Pubdate: Sat, 01 Sep 2012
Source: Mail Tribune, The (Medford, OR)
Copyright: 2012 The Mail Tribune
Contact:  http://www.mailtribune.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/642
Note: Only prints LTEs from within it's circulation area, 200 word count limit

HAVE YOU EVER TRIED TO FIT 'MARI-JUANA' IN 1 COLUMN?

Why do you guys at the Mail Tribune and Daily Tidings use the word 
"pot" for everything that has to do with medical marijuana? Why not 
use medical marijuana or medical cannabis?

Do you just want to stir the pot or to degrade medical patients?

- -- Marc, by email

First, Marc, kudos on the "stir the pot" comment. As well-documented 
masters of the double entendre, we here at Since You Asked gladly 
acknowledge your quip.

But on to the serious question you pose. With all due respect, the 
word "pot" is not used quite as regularly as you suggest. At least 
not in stories; headlines are another issue, which we'll get to.

We ventured into the Since You Asked catacombs, through the spider 
webs and dank pools of water, to review our archives.

(OK, they are actually on our computers, but even that journey can be 
frightening).

Here are four of the more recent stories we've run on medical 
marijuana and the words we used to described marijuana:

June 2: "Martial arts trainer, three others face pot charges." The 
story contained 17 references to "marijuana" and none to "pot."

July 6: "Council says no to pot-laced goodies." Seven references to 
"marijuana," none to "pot."

Aug. 1: "State fines dropped over pot initiative comments." Four 
references in the story to "marijuana," none to "pot."

Aug. 29: "Cannabis cafe closes its doors in Ashland." Seven 
references to "marijuana" or "cannabis," three to "pot."

So, Marc, as you can see, we don't use the word "pot" very often in 
stories. But you also see that it is used frequently in headlines. 
The reason is simple and has nothing to do with a lack of respect for 
medical marijuana users. When it comes to headlines, size matters, 
and the word "pot" fits in a lot more places than "marijuana." It's 
really that simple.

It would be easy to figure that headline writers just aren't what 
they used to be, that they've gone to pot, so to speak (bazinga!). 
But the truth is that they usually get only enough space to write a 
six-or seven-word headline that will accurately describe an 800- or 
1,000-word story. On deadline, with their boss menacing them with his 
cat o' nine tails.

It's enough to drive a guy to drink, or whatever his preferred medication is.

Send questions to "Since You Asked," Mail Tribune Newsroom, P.O. Box 
1108, Medford, OR 97501; by fax to 541-776-4376; or by email to  We're sorry, but the volume of questions 
received prevents us from answering all of them.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom