With Great Power . . .

Before I complain about missed deadlines, let me first say this appears to be an extraordinarily talented class (set of two classes). The earliest posts I have had the pleasure to read have been very accomplished—still shreddable, of course!—and encouraging.

. . . Comes Great Responsibility

I like a class that starts strong and sets the hurdle high. But no amount of accomplishment will keep me from gutting your drafts and recommending you start from scratch. Mediocre students rewrite two or three times before they peak. Talented writers think in double digits and still aren’t satisfied.

Deadline Made / Deadline Missed

The deadline for this first assignment was noon (11:59am) TUE SEP 08. I was momentarily encouraged to see so many posts roll in on Tuesday morning, but looking over the list of recent posts, I see that just over half of our registered Authors posted their essays on time. That’s a bad start no matter how many of the timely posts are excellent.

If I was unclear about the deadline, I apologize, but I’d like to be told in what way I failed you. Otherwise, let’s agree from now on that deadlines are for real and that late penalties can be tragic. Those of you on the wrong side of this chart will be charged 10% (20% if you don’t post by noon WED SEP 09). That means the best you can achieve, even if your post is the best I’ve ever read, is a 90% (B+).

Post soon if you haven’t already. Email me if you want to explain.