– Blanche and George Bosdet

I just received notice of your increasing rates. I want to let you know how willing we are to pay a little bit more for such an excellent newspaper. My husband is a diligent reader and won't even let me recycle old issues. I don't read every issue, but when I do I am always surprised at the breadth of thoughtful news coverage, book and movie reviews, food and parenting articles, etc. This kind of resource is hard to find and worth supporting. Keep up the good work.
– S. Adams-Kollitz

Thank you for your consistent, high quality reporting ... I commend the editors for the choice of reporting we find in the Monitor and the reporters for their superb reporting. I have been particularly impressed with the quality of reporting out of Afghanistan and Iraq.
– Forrest Walpole

I just wanted to extend my complements to the CSM. I discovered the CSM on the CNN website. I am an atheist and feel that I should qualify that fact. I expected articles and opinion pieces to be biased at best. I have to admit now my error and commend you for the exceptional work that you do. The articles and opinion pieces in the CSM are in my humble opinion the most "unbiased" when compared to the other major news organizations. Thank-you for telling it like is with facts and not spin.
– Robert Maszk

I'd just like to thank the CSM for doing such a great job. I appreciate your approach to news reporting. In an age where there is such partisanship and hostilities your coverage is a breath of fresh air. Keep up the good work.
– Amelia N.

I would only say that after going through this paper and reading articles on different issues, it looks as if this paper belongs to each and every person, and it is a family paper.
– FASAHAT MOHIIUDDIN MOHI
HOUSTON TEXAS

Just a word of thanks for the news services the Monitor puts out. It is definitely one of the best sites on the Web and the most truthful about what is going on in the world around us. Thank you again for putting out such a great website.
– Frances Greenfield

I get a lot of my news from your website. Thanks for doing honest reporting. You are rare today in this country and I tell people that.
– James Coyle

I am neither a Christian, nor a Scientist, but I thoroughly enjoy getting my news from your website. I find it to be a breath of fresh air from the (often) biased reporting of the traditional media giants. Keep it up!
– Mike Johnston

You are "a voice in the wilderness".
– Mary L. Bosco

I am neither a Christian nor a Scientist but I cannot help but keep return to your site for its first rate journalism. Thank you!
– Andrew Archibald
Scotland

I am a new reader of your publication, and I am certainly impressed. I have heard of your publication in the past, but being non-religious, your namesake has always turned me off. But like Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, content outweighs religious prejudice. Were it not for my "religious" reading of the Washington Post and the NY Times, I would have a subscription. God Bless the Internet. Thankfully,
– Raffi Vartion

What you're doing is very important to me as a reader. It makes a global village neighbor not seem so distant. I love that with the Monitor I don't have to dig far to find a wealth and breadth of objective world coverage unlike any other news publication.
– Laurenz Peschke

I'm a girl from China. I first came to know your website and newspaper just two years ago, introduced to me by my English teacher. Now I am a regular reader of the site. But it's really a pity that I have no access to the real newspaper.

What I like most about the csmonitor is its commentary section. To be honest, it shocked me a lot, almost off the chair, the first time I read an article in the Monitor's view. Really bold, I have to say, accurate and straight to the point. What's more, no sophisticated vocabulary was used while the content was that amazing, so that even a reader like me, whose English is not very good, could understand it. The most important of all, I guess, is that the csmonitor offers me an opportunity to see the fact from another – brand new – perspective, and at the same time gives me the courage to talk, to express my view freely, even faced with great pressure, regardless of what some people may think about my words, as long as I think I'm holding some points.
– Christie

YOUR PAPER IS THE BEST! YOUR ARCIVES ARE EXCELLENT. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK.
– Ed Rogers

I live in Vancouver Canada, and I read various papers daily via the Internet. I am pleased and surprised at the quality of your paper.
– Jane Rayvals

Please allow me to take a moment to say thank you to you for your extremely thorough and responsible reporting on the happenings here in Israel. I am an American currently living in Jerusalem and am coming to the end of the first year of five years of training to become a rabbi (the remaining four years will be back in the States). It has been painful and frustrating watching the irresponsible "reporting" of the world's leading international news sources covering Israel. Biased photos and articles with clear anti-Israel agendas have abounded rather than thoughtful stories including an attempt to understand Israel and the decisions the government here makes.

Your reporting represents the high standard of excellence I have come to expect from the Christian Science Monitor. I have been recommending your paper and your articles to family and friends at home this year who ask me for more information in an attempt to better understand the situation.

I appreciate the non-sensationalist style of your articles and your balanced coverage. As a future rabbi and as a regular reader I will most certainly continue to recommend your paper as one of the only sources for accurate, balanced, truthful and compassionate coverage. Indeed Mary Baker Eddy would be proud of her legacy which you have maintained true to her intentions. Kol HaKavod Lachem! (All the honor to you!) L'Shalom,
– Deborah Marcus

Thanks for that story on Music Makers today. I've learned a lot by reading you guys – things that never show up anywhere else. Keep up the great work.
– Bob Gregory