Feb. 12, 2007
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Tell Us What You Really Think!
Letters; we get letters. We get stack and stacks of letters.
Actually, we get email these days. While the vast majority of writers are looking for information or offering constructive suggestions, a few emails are doozies, the smoldering kind that need to be cooled before handling.
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We appreciate constructive criticism, it helps us improve. Many of your critiques are on point and justified. Perhaps our department just plain blew it. A parking flub, a ticketing oversight, a careless usher, a stale box of popcorn. Electronic letters are often the quickest, easiest way to communicate.
However, the same technology that delivers constructive criticism or praise allows John Q. Public to get worked up and hit the “send” key before thinking his rant through. The old-fashioned U.S. Mail forced us to sleep on it most of the time. Often, we would think better of it in the morning light and toss that nasty note in the trash.
We read every incoming email as long as it is signed. Often we will check the facts with other parties to be sure that the details are accurate. I’ve seen rambling rants but were left anonymous. Why would somebody be so passionate and choose to hide in the cyberspace shadows? Opposing fans, no doubt, generate some of these howitzers.
My hunch is that the hyped-up writer seemingly forgets that a real person lives on the other end of that send button. They are worked up, eager to tell “Vanderbilt” what they think so they really let it go in the privacy of their den….then hit that send key and feel much better. But if they arrive unsigned, I usually hit my delete key before reading.
As soon as possible, assuming emailers have signed their name, we will respond and nine times out of 10 that frustrated fan is apologetic about her tone and temperament.
“They are my words but I really don’t feel that way. I got a little carried away.”
If you want to voice your opinion or share a good idea, please do so. We can talk, you can telephone, you can put pen to paper and yes, you can even email. A helpful hint – you’ll come across much better if your letter is factual, your tone civil and your message signed.
We are constantly looking for ways to serve our alumni and friends better. Your input is appreciated. CLICK HERE TO GIVE FEEDBACK
SEC Men’s Basketball Tickets on Sale
Some ticket books for the 2007 Southeastern Conference Men’s Basketball Tournament in Atlanta remain on sale in our ticket office. If you want to attend this exciting event, contact the ticket office at 615-322-GOLD.
Ticket books, good for all sessions, are $260.
Cassen Goes over 500
The latest tally from the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee on the Cassen’s Coats and Caps for the Counties drive is that over 500 coats were collected with some donations still trickling in. Nice job, `Dore fans!