Comments on PeerCentered: Red Pens

I don't like the idea of writing on a writer's pap...

2009-02-23T13:35:41.297-07:00

I don't like the idea of writing on a writer's paper with red pen or otherwise, but I agree that red pen gets a reputation that it doesn’t deserve. (It’s just a color, right? It is chosen because it is easy to see, not because it is soul-crushing.) Personally, I am able think more clearly when I am writing, so while listening to the writer I usually take notes on a notepad. During a consultation, I try to make sure that the writer has a pencil handy to take their own notes, and if the urge to “fix” something gets too strong for me, I put away my own pencil entirely.
It’s great, Lizzy, that in both of your consultations you were able to help the writers to understand what the writing center does and that both consultations went well. It can be a struggle to maintain the balance between a collaborative and a “productive” environment in a consultation. I think that taking the time to explain a little bit about what we do is a great idea.
So, my question is what sort of strategies do you all have for working with a writer who wants the “red pen” treatment and who isn’t understanding what the writing center does due to past experiences, cultural background, etc? I have had some consultations like this where I tried to explain what the writing center does and have been met with the same reply of, “Yeah, but I just want you to fix my paper!” So PeerCentered People, what do you suggest?
-Jenny

Cindy Johanek included an interesting mini-study c...

2009-02-20T20:52:59.733-07:00

Cindy Johanek included an interesting mini-study comparing ink color "effects" in her book Composing Research, a book worth reading for many reasons. :)

I don't understand why red pens have gotten a bad ...

2009-02-20T19:25:29.250-07:00

I don't understand why red pens have gotten a bad rap. Such reactions revert to fear, instilling more fear by their mere mention, when it fact if one doesn't make a big deal by using them, the "fear factor" disappears and using them becomes as innocuous as using any other writing implement. One can choose to write on a paper using any color, pen, pencil - or using nothing at all. No one usage need be more right or wrong than any other type of usage.

I have students request I use pens because - are you ready for this answer? - it's got the most highly visible ink. And writing using a highly visibly ink - formerly red because it was the most prolifically offered buy really it could be any color, couldn't it? - whether the student uses that ink, or the tutor, draws attention back to the notes that serve as a reminder of what was discussed in the session.

I say, take back the red pen. Remember that it's just a color, and by not making it a big deal, it becomes not a big deal.

Red pens? Nooooooo! We don't even write on paper...

2009-02-20T10:32:33.106-07:00

Red pens? Nooooooo! We don't even write on papers at all, pencil or not.