Volume XI
Issue 10
October 2008

Copyright © 1998-2008
The Globe-Guardian
All Rights Reserved
ISSN: 1525-6316

They

Just as journalists have their ultimate quotable authority in "A Reliable Source," casual conversationalists are able to confidently quote an even greater authority known as "They." Through the undauntable efforts of QuestionMan, the Globe-Guardian was able to locate a spokesman for They and secure the following outstanding interview.

QuestionMan: Wow, I don't believe we've ever had a more immaculately dressed interview subject. What's with the tux?
They Spokesman: Thanks. They say you never get a second chance to make a good first impression.

QM: Right you are. I don't mean to get off on the wrong foot with you, but "They" statements seem an awful lot like cliches. What's the difference?
TS: Standing alone, a cliche is no more than a tired, old opinion. Begin any ordinary cliche with "They say," and you've got an authoritative statement.

QM: I see. I grew up with all of these expressions, even found myself using them. I never knew that they came from you.
TS: They say we're young, and we don't know. We won't find out until we grow.

QM: Hey, isn't that from an old Sonny and Cher song?
TS: We had it first. They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

QM: How are your expressions developed?
TS: Many of our sayings begin with a specific person, often a famous quotable person, such as Benjamin Franklin, Sir Winston Churchill or Tom Arnold. Although we don't encourage the practice, those who use a new saying soon forget who originally said it and replace the author with "They." They say let's give credit where credit is due.

QM: Well, they say all good things must come to an end, even this extremely fascinating interview
TS: Thanks for quoting us. They say it could only happen on the internet.

QM: Hey, I've never heard that one before.
TS:  New material. They say you can always feel free to quote us.

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