She is saying that "The Turnbow News" is inaccurate and poorly written. She'd like to have more influence over it. Lacking context, I can't tell whether she's offering to write it, or offering to give you lots of criticism on it. Probably she's planning to offer criticism.


In the second passage she's telling you not to send the letter to those who might want to tell you what to write. Then they won't have anything to be upset at.


Thanks, I was really not grasping all that.

Incidentally the trick that she's using to confuse you is simple. She is turning every sentence around to say it in a convoluted way. The technical description is "using the passive voice". Basically there are two ways to say something, directly, or indirectly. Saying it directly is called the active voice because there are usually a lot of things acting on other things. Saying it indirectly is called the passive voice because nouns have things done do them.


Simple example. The cat climbed the tree. (Active) The tree was climbed by the cat. (Passive)


Here is the amusing bit. Modern style guides almost always recommend the active voice over the passive. This has been the case for over 40 years. Unless they changed in a recent version, Microsoft Word will analyze your writing for signs of the passive voice and suggest that they be corrected. Why? As [link|http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/grammar/g_actpass.html|this guide from Purdue] points out, Sentences in active voice are generally--though not always-- clearer and more direct than those in passive voice.


Your SIL's writing is an excellent (bad) example.


If I was in your position I'd reply, I won't take your suggestions because I believe that your writing is harder to understand than mine. For instance, contrary to the recommendation of all major style guides, you overuse the passive voice. You'll be more readily understood if you fix this. For further suggestions, I recommend that you read the guide to Plain English at [link|http://www.plainenglish.co.uk/plainenglishguide.html|http://www.plainengl...englishguide.html] and follow its suggestions.


I love it! I'll keep it in mind, for the next response! Thanks Ben, you have been very helpful!

Brenda