The incitement by the reviewer is a mild one by comparison to the calumny of ones I've seen more artfully worded. Though the review is bland and lifeless, it is at least grammatically appropriate. The author's reaction, though, is far out of proportion to the review's vituperation.
However, first faux pas goes to the reviewer. Disapprovingly criticizing grammar is a no-no, one, because no one is entirely innocent in that regard, two, because grammar is like religion, it comes in an infinite variety of expressions, three, because if it's so bad that it needs mention, then there's no point to make any remarks at all. If it's passably understandable then stet unremarked and leave grammar commentary to critics who have at least a cautious appreciation for the tender sentiments of authors. And four, though not entirely taboo, criticizing grammar is as sure to incite an argument as discussing politics, religion, sex, and the weather in mixed, strongly-held opinion company.
Then as the author dug in deeper and deeper, she summoned all the malefactors who would flay a wounded horse. Vanity's hypocisy, pure and simple. It was a public stoning of a sinner by sinners.
A Hippocratic Oath for Practitioners of the Prosaic Arts;
By way of guidance in decorum for writing activities.
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Paraphrased from a modern-day physicians' Hippocratic Oath, original by Dr. Louis Lasagna, Academic Dean of the School of Medicine at Tufts University, 1964,
retrieved from
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/doctors/oath_modern.html checked 08/05/09
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I swear to fulfill, to the best of my ability and judgment, this covenant:
I will respect the hard-won knowledge of those who came before and in whose steps I walk, and gladly share such knowledge as is mine with those who are to follow, as well as with fellow creators.
I will apply, for the benefit of the individual and the whole of society, all measures that are required, avoiding those twin traps of overtreatment and indifference.
I will remember that there is science and passion in expressing creation as well as art and divine inspiration, and that warmth, sympathy, and understanding may outweigh a critical remark or a deflecting platitude.
I will not be ashamed to say I know not, nor will I fail to call on other resources when the skills of another are needed for insight or adjustment.
I will respect the sanctity of others' emerging creations I am exposed to, for those creations are not disclosed to me so that I may impose my own volition, nor so that the public may prematurely know those creations from my capricious impulse. Most especially must I tread with care in matters of acknowledgement, recognition, commerce, liability, and propriety. If it is given me to experience a creation, all thanks. But it may also be within my power to impact a life; this awesome responsibility must be faced with great humbleness and awareness of my own frailty. Above all, I must not play at irreproachable authority nor cause harm.
I will remember that I do not address an unfeeling object, but a creation born of insuperable struggles whose progression may affect its creator's well-being. My obligation includes concern for those related attachments, if I am to respectfully approach a creation.
I will practice the highest standards of courtesy for courtesy's sake, to set a worthy example for others to emulate in good conscience, and also will discourage malfeasance and brutality to the fullest of my capacity whenever and wherever they may occur. And I will remember that giving insult or injury tarnish reputation most, harm an offender as well as an offended individual and society as a whole.
I will take no pleasure from the misfortunes of others, nor beg sympathy for my own, nor sing my own praises aloud. It is my duty to endure brilliant successes without haughtiness and conceit, and to accept sorrowful defeats without losing courage. *
I will remember that I remain a member of society, with special obligations to all my fellow human beings, those of small or large accomplishment as well as emerging creators.
If I do not violate this oath, may I enjoy life and art, respected while I live and remembered with affection thereafter. May I always act so as to preserve the finest traditions of my calling and may I long experience the joy of contributing to creation in enlightenment and entertainment's glory.
* Sentence recast from Gustav Freytag original, Technique of the Drama.