An Independent Journal for Members of the American Federation of Musicians
The inclusion of explications like these should be completely unnecessary. However, as there are many people who do not, or cannot (or will not), understand clear English (not that we always write in clear English, of course), and because Miss Blogstein says we ought to do it, we will from time to time provide clarifications of some of our statements. Beginning with:
This site is neither owned, nor (God forbid) endorsed, by the AFM
("home" page, top of left column)
"This site" means unionmuse.com in its entirety: content, design (such as it is), attitude, etc.
"Is" (an intransitive verb) works together with "owned," the past participle of the transitive verb (to) "own" in order to form "is owned." This has the effect of converting a normally active verb into the passive voice, overuse of which is most tiresome.
Likewise, "is" works similar magic on the other normally active verb in the sentence, "endorse(d)."
Had we not included "neither" and "God forbid" (and the commas and parentheses), and had we substituted "and" for "nor," we would have been left with this untrue statement:
"This site is owned and endorsed by the AFM," an untrue statement.
As we say, this would be an untrue statement; and it could be misconstrued (as well as litigated).
As it happens, the statement, "This site is neither owned, nor (God forbid) endorsed, by the AFM" actually means that this site is neither owned nor endorsed by the AFM. Which is a true statement.
The use of "God forbid" is not meant to imply endorsement of any religion, lack of religion or deity.
DISCLAIMER: None of the above is intended to be, nor should it be construed to be, grammatical advice. If the reader requires such advice, he or she should seek out a qualified professional.
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