Each time I read an editorial or column that consists of "made up" conversations and imaginary people, I feel ill. Lorraine Ahearn was the worst offender, but now this trend has slunk onto the editorial page ("One more dinner in Raleigh overloads Jim Black's friends," Dec. 14).

Please, have a backbone; take a stand. If you have nothing to say, leave the space blank. I would prefer to have the room to doodle or write a memo than read "news" that may have happened if …
Better yet, write fiction, get an agent and a contract. But for the love of every journalist who has put pen to paper and given thoughtful consideration to what he wishes to say, stop corresponding with your imaginary pen pals and reporting their conversations. It's cheap, lazy and insulting to people who still bother to read.

Sherry Murr
Greensboro