Tesco said it had been working to sell the Co-op site, but had failed to find a buyer that met competition approval.

BBC: NEWS | UK | England | Berkshire | Tesco 'has limited competition'

In that case, it is better to save those messages for a speech, when you have a captive audience, a white paper for your web site, an op-ed column, or even a book or special report.

FORBES: Make Your Message Tight And Simple -Media Training

For now these members must buy their gear through the co-op's catalogs or on its rapidly growing Web site (www.rei.com ).

FORBES: Backpackers meet the bottom line

On this week's Wall Street Journal op-ed page, Ronald Kessler, Chief Washington correspondent of Newsmax.com, a conservative political Web site, condemned Obama for his ties to this pastor.

NPR: Minister Off Obama Team for Controversial Sermons