Literacy and the Gazette

[Shiber]

I've noticed that only 2% of our population are literate. I know I am, but 49 out of every 50 people I meet in the streets of Apolytonia are illiterate.
I was wondering: how does this affect the Gazette's sales?

[Epistax]

By having a subscription to the gazette, it's implied that you've read it. This allows people to appear literate. The next time you see someone reading the gazette, point to an article and see if they can say anything specific about it. Choose an article without a picture.

[Vlad Antlerkov]

Well, that 2% figure only refers to the number of people literate in standard Apolytonian-- which we publish the Gazette in.

All the other towns have their own dialects. I'd say that there's around 10% of the population being literate.

[Edrix]

Plus, one has to consider the number of foreign-speaking peoples in Apolytonia (particularly in the former American cities, where some still speak English). We really need to create a standard language for the entire nation...

[Vlad Antlerkov]

I'd suggest Latin or some slight variant of it (say Italian or Spanish).

I don't know any of the ancient Egyptian language (or Arabic).

[GoodFella]

arr u saein i cant not abbel 2 noo reed orr rite?





huukd on fonix werkd fer mee

[MrWhereItsAt]

I'm pretty sure that the illiterate citizens are the 98% (or more) who don't post. They couldn't as they can't write either.

So, in brief, everyone you meet here is a member of the elite 2% or whatever who ARE literate.

Aren't we special?

[DAVOUT]

Despotism flourishes in an illiterate population.

[Shiber]

Are you sure it's not the other way around?
Edit: on second thought it's both.

[UnOrthOdOx]

Hmm, increase in distribution...

Perhaps I could arrange for public readings for the illiterate at a small charge...

[Kuciwalker]

UnOrthOdOx - that's a great idea! Could we make this a joint venture?

[Nubclear]

Originally posted by skywalker
UnOrthOdOx - that's a great idea! Could we make this a joint venture?

Would we have to pay you? Because if so.....I'm sorry but I personally could NEVER accomidate any charge you make.