I Screwed Up

[AsylumSeeker]

I was contacted by a writer completely out of the blue and as a result I read (I rarely have time to read) stories. And I will admit I'm a terrible critic.

The writer wasted no words on placing full blame on me.

But as an editor I'd like to know if I was right or wrong for writing what was written.

Excerpt:

Another comment is that I tripped over this paragraph at the end. Second sentence is missing "would".

Sorry, smart ass, but ‘would’ is not needed. “She counter-offered that she give herself. . .” is, in fact, a complete thought. The ‘would’ is understood, to a discerning reader.

If I'm wrong I'll own up to it and extend the writer an apology. But if I'm right I'll go to bed quietly.

Needless to say the rest of the interaction is blasphemous at best. To be honest I was just trying to help. I don't get paid enough to take this abuse!

 

[C's Button]

Is this person a non-native English speaker? The reason I ask is because in other languages, your writer might be right. We frequently drop words that are "understood" in context. For example, I have a habit of dropping certain pronouns and nouns.

Example:

Have you seen my cell phone?

Yes; is on the hall table.

The reason I do not repeat the words "cell phone" or use "it" is because the object of the sentence is understood. I get lazy that way when I am speaking.

But, this is a convention that is common in other languages, not English. When I am actually writing something that I want someone else to read, I make an effort to fit English convention and style.

My guess is that you have an non-native English speaker who is not savvy enough to follow the English conventions, or you have a writer who cannot take criticism well. I am thinking it is the second because the bits of the reply you posted were rude and to the point and not what you would see from someone who is not always comfortable in the language. (Trust me, I know! I have a hard time ripping off rude responses in English.)

I do not think you were wrong, and you probably did him a favor. I bet he asks others to edit it or posts it as is and if he is ballsy enough to open it for feedback, he will hear about his bad language skills.

 

[starrkers]

If the writer can't disagree politely, I wouldn't lose sleep over him/her.

Without seeing the complete sentence, I'm not sure who is right, but I'm leaning towards "it makes more sense with 'would' included".

 

[sr71plt]

I was contacted by a writer completely out of the blue and as a result I read (I rarely have time to read) stories. And I will admit I'm a terrible critic.

The writer wasted no words on placing full blame on me.

But as an editor I'd like to know if I was right or wrong for writing what was written.

Excerpt:

Another comment is that I tripped over this paragraph at the end. Second sentence is missing "would".

Sorry, smart ass, but ‘would’ is not needed. “She counter-offered that she give herself. . .” is, in fact, a complete thought. The ‘would’ is understood, to a discerning reader.

If I'm wrong I'll own up to it and extend the writer an apology. But if I'm right I'll go to bed quietly.

Needless to say the rest of the interaction is blasphemous at best. To be honest I was just trying to help. I don't get paid enough to take this abuse!

From the snippet you gave, no, "would" is not required (and isn't necessarily "understood" either--it's just as likely that what's understood is "will"--again not much context has been given).

HOWEVER, "counteroffered" doesn't have a hyphen in it. Nearly everyone seems to use hyphens with "counter" combinations--all they need do is look in Webster's to see that it ain't so, though.

Another, however, however. From what's given here (a response of "smart ass" to the wording of what you gave), the writer is a snot and doesn't deserve help. Off to bed; no apology (if what is given is faithful to what transpired).

 

[AsylumSeeker]

Thanks... She is from a foreign place, North Carolina

Is this person a non-native English speaker? The reason I ask is because in other languages, your writer might be right. We frequently drop words that are "understood" in context. For example, I have a habit of dropping certain pronouns and nouns.

Example:

Have you seen my cell phone?

Yes; is on the hall table.

The reason I do not repeat the words "cell phone" or use "it" is because the object of the sentence is understood. I get lazy that way when I am speaking.

But, this is a convention that is common in other languages, not English. When I am actually writing something that I want someone else to read, I make an effort to fit English convention and style.

