Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Path: utzoo!linus!philabs!seismo!hao!hplabs!hpda!fortune!wdl1!wunder From: wunder@wdl1.UUCP Newsgroups: net.jokes,net.followup Subject: Re: (sic) Message-ID: <179@wdl1.UUCP> Date: Mon, 27-Jun-83 21:09:41 EDT Article-I.D.: wdl1.179 Posted: Mon Jun 27 21:09:41 1983 Date-Received: Wed, 29-Jun-83 06:23:03 EDT References: rabbit.1590 Lines: 28 Concerning the use of '(sic)' for purposes of ridicule: I remember a particularly nasty example in the Daily Skiff (student newspaper of Texas Christian University) a few years ago. The staff box specifically mentioned that letters to the editor were subject to editing to improve spelling and grammar, but one letter was printed with several (sic)'s. This letter just happened to disagree strongly with the editor. A coincidence, I'm certain. That sort of thing is indefensable (sic). If an editor doesn't like something, and absolutely must get it in print, he/she can follow the letter with an short reply. Some people think that is a pretty tacky practice, too, since it gives the editor a second shot. I tend to agree, though the folk who own the paper can print whatever they want, short of libel. If you don't like it, start your own paper (that *is* how freedom of the press works, after all). Just don't make fun of anybody in your new paper. I did a few questionable things working for The Rice Thresher (student newspaper of Rice University), but I never made fun of anybody in a regular issue. Of course, the rules were a little different for the April 1 issue ... wunderwood UUCP: fortune!wdl1!wunder ARPA: wunder@FORD-WDL1 Phone: (415) 852-4769