Re: To form or not to form

["The Writing Center" <wrcenter@irn.pdx.edu>]

Richard writes, in part:

" however, it seems that we are wanting to give complete control to
the writer, that the writer is always right, and if a reader has problems
with a text, whether with its style or structure, its the fault of the
reader. Sometime it is, sometimes it's not."

Hi Richard,

>From a teacher's standpoint, I have to agree with you here--I believe that there should be ongoing negotiation  between writer and reader.  What I fear, is that there really isn't much negotiation, not much give on the part of academicians.  Often, the very structure of a course (and I'm not talking only about writing courses) discourages drafting which is where I think most of the negotiation between reader and writer necessarily must take place.  Without this opportunity for negotiation, the interaction between reader and writer becomes truncated, stilted, scripted.

>From a tutor's standpoint, I must admit, I really don't see control lying anywhere but with the writer--the writer is the only one in control of the writing,no?  True, grades aren't in control of the writer.  And I don't like where this is going--do we end up with readers bartering grades for conformity? for clarity?  But I'm veering away from a tutor's concerns.  Certainly, though I can never know for sure, I do need some assurance that the writer (in the case I mentioned) is clear and aware about the ramifications of "sticking to her guns."  If a writer resists change simply out of unawareness, disinterest, or animosity then I'll try to offer scenarios (if you do this, then you might expect x, y, or z response); beyond this, I figure it's up to the writer to decide how to proceed.

Whatyda think?

Cliff Barnett
PSU Writing Center