Our national editor, Marc Lacey, introduces a new effort at The Times to bring our readers deeper into our coverage. Yes, that Marc Lacey.

Journalists are cautious about using superlatives. Say something is the worst and it is likely that someone somewhere will point out an even more dire example. The hottest. The deadliest. The earliest. These are all fraught terms.

But here’s an assertion that none of you will challenge: The Times is blessed with the very finest readers of any publication. They are the brightest and most erudite. They are the most compassionate and thoughtful readers around. Challenge that!

We regularly receive evidence of just how exceptional you are. You praise our most ambitious work. You critique us when we mess things up. You offer up insightful tips, wise ideas, juicy information. It is largely because of our respect for you that we have started a new experiment called “Your Lead” aimed at including you more directly in the journalistic process.