I’m so pleased to see that some of my literary contributors can take a hint. When I wrote recently that I encourage readers to attack other readers, my request wasn’t ignored.
However, one reader misinterpreted the message by criticizing my work. I get enough of that from my editors.
I welcome compliments, though.
Terry writes: It seems your recent column of email contributors reflect an association of deviation. Three (I assume adult) gentlemen made some asinine comments regarding Tennessee basketball players and Coach Rick Barnes
Among them, when Jordan Gainey replaces Zakai Zeigler at point guard, “there is no drop off in talent and ability.” Wow, this guy’s last name ain’t Naismith is it? Likely a Donnie Tyndall family member.
One references Barnes as “One and done Barnes.” Old hat here, especially after he led the team to the Elite Eight last year and a successful season thus far. Then we have, “Barnes has to go.” (Such genius here). “Embarrassing all the way around with him in charge.” Wow. This guy would flat line a Cat scan every time.
My response: Thanks for your 117th defense of Barnes, a future hall of fame inductee. But I would never discourage my readers from expressing their opinions, even if other readers find that comments repugnant.
If I began to censor literary contributors, they eventually would stop writing, and I would be required to produce more columns on my own. I don’t even want to think about that.
Also, it’s only fair to point out that other readers have objected – sometimes vehemently – to your criticism of former Tennessee coach and athletic director Phillip Fulmer.
Chris writes: Rick Barnes is truly a bad coach (after a second loss to Kentucky).
My response: You and Terry need to settle this in a parking lot.
Gary writes: You’re usually correct 99% of the time, so this is not a criticism. However, in your column about the Lady Vols, you mentioned their being defeated by Duke in quest of their third consecutive NCAA Championship.
Actually, it was for their fourth straight, which unfortunately didn’t happen when Chamique Holdsclaw shot 2-18, and nobody else stepped up to help. I’m sure I’m not the first to point out this “rare” mistake on your part.
My response: Thanks for noticing my slip-up. Now, it’s my turn.
You wrote: “You’re usually correct 99% of the time.”
That’s so wrong. My mistake ratio is much higher, but astute copy editors often correct my miscues.
Also, though you meant it as a compliment, characterizing my work as “almost mistake-free” raises expectations. That’s the last thing I need.
For example, the last review from my supervisors read something like: “Your consistency is remarkable. Year in and year out, you churn out mediocre columns that our readers deem acceptable.
“So, at this time, we’re unable to build a case that you should be fired.”
Matt writes: Mr. Adams, I am not a sports nerd.
Well, actually, the only sports I know anything about are F1 and college football. About the former, I can explain it to a neighbor provided they don’t expect correct answers more than half the time. Regarding the latter, I’m the one asking, “How long until halftime?”
My long-gone dad wrote for a living, and I grew up with him as editor of my schoolwork. While I never got why dropping participles was bad, I did learn that the great news columnists made him read their pieces even when he didn’t care about the topic.
I don’t understand why people watch basketball, but as your faithful fan I read your piece about the Lady Vols over UConn and enjoyed it.
My response: Thanks for the compliment. Based on your email, your father was a good editor. You have a way with words.
So, feel free to critique me as well as my other literary contributors. I will publish your critiques of them.
Danielle writes: Would you be interested in speaking with Barbara Paldus, founder and CEO of Codex Labs, a biotech company that offers Skin-Gut-Brain-Biome Supplements & Skincare, about Skin-Gut-Brain-Biome Supplements & Skincare, about The Winter Eczema Survival Guide: Best Practices for Managing Flare-ups in Colder Weather?
My response: Thanks for the offer and run-on sentence, but I’m currently dealing with a more pressing skin-care issue.
I recently fell and gashed my forehead on the baseboard in my bathroom. The cut required seven stitches and left me with a scar.
My wife offered me scar gel to expedite the healing, but I have mixed feeling about that. I believe the scar above my left eye gives me more street cred and a look that says, “Don’t mess with him.”
Maybe, your company has done a survey on the value of scars. If so, please get back to me.
