Klarinet Archive - Posting 000447.txt from 1998/04

From: "Tim Roberts" <timr@-----.com>
Subj: Re: I almost loost it
Date: Fri, 10 Apr 1998 10:06:17 -0400

Jennifer Rose McKenna <jrm0013@-----.edu> wrote:
>I happen to understand everything that she was asking in her question. I
>realize that it is not the best grammer, but all of us get 100's of replies
>a day, and don't have the time to devote to grammer. I don't know about any
>of you, but if I was worried about that I would be an english major and not
>a music major. Hey if we can understand it leave it alone...I don't
>consider any posts to be 'sins'.

Sorry, Jennifer, but you are wrong. If an English major were playing the
clarinet, you would expect them to play in tune and count four beats to the
measure. Similarly, when a music major uses the English language, they should
take the time to do so correctly. Just because one is not a math major does not
mean one can let 2+2@-----.

A big reason for this is first impressions, which are especially critical in a
mailing list setting such as this. I have never met you, and I am unlikely to
do so in the future. Thus, the only image I have of you is a mental one, formed
strictly by your communications. If your messages are disorganized and show a
lack of attention to simple grammar and spelling issues, then my mental image of
you becomes disorganized and inattentive. It's true (and reasonable!) that you
don't care a whit about MY mental image of you, but there are 600 people on this
mailing list, and, as a music major, the odds are good you will want a job with
one of them at some point. In that case, first impression and mental image are
of CRITICAL importance.

It is too easy to discard spelling and grammar, especially when one finds it
difficult. But get into the habit early and it will pay you back handsomely.

--
- Tim Roberts, timr@-----.com
Providenza & Boekelheide, Inc.