The Chinese have a saying. You can take the true mettle of a person once you’ve seen them gambling or drunk. I would like to add, “Or when you have been treated badly by an editor.”
Several years ago, perhaps close to 20, Doug submitted a ms. to Linguistic Inquiry, the journal that I have edited since its inception in 1970. Something terrible happened, something every editor—well, me at least—dreads. The ms. fell between the cracks and lay unattended for several months, at least a half a year, though my guilty memory suggests it was even longer.
Anyway, at some point Doug sent a letter of inquiry politely wondering how the reviewing process was coming along. It was then that my assistant delivered the awful news that the ms. had been misplaced and lay untouched for all these long months.
This is the point where an editor assumes the fetal position. It was totally the fault of the journal, something important had been entrusted to me and I failed to meet my part of the bargain.
Someone—namely, me—had to tell Doug what had happened. I did so immediately and waited with dread for the response that would understandably be filled with vituperation, blame and recrimination. Nothing is worse than receiving such a letter when you know it is fully justified.
When Doug’s response arrived it was filled with none of that. He said, “Jay, don’t worry about it. I understand. People make mistakes. Accidents happen. I’ll look forward to hearing from you.”
That is the response of a decent human being. It happened almost 20 years ago. I still feel that sense of relief and gratitude that Doug’s letter brought me.
Thank you again, Doug. And enjoy Jericho Beach to the fullest. It and I are lucky to know you.
Jay