Out on a Limb 
An open letter to my friends, family and foes 

Click here to read book reviews from Leena.

To Whom It May Concern: 

As you see, this is an open letter for those who are interested in reading my comments and opinion. And please, let me tell you that these are MY comments and feelings. And this is NOT the collective opinion of OurKarnataka.Com 

Let me begin… 

One of the first and finest things I learned from my father is to take criticisms in stride. Also, if one is an aspiring journalist, then this advice is something that we need to hold on to for dear life. This was how I prepared myself when I decided to be a writer. I have had my fair share of it since then, as you have just read. I have had my professors, editors or my managers tell me to re-do a lead, article or re-write the entire brochure with practically no advance notice given. In our graduate class, we did an entire course on stress writing. But, I have so far had no one trash up my work or suggest that I have been given unnecessary attention. 

Believe me, I know that a wise man (or maybe it was a woman!) once said to forget all the insults and only to remember the compliments. But as I said, s/he is a better person than I. 

We (OKC team members, editors) sit around and discuss the feedback that we receive from our visitors. Believe me when I say this: it is only because of the constant encouragement and support from our readers, friends and family that OurKarnataka.Com is where it is today. Your feedback matter a lot to us… 

After reading a feedback from an equally “opinionated” bunch of young men, all I could think of was “Hey, 5 more to add to the bunch of arm-chair critics.” That is the most popular way of expressing, sit with a bunch of friends, over a glass of wine or scotch and deliberate about what should be done and how, and who should do it, and how badly it is done. 

After reading some of the oh-so-lovely words of encouragement from a group of ardent “kannadigas” or so they claim, (of course, I am being sarcastic!), I immediately logged onto OurKarnataka.Com to view the contents of the site. I read and re-read all my articles, searching for forgotten eroticism or profanity or to see whether if I was given undue importance in the Website? (That was one of the complaints these young men had!) Or to see why they thought that writing about valentine’s day was unimportant? Quote don’t try to mix too many things unquote, was their judicious advice. 

I understand people have opinions and the whole point of having a feedback column is to voice opinions and feelings. Furthermore, I understand that many people may not fully accede with mine. Which is fine with me. 

But this letter goes to everyone who sit in their comfortable couches and scorn upon what someone else is trying to achieve, Giving categorical statements like, “Totally, I would rate u’r site on a grade of 10 at 4.5.” is going a little too far. Well, mister, all I ask is to take a moment, introspect on your life and think, if someone were to grade “your” work or your whole life in just one sentence and say the above mentioned sentence, how would you react? 

Again, let me point out, that this letter is pure political conservatism on MY behalf. 

From what I know, Ourkarnataka.Com is a venture started out by a group of people with similar interests on a very small scale. They are all working/studying individuals, just like you, who are striving to make this website the BEST Kannada portal. By having varying contents, like Capote’s novel review, or an article on credit cards, it is just to encourage people to write and freely express themselves. Let me assure you, that in NO way would any kannadiga/non-kannadiga be embarrassed if s/he went through this website. 

An open question to all: 

“Did anyone “burst into big laughter” seeing at music section and career section?” (Of course, poor things did not know how to spell career!) Well, I tried looking at those pages, and seeing if there was anything humorous in it! Not so lucky I guess! 

As far as improving the site, we strive to do it all the time. We are continually asking people for their “intelligent” advice and are trying to improve our columns and contents. We were happy to know that the gadegalu (proverb section) is a big hit with everyone. 

As far as my writing is concerned, I have written professional news writing, feature writing and also my personal column for this fine website. The column, Leena’s Lair” is my way of letting go, my way of going out on the proverbial limb. 

Well, I don’t even know if my letter will be published, if it does not, too bad! If it does, jolly good! And will I be replaced or be given less importance? Nawww way! I guess, it all depends on if I can drink the OKC boss under the table. Maybe, maybe not. Then again, how do you think, I got OKC to give me this gig in the first place? I have the big boss wrapped around my finger, you see! 

Just kidding. 

Best Regards, 
-Leena Kamath-Shenoy

Feedback of the Month!
(Note: We have published the feedback as it is.. with out any changes)
User Name : Ajay 
User email : sj_ajay@yahoo.com 
Comments : The site is average. Is it a general site for all those who know kannada or only for those abroad. There are lots of information and lot unnecessary too. 
I dont understand why u want to include "job seekers" section etc. There are professional sites like carre mosaic, monster etc for that  purpose. Again why valentains day on this site. dont try to mix too many things. and music section. where is the music? lots of unnecessary stuffs here. why u want Truman Capote's novel here. makes no sense. U have elaborated bit too much on some leena kamath. 
have u heard of kumar malavalli or BV jagaddish.they are kannadiga's and more importanly great enterpreneurs here in bay area. some info on such people could be of great interest to read. they have done lot of social work too. the gadegalu section is really good and interesting. i thank u very much for that. Totally i would rate u'r site on a grade of 10 at 4.5 U could improve it. Remove unnessary info. We alomst burst into big laughter seeing at music section and carreer section. please avoid embarrassment to us if a non kannadiga goes thru' this site..:-)!!!! 
thanks, ajay, ram, venky, jp, harsha.