Errata

Generally speaking, when I become aware of an error in Scarred Bark, I just go back and fix it. So if you read a post you don't like, go back and check it again in a few weeks ... maybe I'll have changed my mind. Somehow, a journal is different. I always write in pen! Once you write something in pen - or maybe print something out from your computer - it acquires a kind of permanence that a blog doesn't seem to have. That's part of the magic of the web: Nothing is permanent. When you hold a book in your hands, you know it's been through the entire writing, editing, publishing, distribution chain thing. It has a certain air of authority - especially if it's been handled by one of the major publishing houses. It feels like something you can trust, something you can reference, something you can quote. Compare a book to an article on Wikipedia. There isn't even a claim that the article is correct let alone permanent; it's all about the change. (Weird side note: Blogger's spell checker says Wikipedia is misspelled, and gives as suggested alternatives: pediatric, pediatrics, cyclopedias, cyclopedia, and encyclopedia in that order. You would think Blogger would know what Wikipedia is ... but I digress.)

There is an error in yesterday's post involving that fortune cookie quote. I was going to go back and correct it, but I've decided to let the original post stand as is. However - to set the record straight - the correct quote is "Behind an able man, there are always other able men." (italics added - ed.) It's a subtle difference, but noteworthy none-the-less. As I said, I've received this fortune before; and I've pondered its various meanings. Any fortune worth its salt must allow for multiple interpretations. For this one, I've had trouble deciding. Is it: a piece of advice, a statement of fact, or a poorly veiled threat?

While the meaning lies shrouded in mystery, the subject it pertains to is clear. I've been procrastinating about the Drum Sergeant position for Grade 3 in 2010 - whether to serve another season or step aside. I'm sure the second copy of that fortune arrived to hurry things along. It will be hard to let it go after almost a decade at the helm, but I think it's time to move on. There are things I need to accomplish; and I can't fulfill the task of Drum Sergeant and do those other things too. Something's gotta give. It's nice to know there are "other able men" ready to shoulder the task.