Letter to the Editor: Error misguides story meaning

staff

Upon browsing through The Collegian, I couldn’t help but notice that highlighting the article “Students fast for charity” was the quote, “Everyone should know that it only costs 19 cents per day to feet a child in a third-world country.” [sic] Now, within the article, Mr. Fred Foland was quoted correctly, “I think everyone should know that it only costs 19 cents per day to feed a child in a third-world country.” Of course, I realize The Collegian has had its fair share of misspellings, misquotes and misinformation, but the very fact that the article’s standout quote contained a mistake is laughable at best. Therein is the tragedy.

The article was actually informative, telling of a good cause that students should be aware of. Yet, I have already heard people snickering at the error, mocking that which the quote is saying. I am sure people throughout campus are quoting The Collegian’s mistake without even realizing what they are saying. People may be laughing at ” … it only costs 19 cents to feet a child in a third-world country” [sic], but who is comprehending it? Who is taking that valuable information to heart? I fear the important message of the article has been completely lost amongst mockery and misspellings.

Editors, I am not asking for a fine-tooth-comb-job here, but you don’t need a magnifying glass to find these kinds of mistakes. Please be more careful.

Eric BlairSenior English major