SWM Seeks Competant Writers

[Daniel]

Mol's put me in charge of a feature in the newsletter that consists of two people submitting written arguments on either side of a particular issue; in the college paper I edited once, long ago, such a column was named "Point, Counter-Point."

Well, I need some Counter-Pointers. Here are my requirements:

1) You must have a firm grasp of English, including some iota of spelling and grammar capabilitites (or at least a word processor that helps you fake it).
2) An ability to make a sound, logical argument without using insults, vulgarity, or anything that violates the rules of MW, since all of that's a no-no.
3) Ability to write for a monthly feature -- in other words, you need to be able to make one deadline per month for this.
4) Strong opinions.
5) A willingness to put up with me.

The feature won't be about a string of issues along a particular theme. If I find a large number of willing participants, you might not write for it more than once. If I don't find any willing participants, I'll induce a mental neursis within myself and write both sides and nobody will ever know my real opinions.

Insert evil laughter here.

E-Mail applications to plasmababy@hotmail.com. Applications consist of one and only one thing -- an opinion on the first P/CP feature for the first newsletter. The issue is as such: "Does the Government Have the Right to Decide Who Can and Cannot Marry?" Basically, can Uncle Sam say no to gay marriage, multiple spouses, etc. Take whatever side of the issue you like, since I'll simply take issue with the best submission, whether I agree with it or not. I'm sick like that.

The deadline for submissions is October 20. Don't delay, spout off today.

[Semele]

Oh man this sounds like fun!!! I wish I had more time. I may have to pencil this one in!!!

[Kaylara]

Ooo Ooo Ooo! *Raises Hand* If you don't find anyone who wants to write against you, I'll do it! :) Just let me know...

Kaylara

[Daniel]

Originally posted by Kaylara
Ooo Ooo Ooo! *Raises Hand* If you don't find anyone who wants to write against you, I'll do it! :) Just let me know...Anybody who is interested in participating should send an opinion on the above-mentioned topic, which will serve as an application for the position.

Kaylara, that means you.

This way, I don't have to contact anybody (*cough*cough*KAYLARA*cough*) if I don't get a response; I'll already have your response, and will either roll with it or defy the laws of physics and be on two different sides of an issue at the same time.

Insert more evil laughter here.

[Starlight]

I'd love to help. I knew this big mouth of mine would come in handy some day! I can debate anything!! If you need anyone I'm glad to be of service.

[Illuminatus]

Originally posted by Daniel
Well, I need some Counter-Pointers. Here are my requirements:

1) You must have a firm grasp of English, including some iota of spelling and grammar capabilitites (or at least a word processor that helps you fake it).
2) An ability to make a sound, logical argument without using insults, vulgarity, or anything that violates the rules of MW, since all of that's a no-no.
3) Ability to write for a monthly feature -- in other words, you need to be able to make one deadline per month for this.
4) Strong opinions.
5) A willingness to put up with me.


Hm, well I seem to fit the bill, except for #2. Is 4 out of 5 enough?

[Daniel]

Originally posted by Illuminatus

Hm, well I seem to fit the bill, except for #2. Is 4 out of 5 enough?Send me a response to the issue question. If I like it, I'll use it.

In other words, exceptions made on a case-by-case basis for all you "special" kids like Illuminatus.

[Sequoia]

hehe I'll have to apply, once I get home! I have a big mouth and loud opinions. ^__^ this could be fun!

[Swanspirit]

correctly.........and iota is a singular noun..... so the modifier would be .....AN iota not some.........too bad I dont have time to make a committment........ the topic of marriage is interesting from many points of view ........... and I dont qualify on the #5.. either ........
and my sense of humor is too acerbic for you ......
Love and Light and good luck .....
Swannie

[Daniel]

Originally posted by Swanspirit

correctly.........and iota is a singular noun..... so the modifier would be .....AN iota not some.........I never said "expert" grasp, I said "firm" grasp. I myself do not have an expert grasp of the English language, only a firm one. This basically means that I still read the printed word and have an above-average understanding of grammatical syntax.


and I dont qualify on the #5.. either ........
and my sense of humor is too acerbic for you ......I never said I had to be able to put up with you, I said that you had to be able to put up with me. I don't have to be able to put up with you, since I can seperate the Internet from my real life with a scant minimum of trouble.

