Letters to the Editor

Considering that, at a glance it appears as though at least half of your ads (and consequently your salaries) are paid for by local small business and specialty shops, I was appalled at your obvious snub. What about the local record stores that have struggled for years against the commercial gurus -- who would normally get a stellar review from Denverites (who more often than not will support an independent retailer over a corporate package). Or the local video stores that dig their heels in the sand against the attempted monopolization by blockbuster mega-thieves. Not to mention, itty-bitty grains-of-sand boutiques, not too unlike mine, that try to offer up exceptional services and unique goods to the community but are not located in -- and would never, ever consider being located in -- a mall.

You have ostracized many of the unique shopping areas and, thus, experiences by omitting this category from your survey. I remember when Westwordwas supportive of local business, perhaps because it was one. Now I see a corporation with a smoking gun.
Kity Ironton
Denver

Editor's note: Hold your horses! As the Best of Denver 2000 readers' poll notes, the listed categories are just a fraction of those that will appear in the June 29 Best of Denver. The poll is designed to whet readers' appetites (sadly, dozens of people no doubt are answering Taco Bell to the "Best Taco" question right now) for the issue, and also to inspire write-in nominations. So round up some of your favorite people, places and things, and go to westword.combestof/2000/ballot/index.html, where it's not too late to fill out a ballot.