I don’t usually read “Dear Abby” unless a headline like “Woman who loves two losers can’t decide who to choose” catches my eye, but My Lovely Bride never misses the column, and she pointed out a letter in today’s edition that hits me where I live:
Ralph has not expressly asked for my opinion. If he does, should I be honest? — A FRIEND WITH A FRIEND IN NEED
DEAR FRIEND: If he asks you, begin by pointing out the spelling errors. If he’s open to that constructive criticism, and you have the time, point out that the graphics and text could use a little “tweaking” — and give specific examples. If the situation were reversed, wouldn’t YOU want to know?
I love the fact that our society has finally advanced to the point where we can begin to judge people based on the quality of their websites! We need much more of this kind of discernment and wisdom. “Oh, mother…I couldn’t possibly marry him; he built his website with FrontPage!” “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn, as long as you insist on using animated GIFs instead of Flash.” “Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I submit to you that the defendant was entirely within her rights. No one with the slightest trace of humanity could expect her to put up with a website that uses the blink tag!”
The only nit I would pick with Abby’s reply is that she didn’t end her advice by giving “A Friend” my phone number and email address!
Shoot.
I use Frontpage.
Now I *know* there is no hope for me.
Julie, you just need to remember that for some special people, content always rises above tools. Therefore, you are forever exempt from this special form of “classism”!