My guess is that you have an non-native English speaker who is not savvy enough to follow the English conventions, or you have a writer who cannot take criticism well. I am thinking it is the second because the bits of the reply you posted were rude and to the point and not what you would see from someone who is not always comfortable in the language. (Trust me, I know! I have a hard time ripping off rude responses in English.)

I do not think you were wrong, and you probably did him a favor. I bet he asks others to edit it or posts it as is and if he is ballsy enough to open it for feedback, he will hear about his bad language skills.

Thanks, I didn't think I was that wrong. Just wanted to be sure i wasn't misleading others as I edit.

 

[AsylumSeeker]

From the snippet you gave, no, "would" is not required (and isn't necessarily "understood" either--it's just as likely that what's understood is "will"--again not much context has been given).

HOWEVER, "counteroffered" doesn't have a hyphen in it. Nearly everyone seems to use hyphens with "counter" combinations--all they need do is look in Webster's to see that it ain't so, though.

Another, however, however. From what's given here (a response of "smart ass" to the wording of what you gave), the writer is a snot and doesn't deserve help. Off to bed; no apology (if what is given is faithful to what transpired).

Thanks for weighing in, SR.

 

[palisa]

I'd be comfortable with the sentence as the author wrote it, with the proviso that I don't know what comes next.

If there is a condition attached to "giving herself," I'd vote with you. ("...would give herself...if the other conditions were met..." or something.)

But the usage as it stands could be criticized as being a bit archaic, even if correct. I sort of like it, but I'd pause and re-read it to make sure it was proper usage if I saw it in print, if that makes any sense.

I see pilot chimed in, and I agree with him that would is not "understood" in the sentence fragment. I don't think anything is omitted as understood -- the
sentence stands as it is, even if it is hypercorrect.

Somerset Maugham said something about the subjunctive dying and we should put it out of its misery quickly, but there's a flavor to it that I like.

I'm still in the throes of moving, and one book box looks like every other book box. Sorry, but I can't find any citations.

I don't need a citation to tell you that you hooked up with an asshole, and if you say in this thread that you apologized, I'll iggy you. Life is too short to put up with that nonsense.

 

[AsylumSeeker]

No, I haven't apologized. I'm still quite stunned to be honest. I think I'm a decent person and not a "pompous ass" or "simpering fuck" as she has accused me of. I'm still struggling to understand what has earned her ire.

I'm tempted to post the entire thing here so the audience can decide if I am in the wrong or if she was. If it's my bad I'll own up to it and post an apology in the BDSM forum as that's her forte. But I somehow doubt she'll offer the same.

Maybe I'll just go to bed and try and forget today ever happened.

 

[DracheDD]

OK, blow her off.
Whether you're right or wrong has little bearing in the way she's treating you. If she disagrees with you, that's fine, but there's no reason to start name calling.

Someone like this doesn't deserve volunteer help. Let them post the story however they like. If it's bad, readers will skipp it or tear into her. Either way, she'll get the idea that perhaps she shouldn't be so mean to the helpful editor that volunteered his time to assist.

 

[Emerald_Dragon]

I would have to agree that this person is rude beyond belief. They asked you for your input and you gave it to them. From there they can take it or leave it. A simple 'thank you but I disagree with the way you edited' would be all that is needed.

Rude, rude, rude. Drop them fast and forget about them, they don't deserve your valuable time. Obviously they have issues that have nothing to do with you.

 

[Emerald_Dragon]

No, I haven't apologized. I'm still quite stunned to be honest. I think I'm a decent person and not a "pompous ass" or "simpering fuck" as she has accused me of. I'm still struggling to understand what has earned her ire.

I'm tempted to post the entire thing here so the audience can decide if I am in the wrong or if she was. If it's my bad I'll own up to it and post an apology in the BDSM forum as that's her forte. But I somehow doubt she'll offer the same.

Maybe I'll just go to bed and try and forget today ever happened.

I would love to read it and critique it!!! Bring it on. But if you apologize after she was so incredibly mean and rude I will be very dissapointed. I don't care if you did a crappy job, her response was uncalled for. She came to you, not the other way around. I have heard nothing but good things about your editing from people so obviously you are a decent editor at the very least.

