> today we have all become defensive writers because there is now an expectation that someone will use nitpicks about inconsequential points to discredit the en

> today we have all become defensive writers because there is now an expectation that someone will use nitpicks about inconsequential points to discredit the entire piece. Even such inconsequential things as, for example, pointing out the parent's incorrect choice of "adverse" instead of "averse," which has no bearing on the argument. There's almost always a mistake, overgeneralization, or convenient shortcut in anything a person says. Holding people to an impossible standard just adds stress all around.