Liz: Before I deal with the specifics of your message, a few basics need to be stated. Plain and simple, I generally don't comment on the grammar, spelling, or other linguistic failings of my fellow posters on mailing lists. It's neither my job nor my vocation, and I lack both the time and the patience to do it. I opted to speak out on this one because of the inherent irony involved in the announcement. It's an error-ridden document whose content is in direct and ironic opposition to its stated goal. I was, frankly, amused by the specific item that I cited -- the bit about "stress-reliving" -- and my admittedly cynical posting was intended to be reminiscent of the contents of the many collections of mirth-provoking bloopers, student errors, and the like that are available in most bookstores. (And even some libraries...)
Alas, your response indicates that all this flew substantially under your radar. So it goes. I hope that some of our joint readership got the joke, even if it passed you by. Many of the notions in your note, however, deserve their own response. I agree that the kid in question is trying to do a good deed. In fact, the original post clearly states that it's part of his Eagle Scout project, and those are always Good Deeds on the grandest of scales. I agree, too, that help from our local community might speed him to his laudable goal. And, yes, libraries are wonderful places where I, too, spent many happy hours. All of that, is not particularly relevant to my post, but UCity is not a list where sticking to a topic is considered a virtue. Where I disagree with you, however, is when you claim that the good intentions of teenagers oblige us to treat grammar errors as "No Harm - No Foul". What you have forgotten is that this young man is not speaking purely for himself, nor is he conducting a private conversation where your approach might be appropriate. Instead, he is also speaking for his Scout Troop, and, on a broader scale, for all Scouts in the public eye. His words and actions reflect back on his Troop and its leadership, on the local Scout Council, and on the BSA as a whole. Because of this, it was clearly inappropriate for his adult advisors to allow this notice to reach the public without careful review and a "tune-up." The Scout in question may not be a future English teacher, but that does not absolve his leaders from their dereliction of duty in this regard. I also disagree with your notion that only those "who are close to Moses may try to tweak his speech and writing." That's pure hogwash. If you speak in a public forum -- and that includes putting up flyers for a book drive just as much as it includes posting messages here -- then you must expect public comment. In a message dated 7/21/2004 12:14:34 PM Eastern Daylight Time, "Elizabeth F. Campion" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: > >Hi Dave and list neighbors, > >The kid who wrote the notice, a UC neighbor, is trying to do a good deed. >The Adult volunteer who posted the notice for him is one of the better >"editors" that I know, but.. she choose to let him speak in his own >words. >She recognized that his goal, to collect almost 400 books, might need the >broader audience and cooperation of our UC Village. >When it comes to the good intentions of teenagers, grammar errors should >be treated as "No Harm - No Foul". Those of us who are close to Moses >may try to tweak his speech and writing, but we are proud of him, and of >any High School kid, that would take the time to identify a need and than >work to solve the need. > >I (and many folks that I know) owe a huge debt to our Free Library >system. >Reading was an escape from hunger and worry. >It was a journey to magical and mundane places. >Reading provided a vocabulary that helped define change and resolve >confusions. > >When I was growing up the Branch Library at 40th and Walnut and the main >Library at 19th and the Parkway were welcoming places with great programs >for kids. Today, some Libraries seem less welcoming, and kids seem less >independent. I walked, alone or with other kids, to 40th and Walnut from >43rd and Larchwood. I see few kids today with the same freedoms. >Once at the Library, I was encouraged to wash my hands if I were really >grubby, but I never felt less because of the style or condition of my >clothes. I found wonderful community among readers. I still do. Books >and articles are conversation starters and our common cultural >foundation. > >I suspect that kids in shelters have fewer options and receive less >welcome at book stores and libraries. >My child, with access to my wallet, is invited to and included in the >free readings at bookstores, but some urban kids are followed by security >from the moment they enter a store. > >I find comfort in thinking about a teen (a future man) who would invest >his thoughts, time and muscle into collecting 400 books (200#s?) to >establish a library for kids who have less than he has. I imagine >expanded horizons for the children and young adults who will benefit from >his efforts. I hope everyone on the list donates at least one book and I >hope there is a fine mix of old classics and shiny new volumes. Some of >the beneficiaries may need the gloss and hype of new photo books or Harry >Potter reputation, and others may curl up with an adventure by Verne, >London or Scott. > >I will join Kathleen in offering my porch for drop-off and our car for >pickup of books for children and young adults. >I hope everyone who reads this note makes some effort to help kids and / >or increase literacy, whether by supporting Moses's program now or by >sending some worthy cause time, treasure or talent. My own experience is >that volunteering feels good and generally leaves the giver with more >than was given away. > >Best! >Liz > >On Tue, 20 Jul 2004 09:08:41 EDT [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: >> >> We believe that by putting the books in a community center, the kids >> that >> hang out there, will find there way to the books and enjoy a >> stress-reliving, >> thought provoking literary experience. >> >> >> And there's nothing that'll demonstrate the value of reading more >> than an >> email filled with grammar and spelling goofs... >> >> I especially loved the notion of re-living my stressful experiences! >> Once is >> simply NOT enough!!! > ---- You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named "UnivCity." To unsubscribe or for archive information, see <http://www.purple.com/list.html>.
