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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

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