Feedback from our readers

Politically Correct
Thank you for putting Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert on the cover [a parody of The New Yorker‘s]. Not only was it hilarious, but it also highlights their significance in these very polarizing times. They make me smile because even though we’re laughing, we’re all scared, and it’s like we’re all sharing the same inside joke. They make the news more palatable.
Jennifer E. Haddakin
Hemet, Calif.

It’s Not a Hit, It’s HBO
HBO’s ratings troubles can be directly attributed to its track record of unfairly canceling brilliant programs like Deadwood, Carnivàle, and Rome (”HBO in Treatment”). Viewers are unwilling to follow new shows such as Tell Me You Love Me or In Treatment, for fear that those series will suffer like fates. HBO can now expect exactly the same loyalty that it has shown to its subscribers — absolutely none.
Joseph Calvillo
Rialto, Calif.

Emmys Fix
Re: Your article about declining viewers for the Emmys, I think the general public is sick of Hollywood taking these moments to give us their political opinions (News & Notes). I watch awards shows for the fashion and to see who wins. If they want to increase ratings, do what they do best — act, sing, or dance. If they want to talk politics, run for office.
Heather Leach
Orofino, Idaho

Talking About ‘Sex’
Whitney Pastorek got it wrong in her Sex and the City DVD review. The film perfectly captured the essence of the characters, story lines, and style. Now, The X-Files: I Want to Believe was a complete misfire. Pastorek defended the X-Files movie in an EW.com article published not long ago, which makes me wonder if, maybe, she’s a little bitter toward the success of SATC for getting it right.
Jack Groce II
Weaverville, N.C.

Writer Whitney Pastorek responds: Comparing SATC with The X-Files is apples and aliens; plus, it’s important to remember that my grade factored in the DVD extras, which were an enormous disappointment. The lack of meaningful bonus material tells me there’s an even specialer edition on the way. Do something Carrie wouldn’t: Save your money and wait for that.

A Way With Words
Diablo Cody’s column is always a treat, but she needs a trophy for so nonchalantly using the word bildungsromans.
Lisa Day
Burbank

EW’S ”RECALL THE GOLD” PROJECT
If you could vote for past Oscars and CHANGE FILM HISTORY, would you? Now’s your chance.

EW has launched a massive Hollywood survey to discover which Oscar-winning achievements have stood the test of time. This week, 7,000 ”Recall the Gold” ballots were mailed to elite members of the film industry inviting them to revote on everything from Best Actress in a Supporting Role to Best Picture in five separate years: 2003, 1998, 1993, 1988, and 1983. But we don’t want to just hear from directors and producers and actors. We want to hear from you. Should Shakespeare in Love have beaten Saving Private Ryan for Best Picture in 1998? How do you feel about Roberto Benigni winning Best Actor for Life Is Beautiful? Log on to EW.com to vote on past Oscar races and tell us what you think. EW.com will highlight a different category in a different year every few days. We’ll publish Hollywood’s verdict — and yours — in January 2009. Here’s your opportunity to tell the Academy what you really think.