How NOT to be a famous writer

Article Link: United Press International - NewsTrack - Student convicted in letter-writing hoax

There are two ways to become famous for your writing. First is to write something great that gets published and starts such a buzz that everyone talks about your work. Second is to write something really dumb that gets you in trouble.

A former student at Chicago's Trinity college did the latter. Because she was unhappy at the school and wanted her parents to let her leave, she wrote a series of threatening letters -- against herself. The letters caused a huge stir on campus and prompted the evacuation of Hispanic and African-American students.

The student must attend counseling, pay a large fine, and perform many hours of public service. Perhaps some assertiveness training and character building should have been part of the sentence.