"The collapsed future of 'Mad Max' won't be explored anymore," Mr. Allen, the Washington writer, said.

After being traded to St. Louis, Washington writers commented about Heath's unwise riding of Robertson on the bench during games and calling him "owner's pet."

Louise Graves, a 74-year-old Washington writer and editor, put down $1,000 for a place on the Fuller Village waiting list three years ago, when the project was proposed.

Jeff Stein, a Washington writer who has covered intelligence issues, said, "Woodward covers the administration, and Sy covers the back alleys."

Months ago, Andrew Carroll, a Washington writer and historian, heard about the letters.

He told Washington writers: "I'm kind of getting to the point where now, every day, I'm defending myself.

Sally Quinn (Smith '63), the Washington writer, expressed alarm when I first reached her.

Pat Choate, a Washington writer and critic of the role of foreign lobbyists in American trade policy-making, is the co-author.

Michelle Cottle is a Washington writer.

"One of the things that Washington thrives on is new faces," said the Washington writer Sally Quinn.