They can take it
Sir: May I claim the right of reply to Paul Johnson's gratuitous `rubbishing' of copy- takers in his article on the new technology (The press, 6 May)? Copytakers as a body of men and women are neither better nor worse tempered than other people. Perhaps Mr Johnson was referring to his own temper?
He may not, but others may, rest assured that the copytakers are still here. They are using the new technology for all aspects of their job, i.e. 'input' of facsimile and manuscript copy; helping harassed foreign correspondents suffering with mini- computer failure and/or 'telex constipa- tion'; getting the sporting news into the paper as it happens; serving local corres- pondents; and they have been on hand to help in reporting our all too frequent disasters.
Many journalists will continue to be happy with our services when they need them. We shall not miss Mr Johnson.
Jim Arlow
Chief Copytaker emeritus, The Observer, 9 Broomfield Court, Hanger Hill,
Weybridge, Surrey
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