Apparently Ronge has been asked to rewrite several articles and change many words because they are too clever and the average person will not understand. I thought the point of reading was self education and a handy dictionary can really help.

When 'kindred spirit' is changed to 'family spirit' I really worry. Is is the public that does not understand or the sub editor - clearly these two phrases mean nowhere near the same thing... What is to be done about this sad state of affairs.

It is worrying that we are allowing our standards to drop and yet whinge when we cannot compete internationally where standards are improved on a regular basis.

Are we so lazy that learning has become obsolete, a burden and something that will not affect the future roll that South Africa plays internationally.

I know that Ronge does sometimes use rather excessive phrases. but the man clearly loves what he does and surely this will encourage others to love it too. A wordsmith is an asset and without the basic tools upon which to build a sound vocabulary, how are we to express complex ideas and continue to create?

I may be overboard, but this worries me deeply. Any comments?

[24 Aug 2004 18:00]

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