The Runner Up: The International Writing Contest

“Barnaby, you have the gall to recommend this technical writer as the winner of our writing contest?” said Mr. McLaughlin, a famous internet publisher, as he stormed into the back office. “What on earth are you thinking?”

“You are angry, sir,” replied Barnaby. 

Mr. McLaughlin was very angry about his assistant’s decision with regard to the contest winner. He tossed the writer’s submission on Barnaby’s desk.

“I cannot believe you suggested this writer receive an award, any kind of an award for this kind of writing. I absolutely cannot agree with your decision. I cannot award this person, or anyone else who writes like this the ten thousand dollars, first prize for our internet writing contest, even though it might be the best technical writing I have ever read in my entire history of publishing.”

“But, Mr. McLaughlin, his work is accurate and technically correct,” Barnaby argued. “So much of what we receive from writers, is not.”

“Technically correct is not good enough for publication. Re-check my writing standards for internet publication. Look at my guidelines for the writing contest, too. I would prefer to place this writer as a runner up, at best.”

“That is only a minimum award in terms of dollars, sir. I am shocked. I thought the technical best writer would automatically receive the award. This writer shows promise for the future.”

“Some moral and ethical education first, might help. There are sufficient words in the English language for any writer to express his or her content in a socially and politically acceptable manner. This level of extreme vulgarity shows a total lack of principle, person-hood and professionalism. It is abusive and egocentric. There is no way I can justify promoting this. We would lose our readership, if I published that kind of content.”

“But sir,” his assistant protested.

“On second thought, this writer does not qualify as a runner-up either. Choose someone else. Send this writer a severe reprimand. Advise the writer that this kind of content is not acceptable. Allow one revision and insist on an apology; otherwise ban this writer’s work permanently. That is my final decision.”

“Yes sir.”