People Who Need Slapping

I have a web site where I advertise my freelance writing services. Students and others mistake me for one of those on-line services where you can pay for a term paper, or get one for nothing. I'm going to start publishing these letters here and have added a new category: People Who Need Slapping.

I'm always appalled at the matter-of-factness of the request. Sure, yeah, let me send you a paper on that. Have one here in my drawer. Don't forget to change the name on it.

Our society has slipped one more notch in morality and ethics. I used to send advice (if they sounded like they were just frightened of doing their own work, I'd steer them on how to get started) and/or a lecture about how important it was to do your own work. I'm sure I turned many lives around with that lecture. Yes indeed. Sometimes I didn't bother to answer.

Here's one I received from a student this week:

Hi.I need a persuasive speech about parent should monitor their children's television watching.And it mus be writing in Monroe's motivated sequence style.And also include 7 ciatation from books, magazine, or journal.I would like to know how much you charge for it.I only need about 4-5 pages.Thanks

And one I received from a teacher wanting me to do HER work (notice no "please" or "thank you," or offer to pay , though I do realize she is not a native speaker):

My name is (DELETED) from Lebanon. I am an EFL grade ten teacher. I would like you to provide me with some persuasive writing samples about specific themes (or any themes) like: telivision, Fitness, Music, Alcoholism). moreover, I hope that you can send me samples of persuasive writing that need revision in order to let the students do this task (revision). I look forward to hearing from you.

Don't hold your breath.

 

Comments

[Transylvanianhorseman]

Lately I heard a policeman say that he could see how educational standards were deteriorating through the increasingly poor grammar and spelling that appeared in apprehended fellons' statements.

Sounds like much the same applies to college students.

[I Gallop On]

I'm not sure even a good slap would make them behave any better. ;-)