----- Original Message -----
From: <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Grammar again!
> May I join the list of those who found enjoyable Adrian's mail? As a
foreigner,
> I also found it useful.
> Incidentally, I found equally interesting other mails on how to improve
the
> use of e-mail software.
> On a slightly more polemical note, I believe is part of the so called
"netiquette"
> not to point out mispells ot typos, as this would slow down and perhaps
impoverish
> the debate on a given subject (because some people would feel too
embarrassed
> to contribute).
Yes, you have a point Marcello. However I didn't intend to single out any
individual (apologies for the tautology!) or to stifle debate. I did
famously cause a ruckus on the List two years ago when I pointed out one
author's 15 errors in a two-sentence paragraph. However that was partly
prompted as the author was bemoaning the poor academic standard of the List,
and I felt the irony of this was too remarkable to ignore! On this occasion
however I was intending to be constructive, and as you have alluded, some
people might actually learn something. If we never criticise - or should
that be critique - we will never learn.
Adrian Fogarty
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