Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Path: utzoo!linus!philabs!mcnc!duke!crm
From: crm@duke.UUCP (Charlie Martin)
Newsgroups: net.misc
Subject: Re: Writing, programming, music and mechanics
Message-ID: <7785@duke.duke.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 7-Jul-86 12:50:37 EDT
Article-I.D.: duke.7785
Posted: Mon Jul  7 12:50:37 1986
Date-Received: Tue, 8-Jul-86 07:27:20 EDT
References: <2671@sdcc6.UUCP> <1445@ihuxn.UUCP> <809@steinmetz.UUCP>
Reply-To: crm@duke.UUCP (Charlie Martin)
Organization: Duke University, Durham NC
Lines: 18

At least for those of us who are trying to improve our writing skills,
usenet groups serve another useful purpose: besides giving us an
audience, it gives us immediate feedback.  If we write something that is
utter drek, we get flamed.

And every so often, we get notes in the mail that say things like "I
really enjoyed reading your posting on so-and-so -- nice job."

While I mostly agree about the necessity of grammar and spelling to
clarity of thought, it isn't necessary for this kind of non-archival
communication.  It does make the writing more effective: people who are
trying to become better writers will eventually learn this, and make the
effort.

-- 

			Charlie Martin
			(...mcnc!duke!crm)