Re: Peach Joyce, English, Spelling, and Bickering

["Craig M. Kanarick" <kanarick@BBN.COM>]

in message <8909260207.aa01313@gaffa.mit.edu>, Doug Alan writes:

>> [IED:] Finally, IED didn't take umbrage against you, Julian, for
>> correcting his spelling of Vaughan Williams's name. On the contrary,
>> he shares with you a respect for spelling which often leads him into
>> breaches of the sad protocol devised by our present social order,
>> which has become so complacent in its illiteracy that it actually
>> views bad English as a virtue, and the consciousness of error as a
>> sin.

> This is a complete misrepresentation of the truth, Mr. Marvick.  No
> one (whom I know) "views bad English as a virtue".  What I have been
> saying (and it's also the truth) is that language is a means of
> communication.  As a means of communication, it is something that can
> be used well, or it can be used poorly.  But it can't in any real
> sense be used "correctly" or "incorrectly".  The perfect use of
> language, if such a thing could exist, would communicate exactly what
> you wanted to communicate.  The rules of "Standard Written English",
> 
> ... [more babbling abour English usage, etc.]


This is basically addressed to both Doug *and* Andrew --

Doug, you have done a fantastic job of psuedo-moderating this
newsgroup, and have also posted uncountable numbers of interesting
articles about our heroine, KT.  My jealousy towards your having
actually *interviewed* KT is incredible.

Andy, you have also been a fantastic source of information and entertainment
over the past three or four years, as I am sure many will agree.

But please, please, please, both of you:

ENOUGH ALREADY!

I come here to read about KT, her music, her life, her lyrics, and, of
course, William Reich :-), *not* about the history of English.

Seriously, in my very humble opinion, I think this newsgroup
should contain articles about Kate-music, Kate-like music, and
Kate-related things.  

Can't you two argue about spelling in private e-mail?

Sorry to bicker, I guess I am just moody since I HAVEN'T GOTTEN A
CHANCE TO HEAR THE NEW ALBUM.

Anxiously awaiting some seedcake,

-- Craig


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Craig M. Kanarick				"Do I love you?  Yes, I
						 love you.  All this talking,
kanarick@bbn.com             			 talking, is only bravado..."

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