[Trombone-l] Tag Line

[Charles DePaolo]

Dan et al,

I was preparing a clever reply after thinking about this for a moment and 
ultimately decided that the statement is somewhat illogical because the time 
variable is irrelevant.  Reworded, the statement certainly makes sense as 
"The difference between Mediocrity and Excellence is attention to detail." 
To which you may well say, "Duh!"  But adding the time element does not 
really make sense either.  What about intellect of the doer?  What about 
skill level for the assigned job, whether it be designing an axle assembly, 
learning to play the Grondahl* or replacing a toilet?  I think you are right 
to ponder this statement, it does seem cute and clever at first glance.  But 
once you think about it, it's reasoning is somewhat in doubt.  Can one not 
do a mediocre job in half the time?  Of course.  Indeed, I've known far too 
many who've proved this beyond a shadow of a doubt. Can one not be less 
skilled, take twice the time, and still produce a piece of crap?  Again, of 
course.

My verdict:  The saying is cute but ultimately pointless.

--Chuck

* mandatory trombone content

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Dan Thornton
  To: 'Trombone-L'
  Sent: Monday, March 24, 2008 8:26 PM
  Subject: [Trombone-l] Tag Line


  Speaking of tag lines, I received an email from our local high school 
choir
  teacher. She included a tag line that I have been considering now for 
these
  three weeks, and the jury is still out, but so far I like it.

  What do you think? Does this line agree with your experience?

  "Mediocrity and excellence take about the same amount of time.  The
  difference is attention to detail!"  Renee C. Henderson

  Dan


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