'Zounds! I was never so bethumped with words...
William Shakespeare
King John II, i, 466
I'm feeling in a particularly Andy Rooney-ish
mood this day. They're renovating the bathroom, the
potty is out of order, and temperament is running
volatile. So fair warning, I'm going to open the taps--
well, the verbal ones anyway-- and I make no promises
about the variety of topics that may pour forth.
First order of business is to thank all of you
who wrote in response to my editorial ramblings in
HIDDEN YEARS #2. (If you don't have that issue, go out
and bug the living bejabbers out of your comic shop.
That one, as well as all back issues of our color
comics, are available. The publisher says so. And if
your neighborhood retailer goes into a snork about it,
then try our mail-order outlet-- Publishers Book &
Audio-- you can call them toll-free at 800-288-2131.
They already carry all of the Elfquest graphic novels,
Gatherums, and other books; the WOLFRIDER'S
REFLECTIONS album on CD and cassette; and, as far as
I can tell, the BLOOD OF TEN CHIEFS anthologies. We've
begun an experiment to see how well it goes, their
being an outlet for the comics as well.)
Where was I? Oh yes, that editorial. Many of you replied; your responses blanketed the spectrum of possible reactions. Some of you read my words as they were written, some of you did me the favor of interpreting them for me and letting me know what I was really thinking, some of you used the initial concepts as a springboard for further explorations... all in all, an invigorating intellectual workout. It made each day's mail delivery an exercise in antici... (say it!) ...pation.
(You know, contrary to what many people seem to think, negative commentary-- especially to a publisher-- is not a bad thing. It demonstrates that, at least, the editorial, or the story, or the art, or something, affected the reader strongly enough to write. Nothing is as deadly as crashing silence in response to one's work. Universal, uncritical appreciation is nearly as deadly. Or, as Bette Davis said, "When everyone loves you, you're dead.")
So keep those cards and letters coming in.
Which provides the perfect segue to my next
rant. Yes, please do keep writting to us. Its the only
way we have of knowing that your out their. Tell us--
Windi and I-- what you think about our storys...
Aaarrrgggh! I can't do it! I choke! I seize up!
You may gather that we here at Warp enjoy using the language. We've been doing it professionally, in one capacity or another, for most of our lives. English, for all its quirks and befuddling idiosyncrasies, is still one of the most beautiful, powerful tantalizing modes of expression in the world. Both amazingly intricate and stunningly blunt ideas can be conveyed through its use. It's really a wonderful thing, the English language.
So for pity's sake, learn to use it properly! It doesn't really take a lot of deep thought to do so, just a little common sense and a measure of respect-- not only for the words you use, but also for yourself. I don't know about anyone else out there, but I form impressions about people from their use and misuse of words. And my general impression lately is that the doom-criers are right-- that the country is on the slippery slope into general illiteracy. It drives me bonkers. Especially since correct usage is so easy.
Here's an example. I recently bought some accounting software from a major company. Along with the software came a registration card, to be sent in for free technical support of the product. On the outside of the card is printed, in big letters: "Its Important...and its Free!" Today's quiz is to tell what's wrong with that. And I hope it leaps out at you.
Now, this is just sloppy. A spelling checker won't catch it, because "its" is not a misspelled word. But some human being with some sense should have caught the error. However, it wasn't caught and now it's out in front of however many thousands of users have this software. Do I infer from this bit of slop that the company might be as careless about a bit of code in the program? I don't know. But I am less at ease than I'd like to be.
So please, have mercy. I see gobs of this stuff every day. Learn the correct way. My desktop, into which I gouge furrows when I read badly used English, will appreciate it.
(You know, of course, that the foregoing is directed only at those who offend, right? You're in the clear. Right??)
(And before anyone mentions it, the title of this story is done correctly. I know the traditional phrase is "rite of passage." But that's not what Ember insists upon. Think about it. When you know the language, then you can play with it.)
I'll start breathing normally now.
Richard A Pini
- COMING IN JANUARY! Not only do you
get the "Whatever happened to Skywise's
parents?" story that you've been
demanding ever since that one page
flashback (page 91 in Graphic Novel #2, in
case you've forgotten) in issue #5 of HIDDEN
YEARS... But also the HIDDEN YEARS
GRAPHIC COLLECTION arrives in your
local bookstore and comics shop! You get
the first five issues of the comic, reprinted
in even-more-glorious color on fine paper
and, for the very first time, you can choose
between hardcover and softcover editions!
The hardcover will be out first, and will
contain pages that are not in the softcover
version. The softcover will be printed on
the same fine paper, and will be a tad more
economical. Isn't choice a wonderful thing?
Make sure to reserve your copy at your
favorite retail emporium now!