Mini Rant

[Amethyst Rose]

I've hesitated putting anything up that shows any displeasure at all, cuz I don't want my students uncomfortable or anyone's feelings to get hurt. As long as everyone gets along, then you're a lot less likely to have problems, right? Not to mention, I don't want anyone thinking I'm a bitch....

But I have a little bit of a rant....and I'm nervous about posting it.....

I have put a lot of time into this class. I'm not sure people realize how much. On average it takes me 3 hours to write a lesson, and I spend a lot of time marking and reading pms and answering questions. It's gotten to the point that my husband has requested I make myself "work hours" cuz he's sick of me doing all that all the time...or my need to check pms before I go to bed....

In the introduction thread, I specifically said that if people don't have the time or ability to keep up with lessons and assignments, then they shouldn't bother to sign up, and yet I have 3 people who have never answered a single assingnment, and a handful that are so behind there isn't enough time for them to catch up before the end of the course.

I need people to realize that I see this as a massive sign of disrespect for the work that I do, and disrespect for me as a teacher.

I understand when real life gets in the way....it's more important than this, I agree. Thankyou so much to those of you who explained why you're behind...I appreciate it sooo much. It's those of you who have disappeared and not bothered to say a thing to me that I'm annoyed with. Not that it even matters, cuz I doubt you're reading this anyway.

I have decided, however, that those people who didn't have respect enough for me and this class to inform why they're behind, and especially those that never posted a single assignment or comment, will not be allowed to participate in any of my other classes in MW (unless you've discussed it with me). If you want to take my class on my website and pay for it, you're more than welcome.... I don't give refunds.

I'm sorry for being bitchy, but....this just annoys me to no end.

[Shatril]

I truly appreciate the amount of work you put in this wonderful class. You're right that it isn't fair that someone signs up and just disappears. Thx for not letting it discourage you enough to stop. This is good stuff. Thank you for working so hard to teach us.

[Amethyst Rose]

Thanks, Shatril, I really appreciate that. :)

I'm waiting tensely for someone to get all snarky at me because of this rant....

[Anubis RainHawk]

I truly appreciate the amount of work you put in this wonderful class. You're right that it isn't fair that someone signs up and just disappears. Thx for not letting it discourage you enough to stop. This is good stuff. Thank you for working so hard to teach us.

Me too. I really appreciate the time and effort you put into creating the lessons and answering my questions. I hope you feel better, Amethyst. :)

Anubis RainHawk

[BrigidMoon]

I've hesitated putting anything up that shows any displeasure at all, cuz I don't want my students uncomfortable or anyone's feelings to get hurt. As long as everyone gets along, then you're a lot less likely to have problems, right? Not to mention, I don't want anyone thinking I'm a bitch....

But I have a little bit of a rant....and I'm nervous about posting it.....

I have put a lot of time into this class. I'm not sure people realize how much. On average it takes me 3 hours to write a lesson, and I spend a lot of time marking and reading pms and answering questions. It's gotten to the point that my husband has requested I make myself "work hours" cuz he's sick of me doing all that all the time...or my need to check pms before I go to bed....

In the introduction thread, I specifically said that if people don't have the time or ability to keep up with lessons and assignments, then they shouldn't bother to sign up, and yet I have 3 people who have never answered a single assingnment, and a handful that are so behind there isn't enough time for them to catch up before the end of the course.

I need people to realize that I see this as a massive sign of disrespect for the work that I do, and disrespect for me as a teacher.

I understand when real life gets in the way....it's more important than this, I agree. Thankyou so much to those of you who explained why you're behind...I appreciate it sooo much. It's those of you who have disappeared and not bothered to say a thing to me that I'm annoyed with. Not that it even matters, cuz I doubt you're reading this anyway.

I have decided, however, that those people who didn't have respect enough for me and this class to inform why they're behind, and especially those that never posted a single assignment or comment, will not be allowed to participate in any of my other classes in MW (unless you've discussed it with me). If you want to take my class on my website and pay for it, you're more than welcome.... I don't give refunds.

I'm sorry for being bitchy, but....this just annoys me to no end.


I'm not in your class but I think that's totally appropriate! You're not being bitchy at all. :)

[Raven Reed]

I also appreciate the amount of work you have put into the class. Unfortunately, short of charging folks, I think there will always be a certain amount of flakiness. I don't know what you could do to stop it. But I understand your frustration.

[Raven Reed]

Oh, and I think it is totally fair that you don't let the flaky folks take future classes.