Apparently she didn't want you to edit it, she wanted you to tell her how wonderful it was and how it needed nothing from you. Her insecurity shouldn't spill over onto someone that was trying to help her improve her story.

I hate people with no manners. I feel like slapping her upside the head. Unfortunately that rarely works with idiots.

 

[sr71plt]

I'm tempted to post the entire thing here so the audience can decide if I am in the wrong or if she was. If it's my bad I'll own up to it and post an apology in the BDSM forum as that's her forte. But I somehow doubt she'll offer the same.

I don't think that would be ethical, I'm afraid. I wouldn't expect anyone (who had the slightest understanding of what they were doing) to request your services after that if you posted anyone's work without their prior permission.

 

[christabelll]

Awww Gawd Dammit

(((((((((((((((((((ASYLUM)))))))))))))))
You are a great editor. Tactful, Helpful, Suggestive, and completely honest.
And Entirely tooooo toooo Sensitive Love to ASShole Bitches who dont know a good thing when they got it.

Let her snark anyway she wants.

YOU be proud of you and what you do to help so many here at lit.

You will always be some one I look too even if its hey - you be okay dude?

 

[kimbalee]

Awww Gawd Dammit

(((((((((((((((((((ASYLUM)))))))))))))))
You are a great editor. Tactful, Helpful, Suggestive, and completely honest.
And Entirely tooooo toooo Sensitive Love to ASShole Bitches who dont know a good thing when they got it.

Let her snark anyway she wants.

YOU be proud of you and what you do to help so many here at lit.

You will always be some one I look too even if its hey - you be okay dude?

I wholeheartedly second that! AS, as you already are well aware, I love you man. And stop cheating on me with other girls already! Geez, or at least do it secretly and not let me read about it in a thread! (shakes head)

 

[emap]

Hey I take offense to this North Carolina is another country quip. Granted they are weird and rather dumb up there it's still a carolina dammit.

I gotta ask, is she new to writing on here? Because honestly it sounds alot like the story was posted she got bad reviews about her english useage and is taking it out on you.

Which is mildly tempting just because it's you. It is also however a sign of a thin skinned newcomer. Write it off as a person to not edit for again and move on. Honestly I am kinda flummoxed why you even started a thread about this.

OK about that sentence, I'm mising why you need a would in there. I mean, “She counter-offered that she give herself. . .” does not ever need a would, not induced, not suggestive of one, does not need one period. That partial sentence says everything you need to know right there, except the instance that would make her give herself and to what or who.

So for example: She counter offered that she give herself to Steve if I cannot make this basket.

The only time a would is needed in such a sentence is when what she is giving herself for is said, and that only when it is a partial giving.

Example: She counter offered that she would give herself to Steve for an hour of anything he wanted if I did not make the basket.

Example: She counter offered that she give herself to Steve for sex if I do not make this basket.

Granted the second example above is kinda redundant from the very first but all a matter of how clear you want to make the terms of the giving. I think mostly your ex author's problem was not in the words used or not used but in how they were used. Most likely she attracted the attention of a troll or two, or the actually worse kind of feedback givers, the wannabe english teachers. An actual english teacher usually is better because they are all about having a flow, a wannabe is anal retentive about sentence structure and proper word useage.

 

[Emerald_Dragon]

I don't think that would be ethical, I'm afraid. I wouldn't expect anyone (who had the slightest understanding of what they were doing) to request your services after that if you posted anyone's work without their prior permission.

Probably true, dissapointing but true.

 

[Guest]

No, I haven't apologized. I'm still quite stunned to be honest. I think I'm a decent person and not a "pompous ass" or "simpering fuck" as she has accused me of. I'm still struggling to understand what has earned her ire.

I'm tempted to post the entire thing here so the audience can decide if I am in the wrong or if she was. If it's my bad I'll own up to it and post an apology in the BDSM forum as that's her forte. But I somehow doubt she'll offer the same.

Maybe I'll just go to bed and try and forget today ever happened.

A "simpering fuck"?

