To all who responded to this thread:
I was given the tools, material, and the rough dimensions and told to build a dog house. I did. In fact, I built an 'A' Number 1 dog house. It was, afterall, for a dog.
Along comes different people to view my work. I told them what I said above--the client wanted a dog house. For a dog. Some say, "Well, it *is* a dog house. ONLY a dog house, but, yes, it is a dog house." Then, a couple of others say, "Damn, you idiot, it's only a dog house. Why didn't you build a three-bed, two bath 3000 sq foot house with a two-car garage?"
I say, "well..."
I was shown a six or seven minute clip of film. I was told to write an essay; one with a thesis, three supporting paragraphs based on cinematic elements used by the filmmaker, an intro and a fitting conclusion. That is what I did.
Now, for the critics: I'd challenge you to do better, but I won't do that since I know that is not likely possible. It is not possible to get a better grade than the one this essay received, a grade the professor said she never had given to any essay in twelve years of teaching on the college level.
Based on all of the above, perhaps my words, "I don't care about the negative comments from strangers" are now more believable.
peace,
tj