I just got involved with the diary by Splody kid, and it made me think. So far there are over 70 comments, many of them just us old geezers arguing about the difference between a transitive and a linking verb, but something else stands out for me.
More just below, I hope that you follow.
I will not go on about Splody kid's lineage, because, even if they are good Kossacks, no matter to that should be weighed to help a kid with school. Furthermore, the kid was right and was blasted with what some folks think of as good information. This made me think about a lot of things.
First thing: Regardless of who or where one is, every one of us is temporary. That is immutable.
Second thing: The subsequent generations are the only hope for the planet. We must assist them to learn to think, not to parrot. (Although that is a derogatory term for noble avians).
Third thing: If they did it right the first time, and unless you are some sort of mystic, do not correct little details, especially when your corrections are, in fact, incorrect.
Forth thing: Even if they did it wrong the first time, do not call them out in public. Do it privately. This kid was absolutely correct, and was falsely "corrected" by several members of the community who thought that they knew the subject matter. They did not. The kid was correct.
Fifth thing: Encourage our younger folks, do not condemn them for trying. Even if the kid had been incorrect in usage, the point was well made. That counts. The kid will refine what the critics infer as poor form, although the form was correct.
Sixth thing: Can we show a little compassion for folks who are just trying to do the right thing? Shit, this is a kid with a good mind with questions and folks in error shoot him or her down (yes, I checked my noun cases).
Final thing: Welcome new folks with bright and broad minds into the community. Do not criticize them in public. If they make a really big error (such as "Cheney is a wonderful man"), that is one thing. If it is "Here am I" rather than "here is me", cut some slack.
Sorry, I just get pissed when folks attack a younger potential progressive person, especially with the ammunition of ignorance and self-rightougness. I misspelled the last word intentionally to take the heat from the kid. Regards, Doc.