LETTERS: Where's the perk in $200?

To the Editor: So it was with more than a tinge of irony that I noted The Daily Pennsylvanian's use of the word "perk" in the following: "?there is also an added economic perk. Students wishing to use the Gimbel and Hutchinson facilities will have to pay $75 per year, approximately $250 less than a full two semester membership at the off-campus University City Nautilus?" ("Gimbel workout room set to open," 9/4/98). The fact is that the students, faculty and staff were charged zero dollars to use the old weight room in Hutchinson's basement. Faculty and staff will now pay $200. And the option to use a free facility has been spirited away in the process. So please, don't use the word "perk" to refer to a situation in which choice has been removed and costs imposed where there were none before. It's inaccurate and doesn't fully supply the facts. Nick Sohier Telecommunications Services