With reference to the two letters entitled Adverts Should Pay For Heritage Magazine by Eileen Ellis and Ray Sacco (April 4), I truly cannot comprehend what all the fuss is about.
First and foremost, I seriously doubt how many copies of these magazines "went straight into the bin" as stated by Ms Ellis.
Indeed, it would be interesting to see which exact source she is quoting and where such information came from. I sense an element of extreme exaggeration here.
Secondly, the number of adverts that are actually placed in the magazine is a matter which concerns the publishers and them alone.
What I can say is that when comparing the level of advertising in the first issue (published on March 26) to that found in foreign magazines - many sold at prices 10 to 15 times more than the additional cost of 40c being asked of us readers - it does not strike me as being overly excessive.
This first issue, World Heritage Sites In Malta, contained over 60 pages of stunning photography and scholarly text presented in an interesting way - quite a snip at 40c (17c of the old Maltese lira!).
I am not trying to champion anybody's cause here. As stated in my letter published in The Times on April 1, I am simply expressing my support for a strategic decision taken by Malta's leading newspaper to regale us with a beautifully-detailed magazine that emphatically supports Malta's culture and heritage - exposing it to the public in the process. Indeed, it is a publication which should be treasured and collected by all for many years to come, especially by the younger generation. For the sake of our heritage we need these initiatives.
And the meagre once-monthly 40c increase? To all those who simply do not appreciate and value our national heritage and beauty, I suggest they go spend their 40 cents on a couple of pastizzi - it won't buy them much more!
I look forward to the forthcoming issue which, if I am not mistaken, will be dedicated to Malta's museums, a subject very close to my heart. Well done to The Times for this initiative. Encore!