LETTERS TO L.A. LIFE : SOME PUBLIC-ACCESS CABLE AIMS TO ILLUMINATE, INSPIRE.

Congratulations to L.A. Life for focusing on the bottom feeders of local access cable (``Getting steamy on local cable,'' March 31).

Highlighting these types of shows perpetuates the notion that grass-roots programming is inherently low-class, thereby scaring off potential viewers and new producers with fresh ideas.

There are producers of access television, such as myself, who view it as an amazing opportunity to explore the richness of our community and beyond. Some of us hope to illuminate and inspire rather than titillate or appeal to the lowest common denominator (a common charge by your reviewers of network TV). I was disappointed in the article's emphasis on the cheesier element rather than on those of us who put in the time and effort to create quality programming. Without fairer coverage of the broad spectrum of available shows, it is unlikely that cable access' image will improve anytime soon.

- Joanne Gordon

Sherman Oaks

(The author is the producer of ``Animal Tails,'' a cable-access show carried by TCI and Century Cable in the San Fernando Valley.

Differences between film, videotape worth noting

In the scheme of things, it's truly one of those minor annoyances. As issues go, there are certainly more pressing ones to make noise about. But as a great believer in the clarity of prose and the symmetry of language, I must pose a rather simple question: Is there any reporter, any reporter at all, in the print or broadcast media, who knows the difference between film and videotape?

Seriously. KNBC promotes they'll be live backstage during a Seinfeld ``taping.'' The Los Angeles Times publishes an article about the final ``taping'' of Murphy Brown. Stacey Brown of the Daily News reports on a Native American protest during a ``taping'' of the series ``J.A.G.''

I don't mean to burst any technological bubbles here, but ``J.A.G.'' is, as is the majority of prime-time television programming, shot on FILM, not tape. This chronic misuse of the word ``taping'' has come to distort both the intrinsic and artistic nature of both mediums. There is a world of difference - in style, in tone, in production, in cost. Check out ``The Larry Sanders Show.'' It brilliantly combines the two.

Did Abraham Zapruder videotape the assassination of President Kennedy? Were the Senate Watergate hearings broadcast live on film? Was ``Roots'' recorded before a studio audience? Does the footage for ``Days of Our Lives'' have to be processed at the lab? Is the Daily News published as a newsletter? One would think that Mr. Brown and his colleagues of the Fourth Estate would appreciate the distinction.

- Jack E. Herman

North Hollywood

(The author is a member of the Screen Actors Guild and works in film and television.)

Casting appreciative eye at Mann's priorities in life

I enjoyed the Alfred Mann story (``A New Breed of Entrepreneur,'' L.A. Life, March 30). I think Mr. Mann is demonstrating other traits than just loving work, however.

He is demonstrating what a keen interest he has in life itself. What makes it go? What more can I learn about its mysteries? He has learned that the more one knows, the less one knows, and that is what keeps him involved. He also demonstrates that when human beings are involved in intensely interesting projects, it really isn't work anymore. It is rightfully called ``an adventure.''

Interests are life-long. Interests are absorbing. If they produce money, that is good, and as Mr. Mann demonstrates by his contributions to three universities, is not the whole point of the endeavor.

It is too bad that more people in our society cannot seem to get caught up in adventures which would keep them from murdering others, dropping out of school, getting into drugs and alcohol and destructive sex, as well as into destructive practices such as road rage.

Just visualize how much happier they would be.

- Theodora Howell

West Hills