Personally speaking
As part of the campaign that aims to warn people against mobile text message scams, I would request the management of shopping malls and centres devise a method to keep all the personal information of people who participate in draws and contests absolutely confidential ("Text messages scam warning for mobile phone users," Gulf News, August 15). Some people tend to drop coupons in the boxes while participating in a contest. These usually contain personal details such as the person's name, age, address, e-mail address and mobile numbers - information that is then easily available to other people. If possible, these should be destroyed once the draw has been held; otherwise the personal information could be misused if it falls into the wrong hands.
From Mr Hussain H.
Dubai

Innocent victims
I praise the efforts of the authorities. My friends became victims of one such scam, a year ago. It is unfortunate that innocent people get trapped in such cons. I am glad that the authorities can be relied on to provide the right information and to protect us, too.
From Mr Eshard S. Al. Deen
Dubai

Practice phone etiquette
Mobile phones have become an integral part of our lives. Unfortunately, many users do not practice etiquette while talking on their phones. Additionally, there are some who refuse to answer their phones and allow it to ring on loudly. Some users talk loudly, too, irrespective of where they may be. A friend of mine who uses public transport on a regular basis said that he is kept up to date of almost all personal matters pertaining to another commuter, even though they do not know each other. While a mobile phone is convenient to keep in touch, we should ensure that our conversations do not disturb other people. A little care will spare other people from getting an earful.
From Mr C. Sunil Roy
Dubai

Wasted dates
Dubai Municipality is working around the clock to keep Dubai green. The date palm trees are beautiful and reflect the country's heritage. However, it saddens me to see ripe dates strewn across most parks and areas - some people stamp on them as they walk by. It would be great if the leaves and branches of the palm trees could be covered with a large mesh, thereby preventing the dates from falling onto the ground. Additionally, arrangements could be made to send some dates to countries where food supply is scarce.
From Ms Priti MacKinnon
Dubai

Not a problem
Schools in Mumbai, India had been shut for a week as a preventive measure to contain the spread of the H1N1 virus. This is sensible and responsible. However, some people might believe that this is a bit too much, and that the closures were not required. I urge such people to remember that prevention is better than cure. If closing down schools and public institutions can help contain the virus, it should be strictly enforced. Human life is precious, and shutting down institutions for as long as it takes should not be a problem.
From Mr Rajendra Aneja
Dubai

Specially designed
This is in response to the community report by U. Kataky ("The eyesore of hanging laundry," Gulf News, August 14). The reader complains that hanging laundry on the balcony railings of high-rise buildings creates an ugly sight. We all know that drying clothes is necessary and a part of daily routine. Therefore, it would help if buildings could be constructed in a manner which could accommodate our need to dry clothes, while blocking the clothes from public view, too. Blaming the residents and subjecting fines is not a fair solution, according to me.
From Ms Romi S.
Doha, Qatar

Supplements win strong support

Regrettable
I loved reading the Explore and Unwind sections of Gulf News, published every Saturday, especially since I work alone on this day. I have been a Gulf News reader ever since the newspaper was first launched. However, it is regrettable that the delivery of the aforementioned supplements has been discontinued for regular buyers. I have thus decided not to subscribe to Gulf News anymore and will switch to another newspaper instead.
From Mr Sebastian T. Joseph
Abu Dhabi

Disappointed
For the past few weeks, the Saturday edition of Gulf News has been delivered to the Spinneys in the Dubai Marina area, missing the Explore and Unwind supplements. All that is in the newspaper is the Business and Sport sections. I really enjoy Gulf News' Saturday edition and this has been a real disappointment. I've complained to the Spinneys management, but nothing is being done. Please sort this out. From Mr Atwell Goins
UAE

Editor's Note: Unwind, Explore and Weekend Review are available only to subscribers. It is a value addition to our dedicated readers. Hence, you would not be able to find these publications in individual buys. We welcome you to subscribe to Gulf News. Additionally, you can also read material from these publications on gulfnews.com.