Who knew sports could be such a controversial subject?
Since experimenting with various sports columns in place of the Sports Roundup at the start of the month, Guardian Weekly readers' emails have poured in with loads of fabulous feedback.
Many of you love the change, though the numbers of those not enamoured don't fall that far behind.
Please keep in mind that we are testing columns, and no decision has yet been made about how best to use the space. No publication can afford to stand still, and I think it's good to review, reassess and reconnect in terms of content with those who matter most – the readers.
One thing's for sure: it will be for sports.
While we continue to source lively and informative commentary on sport, and keep testing in the Roundup space, I'd like to offer a quick summary of what you've told us so far.
"I do think that with the ready availability of the internet and the Guardian's own site that the Roundup is becoming redundant," wrote one subscriber from Oxfordshire, in the UK.
That's exactly why we decided to try out some new content, so thanks for those remarks.
Similar comments came from other readers: "Love the idea. Shining a light on various sports organisations can't be all that bad. After all, I get sports reports and comment ad nauseum via the local media."
Some of you were lured to the sports space – in some cases for the first time – by the snappy wit of Marina Hyde, who penned the first piece. She's a fine writer, and it seems to me we should work Marina into the Weekly more often, possibly in other places, however we proceed with the Roundup.
"Yes, yes, yes. More Marina Hyde, whose wit bites like glass shivers," wrote one reader from Denver, Colorado. Your thoughts are appreciated.
Still, not everyone was pleased, including this reader, who has been with the Weekly since 1968. "I was devastated to find no Sports Roundup today. This is the page I always turn to first and most eagerly. It used to be even better with brilliantly funny pieces. Can we have that back please?" We're taking your comments into consideration, and appreciate that you think the Weekly is highly valued as a publication overall. Thanks.
Another long-time reader was equally disappointed. "I have been reading the Weekly for nearly 40 years … first you cancel the bridge column … and now the Sports Roundup." Please do note that we are testing out new content – the Roundup hasn't been cancelled – and your feedback is helpful indeed.
Some readers clearly find respite in the Roundup. "Please bring back Sports Roundup. It's usually the only cheerful news in the whole paper and always has a good mix of different sports," was the plea from a reader in Western Australia.
All your feedback on our content, wherever it appears in the Weekly, on its tone, tenor and range, is valued, so thanks to this reader from Shenton Park, WA, for writing in. A light-hearted look at the week can always be found on the Shortcuts page, which I enjoy compiling. And UK news is reviewed in a sharp and sassy way by Derek Brown in his Week in Britain column. I'd point you both places if the world is generally getting you down.
We'll spend another week or two testing columns and assessing what you say about the Sports Roundup. Your thoughts are appreciated at weekly.feedback@guardian.co.uk or in the comments below.
Abby Deveney
Deputy Editor