[celticfire]

i have to agree with everyone else here on this...as well as adding my own input.

first and foremost, this is YOUR class that you are conducting FREE for OUR benefit. the amount of time you spend is MORE than you should and you are absolutely not being unreasonable or bitchy by asking people to be able to participate as instructed.

and on a personal note, i for one would be completely humilated to know that i signed up for something and then didn't even have the decency to communicate with the instructor the reason i wasn't holding up my part of the bargain. again, that's just my personal feeling...i just cannot imagine someone not following through.

jeez...i can't even stand myself if i know i've only half-assed done the assignment. that to me is unacceptable, let alone not doing it at all.

*stepping down from my soap box now*

AR, you amazing and i truly appreciate your time and the knowledge you are so willing to share with so many.

[Flaire-FireStar]

I think it's a justified rant, Amethyst. *smiles* I can't imagine how much work you put into the lessons. But you are doing a fantastic job and, although I am an intermediate reader, I think I am learning quite a bit. :D

[Amethyst Rose]

You guys are great, thanks so much! :)

On the topic of getting people involved... I had huge problems with non involvement in my first two classes, and that's why I specifically requested that only those who were commited sign up for this class. I credit the success of this class with that. What I ended up with was a wide range of people who were willing to work and communicate with each other, and I'm thrilled with the lot of you. I suppose, I should have expected that I'd still get a few slackers. :)

When I complained to my husband, he also said that I can't expect much more with a free online course, and he was stunned I've had the amount of participation that I do. So I guess in retrospect I should be grateful for what I have.
Thanks again you guys, you've given this class it's soul. :)

[Madjek]

Oh Amethyst...I hope you're feeling a wee bit better. I completely understand why you would get frustrated, I would as well. I can only imagine how much work you're putting into this and you're doing wonderfully. I really appreciate it!! Thank you for not giving up on us! I'm sure it feels nice to be appreciated,(we should probably do it more often!!). So Thank you, thank you thank you and thank you!!!!!!!

[Amethyst Rose]

Thank you, I'm feeling much better. :) I was in a bad mood yesterday, because my son has a cold and had been whining at me for 8 hours, and I was tired of being smeared in snot...that'll wear anyone down. :) But, the rant still applies, ithad been bothering me for a while.

I've already had one person quit the class over my rant...should have expected it. Apparently I have "issues". Sigh.... Anyway....

[CanisFirebrand]

Really? Someone quit over your benign rant?

I don't know who nor do I want to. But to me, it almost seems a bit of an over reaction on their part.

There is a certain amount of respect here.. You are doing all this hard work to come up with interesting and productive assignments as well as reading them all, grading them and maintaining the records for yourself.

People just have to put some time in to do the assignments. I know I've handed in a few late, but I always try to post a message that it will be late, or that it is coming. I've seen others do so as well. And as you stated, your comments weren't really directed towards them, per se.
They were for the people that never turned in an assignment or turned in a couple here and there and usually late.

Another big thanks for this class. It is fun, I'm learning a lot and enjoy reading the things others post to learn even more.

[Dashifen]

I have to say if anything I expected a harsher regime :) The timing of the assignments have been fantastic, and there's been enough time in between them to accomodate life. Hell, I've taken two vacations and had to deal with a funeral in the time bettwen 5 and 6 and I still have until Monday to do 6. It's been a comfortable, easy pace and those who are behind or haven't done assignments only have themselves to blame.

[Amethyst Rose]

That's what I thought. :) I'll say it again, you guys are wonderful. :)

[Shatril]

I've already had one person quit the class over my rant...should have expected it. Apparently I have "issues". Sigh.... Anyway....
The only thing that could have been was they didn't like feeling guilty about their lack of participation. I think that it is good that someone who wasn't really participating at least told you they were quitting. Better than you wondering where they were.

[LadyTrinity]

What class? I hope I didnt join anything Im not aware of? If Im one of those who have done nothing.. it would be because I didnt know I was in the class.

* Someone shouts from behind.. Trinity's a skipper!*

:hrmm:

[Rowan MoonDragon]

Amethyst, I agree with everything said here. I have to say that I've learned SOOOOOO much from this class. I know how long it takes me to do an assignment so I can understand that it takes you a long time to prepare them. I too have been a little late on the assignments but not that late. And I do sincerely apologize for that. You are doing a FANTASTIC job and I, for one, am so incredibly glad that I'm taking this class. I'm so sorry that other people have been so inconsiderate and that you even had someone quit over your rant but I agree that it might be because of their guilt. Your being angry is definitely justified. I'm sorry that you are so frusterated becasue of peoples lack of consideration but I am very happy that I'm taking this class and that you are the teacher. Your hard work is definitely appreciated by me.

