This piece first appeared as a letter to the editor of The Telegraph on Friday 6 May 2005

What a debut!

Sir ? For some time now, I have been suffering the poor quality of journalism in publications. Quite often, the grammar is incorrect, syntax poor and plurals are used where they are not required. We wince, but hold our peace. But ?Tintin on centre stage, mischief backstage? (April 25), on the fifth day of the Lakme India Fashion Week, was a bit too much. Could someone please tell the reporter (who wrote about ?a dazzling debut by a veteran duo?) that a veteran cannot make a debut, dazzling or otherwise? A debut is, and always will be, the first appearance or public exhibition, and my English dictionary tells me that a veteran is one who has worked in a particular discipline for many many years (such as war veteran or veteran thespian...if you want to use big words). Young writers who are making their debut in journalism need editing and review by the veterans in the organization.