Student Printz Letter: Thames not up to standards of responsibility - USM Forum -- Message Board

Greg OBrien · Status: Offline

Student Printz Letter: Thames not up to standards of responsibility

LVN · Status: Offline

The young man needs to learn to write a strong letter, then put it away overnight, then re-read and edit. Generally that process will yield a better product. Even though I agree with some of what he says, his tone and manner distract from his point, as do several errors in grammar and usage.

Sometimes those who are wounded and cornered are the most dangerous. I think the most effective strategy now with the present regime is to ignore it as much as possible. I don't think that engaging with it over sex columns is the best use of time and energy.

Patti · Status: Offline

While the young man's tone was rather sharp, at least he didn't bring up SFT's own indiscretions, which would make for some rather interesting reading don't ya know.

I do think that Shelboo's response was like calling the kettle black in many ways. I have to wonder if he learned anything.

stephen judd · Status: Offline

LVN wrote:

The young man needs to learn to write a strong letter, then put it away overnight, then re-read and edit. Generally that process will yield a better product. Even though I agree with some of what he says, his tone and manner distract from his point, as do several errors in grammar and usage.

Sometimes those who are wounded and cornered are the most dangerous. I think the most effective strategy now with the present regime is to ignore it as much as possible. I don't think that engaging with it over sex columns is the best use of time and energy.

I don't know that the writer had a grand strategy in mind -- not everyone is working on the strategic level. I think he was insulted and angry and wanted the public to hear the full force of that anger. One of the virtures of youth is that older adults aren't suprised when it is indiscreet or not diplomatic. I'm glad for that -- that allows for certain truths to be uttered that might not otherwise be said by us folks who are perhaps sometimes (rightfully) trying to calculate how much we can say and how.

I think anything which points out the general tendency of any administration to micro-manage is beneficial . . .

LVN · Status: Offline

It's interesting that we all assume this writer is young, just because he's a graduate student.

Stephen, I learned that "write -- wait -- rewrite" method the very hard way, by writing some intemperate letters myself.

While I don't really disagree with what you say, I still think his anger is somewhat distracting from the issue. However, I'm glad to see that at least some of our students still remember how all this sorry business started.

stephen judd · Status: Offline

LVN wrote:

It's interesting that we all assume this writer is young, just because he's a graduate student.

Stephen, I learned that "write -- wait -- rewrite" method the very hard way, by writing some intemperate letters myself.

While I don't really disagree with what you say, I still think his anger is somewhat distracting from the issue. However, I'm glad to see that at least some of our students still remember how all this sorry business started.

I take your point -- I'm just not sure that while rewriting might have made for a more refined message, something might have been lost in the rawness of the reaction and I think that is worth something . . . that was the least calculated example of public outrage I've seen in a long time -- maybe ever -- directed you know where . . .

LeftASAP · Status: Offline

I take your point -- I'm just not sure that while rewriting might have made for a more refined message, something might have been lost in the rawness of the reaction and I think that is worth something . . . that was the least calculated example of public outrage I've seen in a long time -- maybe ever -- directed you know where . . .

I agree with Stephen. Besides, in Shelby's "business model" the student is the "customer" and the "customer" is always right. There is nothing wrong with an irate "customer" telling management they are not happy. The student is in the ideal position to say in public what faculty never could.

LVN · Status: Offline

LeftASAP wrote:

The student is in the ideal position to say in public what faculty never could.

Yes indeed.

USM Sympathizer · Status: Offline

LeftASAP wrote:

in Shelby's "business model" the student is the "customer" and the "customer" is always right. There is nothing wrong with an irate "customer" telling management they are not happy.

Excellent point! I wonder if Shelby sees things these ways when the "customers" are complaining about HIM!

Obviousman · Status: Offline

USM Sympathizer wrote:

LeftASAP wrote:

in Shelby's "business model" the student is the "customer" and the "customer" is always right. There is nothing wrong with an irate "customer" telling management they are not happy.

Excellent point! I wonder if Shelby sees things these ways when the "customers" are complaining about HIM!

If you look deeply you will find his "business model" is probably based on Henry Ford's, the customer is always right as long as they want a black Model T.