[Maverynthia]

I'm not in the class, but it seems like a class I'd take in the future...


I've already had one person quit the class over my rant...should have expected it. Apparently I have "issues". Sigh.... Anyway....

It sounds to me that this person has a problem with both being mature and dealing with authority. You have no issues, your the professor and if they don't hand in their coursework they fail. It's how it works at my college, miss 5 days FAIL (there are no excused absences), don't turn in work FAIL, insult the professor....FAIL.

I feel that a stricter system should be put up for the COT courses where there could be a list that the professors post whose signed up and if they recommend them for other professors. So, that perhaps those that aren't putting forth their best effort aren't considered by anyone else. That's the best punishment, being unable to participate in ANYTHING, due to a bad reputation.

Note: I'm not saying that people who have a good excuse for late work should be blacklisted either...

[Amethyst Rose]

It sounds to me that this person has a problem with both being mature and dealing with authority. You have no issues, your the professor and if they don't hand in their coursework they fail. It's how it works at my college, miss 5 days FAIL (there are no excused absences), don't turn in work FAIL, insult the professor....FAIL.

Note: I'm not saying that people who have a good excuse for late work should be blacklisted either...

And that's how I came into this course....treating it like a college class, where I expect the work to be done... a responsible person doesn't join a college class and then not do the work, you know? I have training as a teacher, and participation is just one of those things that I blindly expect from people taking a course. But people need limits, and a lot of them need them to get the work done...others rebell against them.

And no, those with excuses should not be blacklisted. Infact, I'm so lenient that if someone told me their assignment would be late simply cuz they didn't feel like getting it done, I'd be okay with that. I'm just happy to know what's going on.

[Aidron]

Frankly, I wondered why you had not posted something sooner. It's not really my place to notice the sort of things you are complaining about (and a few other annoyances), but I've rolled my eyes more than a few times at certain thing happening.

The rant is justified in my eyes. If you don't have the time or desire to put in the work, why take the course? For the banner? :eyebrow:

This just reminds me of some quote from a story they read to us in elementary school that has for one reason or another, stuck with me every since: "If something is worth doing, it's worth doing right."

If you're not going to put in the effort, it's obviously not worth doing, so then why bother? [shrugs]

And regarding whoever quit over this rant. blah, blah, blah. Sounds like classic "I don't want any negative vibes!" run away with your tail between your legs nonsense. Your points are particularly valid, and anyone who doesn't want to hear it obviously was someone who the rant was aimed at, or is one of those people who finds confrontation of any kind so taboo that they run any time it pops up. :rolleyes:

Hey look! I stole your rant and turned it into my own! :tongueout

[Valkie]

Hey... I just saw this!! :D

Don't worry about us, you put up what you expected and if people aren't doing it they can't exactly be mad at you for doing what you have to do for the better of the class.

I, for one, need the deadlines... otherwise other things in my life end up taking over (granted, something that I'm trying to fix but that is neither here nor there). Knowing that I have to get something done for me now, makes me get off my butt and do it... so thanks.

[Aleigh]

The only thing that could have been was they didn't like feeling guilty about their lack of participation.

That's what I was thinking...they probably felt bad about not doing the work and didn't like being made aware that you had noticed them not doing the work. The internet makes it easy to feel anonymous like that...you probably burst their bubble.

I, for one, have felt horribly guilty ever since class started because I handed in most of the assignments on the due date instead of doing them as soon as they were assigned, handed some in late a few weeks ago when my kids got sick, and didn't have time to do the last extra credit. Now, I do have issues! :durrrr: Your rant was completely justified, I think! So _wedgie_ to them. And :hugz: :smoochypo and _handclapp to you for doing such a great job teaching this class. I have learned a lot from you and I really, really appreciate it. Thank you!

[halfwaynowhere]

you have every right to be bitchy... i know i'm probably one of those students that isn't keeping up... i do have excuses, but still. I know it can get frustrating for you, and i'm really really sorry... when i signed up for this, i did have time, and now at school they are giving me such a workload that i am barely passing my real classes... its not really much of an excuse, but thats my reason, and i will finish lesson 6 and 7 this week, i promise. and if i don't, you can shoot me... seriously...

[Devi]

No problems here! _pounce_

[linaXgrazzada]

Thats not bitchy at all. you're just saying the truth. dont be sorry for telling people how it is. everyone needs a little dose of reality sometimes.