In any event, it's always a shame when your personal prejiduces get in the way of your ability to engage in intellectual intercourse.

As for the rest of you, the deadline is fast approaching. Submit something now, unless you want to see my name ALL OVER the Political section.

Insert evil laughter here.

[mol]

Also, remember that the deadline has been extended for article submissions for the magazine. Check the stuff thread at the top. As far as this particular column goes...I dont know...the deadline for Oct 20 might stand, depending on what Daniel has planned.

[Swanspirit]

"In any event, it's always a shame when your personal prejiduces
get in the way of your ability to engage in intellectual intercourse."

You are postulating that by not engaging in "discourse with YOU " I am not able to engage in intellectual intercourse ...... when I see it very differently ... the opposite actually.....
and I am well able to engage in intellectual intercourse elsewhere with others of my choosing .........that I perceive as having some intellectual capacity other than rigidity and strict adherence to rules ..........
and I dont agree with your definitions either ..... personal prejudice isnt what I would call
that choice at all .... it is rather a discretionary choice....... use of my time as to where to spend it ......
which is why I respectfully decline......
Love and light
Swannie

[Kaylara]

Check your e-mail Danny-Boy, and let me know if this suits you, or if you would like it modified to include more facts, less personal opinion, etc. Whatever.

:)

Kaylara

[Daniel]

Originally posted by Swanspirit

You are postulating that by not engaging in "discourse with YOU " I am not able to engage in intellectual intercourse ...... when I see it very differently ... the opposite actually.....It is you whose premise is mistaken. I never suggested that you were unable to engage in intercourse with everyone. I was referring to myself exclusively, since I was the subject of your initial remark.


and I dont agree with your definitions either ..... personal prejudice isnt what I would call
that choice at all .... it is rather a discretionary choice....... use of my time as to where to spend it ......According to the Oxford English Dictionary Online:


prejudice, n.

II. 2. a. A previous judgement; esp. a judgement formed before due examination or consideration; a premature or hasty judgement; a prejudgement.Since you have not worked with me on a written publication before (or on anything else for that matter), you have allowed prejudgement to affect your decision. Hence, your personal prejudice got in the way.

There's nothing wrong with that, that's how people commonly make decisions, myself included. I'm just pointing it out.

[Swanspirit]

I have seen what you write here......... and quite frankly ..... it is FAR too rigid and adhering to structure .. doesnt engender any real thought or stretch for my responses .. simply a reiterating of my beliefs and basic common sense......
reminds me of Catholic School
Sorry but that is my opinion......
Love and Light
Swannie

[Daniel]

Originally posted by Swanspirit
I have seen what you write here......... and quite frankly ..... it is FAR too rigid and adhering to structure .. What structure? The structure of logical and reasoned argument? I have no idea what structure it is I'm supposedly adhering to, or how I'm too rigid.

Maybe it's because I've made up my mind on certain topics, pending the discovery of a stronger argument that forces me to rethink my ideas and ideals. I thought all that meant was that I wasn't wishy-washy, but I guess it really means that at age 24 I'm a fuddy-duddy.

Damn.


doesnt engender any real thought or stretch for my responses .. simply a reiterating of my beliefs and basic common sense...... Translation: "I don't like what you have to say because it doesn't ever agree with what I have to say, so I'm going to accuse you of being an unthinking clod."

Personally, I don't think your arguments bespeak much forethought either, so I guess we're even.

Here's the bottom line: if you don't like what I say, write something that disagrees with what I say in the Political section and send it in. If your grammar isn't so horrendous that I can't understand what you say much less disagree with it, it'll print.

I don't want only the people who like what I say to write in, and that's ALL I've ever tried to say in this thread.

[mol]

*sigh*

SITE GOD MODE

I believe that this thread had a purpose, which was to call upon people who WANT to participate in this column. Please, let it return to that purpose.

Thanks.

[Daniel]

... I've recieved a few responses, but I want more, dammit. I want to be flooded with quality material. I want to be one of about a gazillion voices in this new Political section thingamabob.

Bury me in witty reparte, oh faithful idealogues.