Thursday, May 15, 2008

Is "f*ck off, you idiots" clear enough?

Earlier this academic year I applied for a small summer research grant from my illustrious institution. I got the news that I didn't get the grant several months ago, but I did not get around to actually reading my rejection letter until today. The first paragraph reassures me that many worthy proposals could not be funded, and it then presents the comments of the reviewers, which I reproduce verbatim:


The committee observed that because the text of your proposal was not sufficiently clear. The proposal did not communicate your ideas and plans effectively enough.


Perhaps the committee. Would have had an easier time, understanding my proposal if, it had contained many grammatical errors. I thank the committee for it's 'helpful feedback' and, I look forward to discussing there helpful comments with the, Office Of Sponsored Programs, as suggested in the closing paragraph of the rejection letter.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Looks to me like, for instance, if you maybe used less words, more commas and periods. Maybe then, you would have, perhaps, gotten that grant. Just be sure that you're clear, next time. okay?