Once again, I have deleted a post that was sub-par for this blog, and hurt the feelings of several readers. Well, Mea Culpa. Like anyone else, I had let strong emotion overcome better judgement. I can’t guarantee that I won’t do it again, but I’ll try to be more dispassionate and considerate of others in the future. Over the weekend, I recovered from partying harder than I should at my age with old and dear friends on Friday. But, I also remember the adage, “That which you survive makes you stronger”. I can only hope it is a truism.
As to the post, if you didn’t read it, all the better. It reminded me of a part of Rudyard Kipling’s poem, ‘Recessional’:
“For heathen hearts that put their trust in reeking tube and iron shard
All valiant dust that builds on dust and guarding calls not thee to guard
For frantic boast and foolish word,
Thy mercy on thy people, Lord……”
Just wondering what constitutes “sub-par”? I certainly accept that a blog entry could be removed for that reason but… are we talking “sub-par” for NOT demonstrating a certain level of knowledge, consideration, restraint, maturity, civility, or what? Just honestly would like to know for future reference.
Hi, Tyrone, Thanks for the visit to my blog. ‘sub-par’ is obviously a personalized measure of excellence against a self-defined standard. In my case, it involves writing that has meaning that strikes an intended cord in anyone who reads it, much like one feels when admiring an oil painting by a great master versus a finger painting done by a five-year old. Sub-par is Sub-standard; deficient in some aspect that the writer deems important. One standard that I have is ‘Objectivity’. It is hard to be objective. We all have biases, superstitions, and wishful thinking; all of which I consider cardinal sins.
I appreciate your trying to be fair and sensitive in the manner in which you describe this. Honestly, the dimension that concerns me is related to knowledge or ability. Using the painting metaphor, if I wrote a blog and indicated a lack of understanding of some internet or browser basics (e.g. what is “http”) would my comments be considered “painting done by a five year old”? I understand removing offensive comments or comments that draw unwarranted general conclusions from limited knowledge. But, going back to your metaphor, I would hope that a five year could use this space as a means to learn to paint. Am I causing problems where none really exist?
I would hope my blog is more than the work of a five year old. 😉
I liked your definition of Sub-par, it made me think. So without going to the dictionary,
for a golfer then, par is a measure of personal effort against a defined standard. 😮
You got it, MoonDawg!!:)