I understand your reasons for going tabloid (Guardian journalism goes from strength to strength. It’s just our shape that’s changing, 14 June) but fear that, despite your good intentions, you will, like the Independent and the Times, lose that aura of gravitas and je ne sais quoi – is it dignity? – that goes with being a broadsheet.
Richard Griffiths
King’s Lynn, Norfolk
• I have been buying the Guardian for very many years; despite the ever-increasing amount I’ve had to pay, I’ve done so willingly because I know serious journalism costs money. But for some time you’ve chosen to make available free, on your website, the material I pay you to produce. Do you ever stop to consider how those of us who actually pay for the paper every day feel about your encouragement of large numbers of freeloaders – most of whom are undoubtedly more wealthy than I am?
If I soon join the ranks of those who no longer pay for the Guardian, hence exacerbating your financial problems, it won’t be because I’ve changed my mind about the value of your journalism, but because I have only a limited amount of patience regarding your collusion in my exploitation.
Albert Beale
London
• For the past few years I have felt so flamboyant when reading my Berliner-sized Guardian, easy to handle, particularly when ostentatiously page-turning in a public space to remind others that damned smartphones are not the only media outlet. So your new format will take a while to come around to, no doubt. But so long as the journalism and photography are not too compromised and there are no staples to hold the pages together, maybe it’ll be okay.
And, of course, the 50% reduction in price is a real bonus! Or was that false news?
Gary Bennett
Exeter
• As a loyal reader for 50 years, I welcome the proposed tabloid format. The Guardian needs to connect with more progressive people, especially the young Labour supporters out there.
But I do see an opportunity to write more concise articles. Most of us do not have the time to read the lengthy articles of late.
John Berry
Nottingham
• When you changed to the Berliner size I was pleasantly surprised to see that there was no loss of gravitas resulting from the change. I do believe that changing now to the tabloid shape is to be regretted but if your readership has indeed more than halved in the years since then you have little choice.
Les Summers
Kidlington, Oxfordshire
• As a longstanding reader and current subscriber I welcome the news that you will be changing format to continue the print edition. But may I put in a plea? I’ve grown older with the Guardian and now find it difficult to read the sometimes very small print in G2. Please will you ensure that all print sizes in the tabloid paper will be readable without reaching for the magnifying glass?
Didy Ward
Bungay, Suffolk
• Whatever size or shape the Guardian comes in I will always buy it but please do not tamper with those marvellous cryptic crosswords.
Ken Grimshaw
Bridport, Dorset
• My aunt maintains that she buys the Mail because it fits the cat’s litter tray. Now perhaps she will improve her reading habits.
Philippa Clarke
Southampton
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