I received this e-mail today. If I were Ken White at Popehat, I would deliver an extended faux discourse on ponies, but in this case the message itself suffices:
Hi Jack,
My name is Stephanie Song. I am a freelance writer. I was wondering if you would be interested in allowing me to write a unique article for ethicsalarms.com? I’m working to get myself established in the industry. All I would ask is for a very brief About the Author section at the end of the article that has a single link in it to my site at InkTonerStore.com.
If you check our blog you’ll see that I am very focused on high quality content. Although our blog focuses on ink toners, I can write on any topic.
Perhaps she could write a piece on the ethics of selling a required proprietary consumable (inkjet cartridges) at a price equivalent to half the cost of a new printer.
Hi Stephanie,
Why yes, we would be more than happy to bring you on board, as a starting project, in order to bridge the gap between ethics and ink, we would like to suggest as a starting topic: “The Ethics of Dyeing your Pet.” Specifically, the ethics of dyeing the mane and coat of ponies to match the latest colourations of characters from the popular TV Series: “My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic.”
You could also tie in the ethics of painting pet lizards, or glueing horns on pet’s foreheads to make them uni-things. The possibilities are endless!
Ideally, you would address the harm done to ponies by colouring them in various rainbow hues, but also mitigate that damage with the fact that Ponies, especially from Equestria, are actually the spawn of Satan, designed to turn vaguely masculine post-pubescent men into effete “bronies”. Simultaneously starting the Pony-ocalypse and utterly destroying America. Those ponies deserve what’s coming to them!
Ahem.
Regardless, we look forward to having you on, please submit an article on the subject, and we’ll go about setting up your space on the site.
Regards,
Queen Chrysalis
Thank you.
Yes. I agree, except for the pony-ocalypse. I don’t recall that there would be plague of ponies to signal the Fourth Horseman’s final ride. But, a pony is an equestrian, no? It could be . . . .
Horsemen had to ride something right? Pale horses are so 200 AD, It’s 2016: let’s jazz it up with ponies and rainbows.
Well, that is something to think about . . .
Jack, don’t pass up this chance. Remember, she can write on “any topic.” This is your chance to help the world!
Suggested topics:
– Resolving the conflicts between general relativity and the standard model of quantum physics.
– Explain the economics behind industrial wage differentials.
– How to eliminating the world’s nuclear deterrent without spurring increased conventional warfare.
– Arresting and reversing global warming.
– Ending world hunger.
And so much more!
Wasn’t aware the world was hungry. Let’s feed it. What do planets eat anyway?
It’s actually about ethics in ink toner journalism.
#TonerGate
Chuckle. Even if Jack deletes it, I thought you should know that this made my day.
Why on earth would I delete it?
This place needs a ” Like” button, or little hearts, or something.
I hate them, as I’ve mentioned before. When I get first time comments that say, “Right on!” or “That’s ridiculous,” I trash them. I don’t care what people like.
It’s delightful to see this bright and beautiful cascade of sarcasm. Makes my day.
My post was a study in sarcasm. It was so sarcastic that it flew right over Jack’s head. I don’t hate them though. I punch out lots of green hearts (I THINK they’re green) on Medium to let the authors know I liked their piece and am recommending it to my followers.
Got to agree with you, there. Most of what I like is illegal, unethical, immoral or fattening.
… or all of the above.
You could just make a rainbow pony button!! Please Jack!! I award you 5 rainbow ponies!!
And I award you ten pink bunnie rabbits for that idea, astocktill.
I think an occasional guffaw like the one this person’s (?) missive elicited is great. One post as funny as this one every few days would be tremendous and might increase traffic. Kind of like putting toys in Cracker Jacks boxes.
Now I’m serious, Jack. I really like Other Bill’s idea and if I had a heart to give I would. Then I wouldn’t have to take time like I’m doing now.
Ms Stephanie Song if you’re reading this; you sending that email to Jack proves that your a blithering idiot.
Zoltar, I am withholding my adorable wombat until you be nice.
I absolutely and quite honestly deserved every bit of that; I own it.
Where I’m coming from is that people that send out spam like that really rub me wrong, in my opinion, their mentality is in question; honestly, what the heck kind of response did this person expect from Jack and Ethics Alarms?
I’ll try to be nice. 🙂
Could you believe this?
http://reason.com/blog/2016/05/25/katie-couric-anti-gun-doc-deceptively-ed