I will not even attempt to explain why I have not updated in a long time. But nevertheless, be assured that I’m aware that this little spot in cyberspace exists and it has not been forgotten completely. I, do, however, intend to create a blog post explosion at the end of this semester, because I have an “alternate” blog, i.e. Facebook, which has been doing a good job in being a repository of my stray thoughts (It’s like SPCA, only for ideas). All I need to do is find the time to transfer and expand these thoughts into full fledged stories. Now on with some filler content…
The following is an exchange between two SMU students. How I got hold of it… well, let’s just say that the more erm… irritated of the two parties decide to make their exchange known to the whole class in an email CC, and the Interwebs took over from there.
So, here goes…
From: XXX
Sent: Wednesday, 3 March, 2010 8:42 PM
To: ALL GRP MEMBERS
Subject: Report
I am fine with you guys writing the report. I will not be writing a separate report which might divide the group. I was already prepared to write the report for the group, except that you guys will be getting the grade instead. I was not going to do it out of charity, but because any divisiveness in the group will pull down the group final grade regardless of quality (trust me, I had an experience before), and I am after all a law student with some strength in writing papers. I do not know what you have heard from the ‘whole law faculty’, but I was truthful when I said my research paper grades are above average. I will not however want to waste time changing your mind.
Since we are still a group report-wise, I request that you keep me in the report emails amongst yourself and any report emails to Prof (with drafts/articles attached). I understand you want to write the report yourself, so I will not contact Prof about the report. However, I want to attend any report consultations with Prof as well, so let me know in advance the meeting dates. On the rare occasion that I feel that something is so strongly off in the draft (in my capacity as a law student), I will send you guys a courtesy email. After all, the grade will be shared. If after reading my email you think my advice will not make the report better, you may disregard it and I will bear no grudges for that.
All this said, my only concern is, and I hope yours are too, is to obtain the best possible grade for the report. If I have to sit out the report for this to happen, I am fine with it. Since the grade is our mutual concern, where if you guys need help, I will render it where possible. As it is, I am awaiting the law librarian to reply on a article on censorship. Once she gets back to me on that, I will send you the articles I already downloaded from the law websites. You may choose to use them or not, and may indeed find them useful for writing the paper, in addition to the ones I had previously found from Google. I am working on the premise that the report grade is shared and will be the same for all three of us, so I do not expect any backstabbing/belittling of anyone’s contribution to the Prof (this sometimes happens in the law school; and I sincerely hope it does not happen with you guys).
Regards,
XXX
School of Law
Singapore Management University
———————————————
From: XXX
Sent: Wed 03/03/2010 23:01
To: ALL MEMBERS
Subject: RE: Report
Do acknowledge this email so that I know that while we have our past differences, there is at least an understanding here. If you choose to remain silent I will not be able to know what your thoughts are, and you cannot expect me not to write my own report in my own interest.
Regards,
XXX
School of Law
Singapore Management University
———————————————
From: ANNOYED GROUP LEADER
Sent: Thursday, 4 March, 2010 1:13 AM
To: ALL MEMBERS
Subject: RE: Report
Your email is noted. Expect a lengthier reply soon.
———————————————
From: XXX
Sent: Thu 04/03/2010 11:23
To: ALL MEMBERS
Subject: RE: Report
Look, I don’t intend to engage in unnecessary and lengthy exchanges. We all have better things to do. I think what I have stated below is what you already wanted, and is fair to me as well. If you decide now the both of you are not confident in writing the report and want to revert to me doing it, you can just tell me now, I will afford you the same respect and treatment below. I am not one to backstab, however you may think of me, so rest assured Prof will not think the both of you have not contributed to the report at all.
Regards,
XXX
School of Law
Singapore Management University
———————————————
From: XXX
Sent: Thu 04/03/2010 11:26
To: ALL MEMBERS
Subject: RE: Report
Just to be clear, I am expecting to attend a consultation with Prof together with you guys soon. Let me know when, otherwise I have no choice but to take it that you do not intend to keep to the email below.
Regards,
XXX
School of Law
Singapore Management University
———————————————
From: VERY ANNOYED GROUP LEADER
Sent: Thursday, 04 March, 2010 2:52 PM
To: XXX
Cc: AMUSED CLASSMATES
Subject: RE: Report
Dear XXX,
I have to express my astonishment at your talent. After witnessing your historic contribution to our group presentation, I do not believe it will be equalled, ever. You are so accomplished people flee at sight of you – a pair of our group mates ran away. Perhaps you are a reincarnation of the Great Khan.
Extraordinary was the fact that you managed to whip up your presentation slides in the three hours before the presentation, while you were having lunch – amazing. Even more extraordinary was the fact that you deleted someone else’s slides while standing there before the class. Of course that does you no justice, for it is but a mere fraction of your remarkable work with our group.
I am glad you are fine with us writing the report – that is how I imagined it would happen anyway.
I am awed you were prepared to write the whole report yourself. I am also awed by pigs flying across blue moons.
I know you are a law student; that is even more awe inspiring. But I am not – shame on me.
I know you get As for your writing with uncanny regularity. But I do not – shame on me.
I acknowledge the grade is indeed shared and we will all receive what we deserve – or not. I wish for justice but alas time is short.
You made yourself clear, but evidently I did not make myself clear yesterday afternoon. Let me repeat:
You will have NO part in this report.
You will NOT attend meetings.
You will NOT send any rare and occasional courtesy emails.
You will, however regrettably, have your name on the report and the consequent grade.
It is a delicious fantasy of mine that you do not exist, let me at least pretend that is true. Humour me.
And let me make the next point equally clear. I have never spoken ill of you to the Professor. But in the interests of fairness, and because I so hate speaking behind people’s backs, I’ve copied the entire class in this email. Now they all know my position and they know yours. Hopefully they will be so kind as not to gloat at me.
To summarise should you be unclear. You are out of the project – completely. You will get the grade we all get but not all deserve. Maybe it will not be the A+ you will surely obtain since you’re a lawyer, and an awesome one at that, but we will try our best.
I hope I was clear.
Sincerely,
VERY ANNOYED GROUP LEADER
