PROJECT BLACKHAT

[Frank Cox]

On Mon, 26 Nov 2007 00:01:09 -0700
Craig White <craigwhite at azapple.com> wrote:

> English is not the primary language for many of the list users and the
> point is communication.

Patrick Quinn's primary language, on a balance of probabilities, is most likely
English.

Point the first:  Both his first and last name is of Irish origin.  It is
extremely unlikely, though not completely impossible, that his first language
spoken is Gaelic.  Ireland has two official languages, though, English and
Gaelic.  However, Gaelic is a minority language even in Ireland and most
references state that the official languages are "English and Gaelic" rather
than "Gaelic and English".

Point the second:  Mr. Quinn's message showed a greater-than-minimal grasp of
the English language; the phrasing and format demonstrated carelessness rather
than a lack of knowledge, and the signs of great effort normally seen in a post
by a non- or minimal-English speaker were not present in his message.

Point the third:  No capitalization and minimal punctuation were present in Mr.
Quinn's message.  This is  a further indication of carelessness rather than a
lack of knowledge, and betrays a lack of any serious attempt to make his
message correct in any way.  Speed over accuracy, as the old saying goes.

Accordingly, Gene Heskett's response was completely appropriate in this
particular instance.

In my humble opinion, of course.

-- 
MELVILLE THEATRE ~ Melville Sask ~ http://www.melvilletheatre.com