<p>This morning I received a PM from someone claiming to be a Middlebury student entitled, "Trying not to be snarky" that pointed out my incorrect use of the phrase "per say" vs the correct Latin of "per se." And while I appreciate good grammar and said as much, I did not consider this a crime of such magnitude that would be of embarrassment to either the School or my kid. (Yes, school is capitalized when referring to a specific school.)</p>
<p>If this is an attempt to not be snarky, I'm dumbfounded. However, since these PM's did get to me somewhat, I do feel the need to apologize. It has never been my intention to embarrass anyone, and if I've posted anything that could be misconstrued as such, I am indeed sorry. I have tried to relay accurate information that is readily available through a number of resources in conjunction with/separated by experience. If my grammar has deemed me semi-literate (which is better than illiterate, I agree) and not credible in some way, again, I apologize. In full disclosure, I do not represent and am not associated with the School in any official capacity. </p>
<p>The point of this public post, however, is only to say that if there are Midd students who read this forum regularly, they should participate by taking the time to offer constructive posts to inquiring minds instead of remaining in the shadows only to threaten or verbally abuse others who are interested and merely trying to be helpful to others.</p>
<p>Don’t listen to the haters. I doubt (or at least HOPE) that wasn’t a real Middlebury student. Probably some 8th grader with too much time on their hands.</p>
<p>I know that this may sound a little strange, but I’ve been a ‘lurker’ for almost 7 yrs… This is the 1st time that I felt compelled to reply. This site and people (among others, The Dad, Mini, interrestedad and arcadia) on it were very helpful to my son in choosing a college to attend. Now he is just about competed his four years at Middlebury. I am thankful for all the great academic opportunities and the life long friends that my son made. He had choices for grad school and will be starting a PHD program in the sciences at a top 5 program.</p>
<p>In a few, very short years you’ll look back with many fond memories of your son’s time at Midd. Please ignore those anonymous internet nitpickers!</p>
<p>I love you too, Moda. You’ve been a big help to me and mine. I can’t type either, and have been known to have strong, not always PC opinions…Go for it. You aren’t an embarrassment to anyone.</p>
<p>It’s probably either a kid or parent of a kid who was rejected from Midd. It never ceases to amaze me how large a role envy plays in human affairs. When I am the target I can never see it, but it is obvious to me when someone else is the target.</p>
<p>Don’t sweat it, per say. (LOL.) No worries. If all my CC mistakes were written up together it would look like I’d never finished HS. I was mortified when I wrote scenerio instead of scenario in an early post.</p>
<p>My posts are so full of typos (typing is fast but painfully inaccurate) I probably look like an illiterate dyslexic. That said, I probably would have responded to a PM with a PM, or reported it,since it was insulting, to the mods- not started a thread about it.</p>
<p>Moda,
I’ve enjoyed your posts and have found them helpful at times, but I must say that I feel you give way too much information about your son. Midd is a very small school and anyone following your posts could fairly easily identify him. If I were in his shoes, I would be quite embarrassed… just saying.</p>
<p>Moda - report that to the mods. You shouldn’t have to deal with that in PM. I’ve been PM’d by people I didn’t care to correspond with, and I just didn’t respond.</p>
<p>Mrshowell-why? I’m sure people can figure out who my S is too, if they have time for that sort of thing. Moda is proud of his/her S and gives good advice. It’s not like there’s something to hide here…</p>
<p>Moda: ignore those e-mails. Your commentary is refreshing and honest. You also raise good issues. Those who don’t like your posts, your typing ability, your syntax, and grammar can ignore all you write. Others who get something from them, get to read them. Keep posting.</p>
<p>Oldbatsie,
I would be mortified if my mother were semi-publicly gloating about how smart, handsome, and athletic I am… You’ve referred to your son as a genius several times - that’s just plain embarrassing considering that these posts can be read by one’s peers (all of whom are above average students).</p>
<p>As a general principle, I think private messages should be kept private. If one is bothered by it, ignoring it or reporting it to the moderator seems the best protocol. I know it would bother me if one of my PMs was publicly quoted.</p>
<p>Actually, the moral of that story is one I often tell my children: nothing on the internet is private.</p>
<p>And Mrshowell, if my children don’t like it, what do you propose to do?</p>
<p>Luckily for you, me and them, they are fine. They post enough embarrassing things about themselves on Facebook that my boasting of their accomplishments or emoting about their failures doesn’t distress them.</p>
<p>I am inclined to agree with morandi. There are procedures for handling what would be considered an abusive or insulting message. But I guess I already posted my opinion in post #9. Apologies for redundancy.</p>