We are supposed to post this final bibliography on a class wiki so all our classmates can read our work. The point of this is because one month from now, we will use these articles from our classmates to write a large lit review. We will need to use at least 8 of our classmates' articles.
So here is the problem: there is a two week timeframe where we can edit our classmates' articles on the wiki. Any error (grammatical, spelling, stylistic, etc.) we find in someone's article results in a bonus point for us, and a one point deduction from them. Because the assignment is only worth one point, if an error is found in your paper, your grade turns into a 0 - but the professor has promised that you cannot be deducted more than that. So, for example, if there are three errors found in your paper, you will only lose one total point. However, there is no limit on how many errors and subsequent points you can gain from finding errors. So if I found a total of 10 errors in my peers' papers, I would get 10 extra points.
Shortly into class today, my professor said, "I'm just going to step out of the classroom and let you all discuss this whole editing thing. Just so you know, the other class has agreed not to edit each others' papers." He left, and one classmate stood in front of the class, before anyone could say anything, and proposed that we all ban together so no one edits anyone's papers and thus no one loses their one point. Most of the class agreed. I however, vehemently disagreed.
There is an underlying principle being attacked at this idea. Agreeing to this course of action means that anyone who hands in anything, regardless of its quality, will "earn" the one point. Rallying together as a class and agreeing not to edit anyone's paper because of fear that errors will be found shows that you are not confident in the quality of work you hand in. If you deserve the point - you will earn the point through drafting, re-writing, etc. You will work hard to be sure that there are no errors.
The principle of "earning" something you don't deserve is rampant today. In fact, it reminds me of the plan we rejected long, long ago. Consent not to judge, so that none will be judged and all will be saved. Bologna. That is not why I am in college. That is not why I pursue an education. I am paying money to be here and I am going to provide quality work so I deserve the grade given to me. I won't ban together with mediocrity. If I deserve it, I will have earned it. If I haven't earned it, I don't deserve it.
So what happened? Me and 4 others signed a paper agreeing not to edit anyone's paper other than those who signed the paper. So there is a pool of 5 of us who will be sure that our work has no errors. The others cannot edit anyone's. They will all get their one point - no questions asked.
Dumb.
