Addressing the shitbox

RESPONSE BY LK WALKER

I usually don't reply to letters as this is an open forum for readers where you can vent. But I have to correct one thing.

I never used the word 'loser' in any part of my article, and I never would use that word to describe anyone. That is a word chosen by the editors to incite readership. And look! It worked.

As my ex-fiance's grandpa used to say: There's a lid for every pot!

Thanks for reading... (LKWalker, comment in discussion thread of LK Walker’s “How I learned I don’t have to settle,” Salon, 26 July 2011)

@LK Walker, the pretender

re: I usually don't reply to letters as this is an open forum for readers where you can vent.

[. . .]

Thanks for reading...

So you insult your readers by essentializing them as venters, not thinkers, or your-thought elaborators (with you offering some thoughts that could be expanded upon to make for a discussion), and then you thank them for reading.

May I suggest next time you enter the discussion you provide consistent feedback, and say something along the lines of, "I usually don't reply to letters as this is an open forum for readers where you can vent, however ... That clarified, by all means continue on with your expletives and rants -- hey, it's your shitbox. Thank you for yet remaining being able to mostly read."

Link: How I learned I don’t have to settle (Salon)

Comments

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