atw: Re: empathy
- From: Robert Levy <robert@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: austechwriter@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Tue, 24 Aug 2010 09:16:17 -0400
I can't believe I'm doing this, since I've only been on this list a tiny while,
I'm not even in Australia yet, and I'm certainly not ready to decide on the
issue. But a sense of fair play calls to me....
This is mostly not a matter of plagiarism and getting caught by "people like
Anne." It's mostly a matter of respecting the discussion and participants.
When you write a long email, I read it.
If you actually didn't write it, but copied it without even bothering to tweak
all the parts that don't relate to the topic at hand, then I feel duped and
treated poorly. And I relate entirely with "people like Anne" who would call
you out on it, because it's fairly annoying behavior.
It's not biggest deal in the world, but it really is worth pointing out.
I'm not commenting on the level of sarcasm and general nastiness that this
thread seems to have brought out. I'm only commenting on this one plagiarism
thing.
Thanks,
rwl
On Aug 24, 2010, at 7:57 AM, Anne Casey wrote:
> At 09:16 PM 23/08/2010, you wrote:
>> Rod, while you have every right to use someone else's work to make a point,
>> plagiarism is a big no-no so I recommend you give recognition where due to
>> avoid getting caught out by people like Anne.
>
>
> People like Anne. Hmm. I've been working as a tech writer for nearly twenty
> five years, and been a member of this list since it started. I sent my first
> email in 1985, if anyone cares, and I've never been either a teacher or a
> librarian. I did run an acute care hospital once, though.
>
> I've worked with or for several members of this list, and sent my CV to
> several more. I largely gave up posting to the list years ago; I occasionally
> email people privately, but I don't read the list from wherever I'm working,
> and by the time I get home, the question has usually been answered.
>
> This time, however, it wasn't about writing - it was about equity. I cannot
> understand people who think that because things are fine for them, no more
> needs to be done for anyone else - whether it is broadband, roads, public
> transport, health access, housing or jobs. That's just plain selfishness. I
> don't believe in any gods, but I do believe that we have a responsibility to
> make at least a half-hearted attempt to make things reasonably fair for
> everyone. As a citizen of a country or member of a community or family, you
> have both rights and obligations as a part of that group. Without
> cooperation, we'd still be hanging out in the jungles, stealing food from
> each other.
>
> And unlike some on this list, I understand the necessity for my taxes to
> improve broadband access for all people living in Australia, and even to
> build the occasional road for people who drive baby killers*.
>
> Anne
>
> * Baby killers - what my daughter the qualified paramedic calls those hulking
> great 4WD vehicles some people seem to think is required to drive their 1.7
> children a short distance on bitumen roads to school.
>
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