I'm reading all the various tributes (she's #1 at Technorati, which is as it should be) and I forget who linked to it, but it's great to re-read her Jan. '06 slapdown of some pompous tool from the New York Times. Sorry if that doesn't narrow it down, but I don't feel like typing out his name. Anyway, I barely even remember what the dispute was about -- somebody at the NYT called Cathy about some story, and then Cathy published on it before that reporter did, and OH NOES -- but he arrogantly ordered Cathy not to publish his insulting e-mail to her, and here's part of her reply:
Yesterday's email: "This is NOT NOT NOT for publication, it is private. If that is not acceptable to you please delete without scrolling down to read."Those are instructions, not a request, despite your claim that you "asked," despite the "please." You asked? Like in a question? Wouldn't that need a question mark? That thing down near the shift key and at the end of these sentences? In any case, I'm under no obligation to either obey your instructions or grant your request.
As you put it, after considering and then declining to invite me to one of your "well-attended lectures" because you realized I would "choose to learn nothing" (a rescinded offer that leaves me somewhat less than heartbroken with disappointment): "The reporter grants any confidentiality privilege to the source and does so at his peril." Right. Your emails to me made you a source, as I suspect you actually know. I did not grant you any confidentiality privilege.
My favorite part of your email:
"Seipp grades for honesty: F and F"
"Seipp grades for accuracy: F and F"
Gosh, Miss Brooks, I'm sorry I failed your class. The thing is, though, I don't remember enrolling.
She was the best. I almost hope St. Peter gave her some attitude on her way in yesterday, just so she could set him straight.
P.S. Bill Peschel says that somebody needs to publish an anthology of her work, which sounds like a damn good idea to me. Kill a Tree for Cathy!
Posted by Jim Treacher at March 22, 2007 09:48 AM