Well, at least she has some creativity with her insults.

Fuck it, forget her. Not worth another moment of your time.

BUT - others who are volunteer editors here would probably benefit from a quiet PM about the identity of this person. No sense in passing off this rude and ridiculous person to someone else?

Sorry you had to deal with this nonsense.

 

[freshface]

I think you chose the wrong subject for this thread. How exactly did you screw up? Unless you used similar language first, I can't think of anything a VE could do that should inspire such vitrol or hatred.

As an aspiring author want-to-be, I hope this doesn't discourage you from helping those of us who are grateful for all the help we can get to make our stories better.

 

[sr71plt]

Hey I take offense to this North Carolina is another country quip. Granted they are weird and rather dumb up there it's still a carolina dammit.

There are two ways that "other country" comment can go. North Carolina is closer to heaven than most states, so that could put it in "another" category.

 

[AsylumSeeker]

I Wasn't Editing!

I would love to read it and critique it!!! Bring it on. But if you apologize after she was so incredibly mean and rude I will be very dissapointed. I don't care if you did a crappy job, her response was uncalled for. She came to you, not the other way around. I have heard nothing but good things about your editing from people so obviously you are a decent editor at the very least.

Apparently she didn't want you to edit it, she wanted you to tell her how wonderful it was and how it needed nothing from you. Her insecurity shouldn't spill over onto someone that was trying to help her improve her story.

I hate people with no manners. I feel like slapping her upside the head. Unfortunately that rarely works with idiots.

I was going about my life when someone I didn't even know existed said to me in not so many words that she was surprised my bio showed no Fav authors or Fav stories while also being impressed (not her words) by my prolific nature.. I explained I'm too damned busy writing and editing, but she asked me to read some of hers (or so was my interpretation).

So I innocently (and with the best intent at heart) took time out to read a couple of her stories "as a reader" and not as an editor. And "as a reader" who found a trove of stories with the red H I felt freer to offer my opinion as she has already established a strong readership and thinking my opinion would be of little consequence. And I clearly established that I was stating my opinion.

Well, she gave me her opinion at the end. A rather vulgar one that would impress and likely embarrass most sailors.

And now after two days of being shell-shocked I think I'm beginning to understand.

I think.

Thanks all for your support! Huggs to all!

 

[AsylumSeeker]

Nope

I think you chose the wrong subject for this thread. How exactly did you screw up? Unless you used similar language first, I can't think of anything a VE could do that should inspire such vitrol or hatred.

As an aspiring author want-to-be, I hope this doesn't discourage you from helping those of us who are grateful for all the help we can get to make our stories better.

I'll be ready to assist when you're ready to post.

Just be advised I'm a "simpering fuck", lol

 

[starrkers]

I think the only way you screwed up, Asylum, was in assuming a slew of red H's mean a maturity in writership.
Obviously this person takes those H's to mean they are the ants pants as a writer and have absolutely nothing to learn, and was only looking for validation of that opinion from you.

To quote Rob:
Humans

 

[AsylumSeeker]

Ready For What The Long Weekend Brings

I realize the weekend is not long for most but I've taken some vacation in conjunction. Couldn't have happened at a better time as it seems in hindsight.

Thanks all, really appreciate the input!

 

[kimbalee]

I realize the weekend is not long for most but I've taken some vacation in conjunction. Couldn't have happened at a better time as it seems in hindsight.

Thanks all, really appreciate the input!

Oh, sure take a vacation, and leave me to deal with the holiday flowers all weekend by myself! Any wonder I hate holidays?

Seriously, enjoy your trip and time off, and forget about this whole mess. You did nothing wrong, so put it out of your mind and relax for a fun vacation.

 

[Tricialen]

Needless to say the rest of the interaction is blasphemous at best. To be honest I was just trying to help. I don't get paid enough to take this abuse!

No you should not have to put up with nasty comments especially since you were helping at their request.

I think you're wonderful...selfishly I still need you. I just sent more of my story for you to correct and I love your comments on it.

I'll send chocolate just as a small bribe.