I need to write it in Latin

[rutineli]

I have been obliged to put my signature to a letter written by my employer with which I not only disagree but find the standard of penmanship nothing short of criminal.

Since I cannot avoid signing it, I want to add a footnote in Latin which means quite simply "signature does not denote authorship"

Please help if you can as I have failed on several websites which offered that service. rutineli

[TheWinner]

Hi rutineli, I did a search on the internet for you, and you may find this site to be helpful.
http://www.archives.nd.edu/cgi-bin/lookdown.pl

you can type in your whole sentence, then choose the words you think describe the best. good luck.

[Quizmonster]

"Subscriptor haud scriptor est" might do. Literally, "The undersigner is by no means the writer."

[Panic Button]

Just refuse to sign.

[rutineli]

Panic Button, great suggestion but I don't think you understood the question rut.

[Peter Pedant]

I am not sure a judge may scout the difference between scribo et subscribo
what about scripsi sed non auctor

I have written/signed but [I am ]not author

[rutineli]

Peter I am ever amazed at the knowledge of my fellow AB members. Could you expand slightly on the difference between your phrase and that of Quizmonster who has also posted an extremely useful phrase. Which would the judge prefer? Should there ever be one of course. Thanks to all for their time and help. rut.

[Quizmonster]

I'm puzzled as to why Peter imagines someone would not be aware of the difference between 'subscriptor' and 'scriptor'. Given that you want a phrase in Latin, you presumably believe that the addressee is familiar with that language...otherwise, what is the point?
Few people would have any difficulty in comprehending the difference between 'atomic' and sub-atomic' or 'category' and 'sub-category', surely.

[rutineli]

Now you are starting to worry me Monsterman (or woman).
The purpose of the Latin phrase is that it will allow me to negate responsibility under the nose of he who must be obeyed but without him being aware. The knowledge of the addressee is of little interest to me.
All I want to do is to stop myself from being forced to do something I do not agree with. If I am the only person who is actually aware of the fact that I have achieved it then all the better.
Yes, I know I'm a little strange but how would the world be without us???? rutineli

[Quizmonster]

Rutineli, if nobody - whether the addressee or anyone else - ever sees and understands your disclaimer, I'm not sure in what sense you have managed to "negate responsibility". Saying, in the immortal Scottish words, "It wisnae me!" really only makes sense if someone hears you, surely.
Your idea, it seems to me, is just like that of the little boy who tells his mum a fib but 'knows' his conscience and immortal soul are stain-free because he has his fingers crossed behind his back! He and God know the truth.
I just wonder what the law would, indeed, make of your stance if the matter ever did result in a court case. But good luck to you, whatever.
(I'm male.)

[rutineli]

Well Monsterman, it is like this; why doesn't the boss simply write the letter himself instead of insisting that I put my name to what is now in his sixth edit version?

It has nothing to do with the law or legality,
It is just his ego dominated, small minded, petty little man way of saying , "I am the boss who pays your wages so I can make you do what I say."
The latin is no more than my two fingered reply to that notion. - Which may be just as petty and small minded but it affords me some slight satisfaction because I know and he does not. - rutineli

[jno]

indeed, why on earth doesn't he, rutineli?

[rutineli]

Sorry jno not quite sure of the question - rut.

[jno]

I mean why does he insist you sign it, rutineli? Aren't bosses usually capable of signing their own letters? If out of the office they may get someone to do it for them ('Penny Less, pp Arthur Bigbritches') but under normal circumstances bosses take responsibility for their communications.

[grasscarp]

This reminds me of the story where everyone had to sign a document and one person put "Round objects".
When this got back to the manager he said - What possible objection could Round have?

[rutineli]

Jno , It is as I said it is because he can . He realises that I am not his inferior although I work for him and because I am 20 years older than him, he for some reason feels the need to rub my nose in it whenever he can.
It does not matter greatly to me as I believe that it is more of a comment on him and his weaknesses than mine. However, on this occasion the device (the letter) is objectionable to me both for what it says but more specifically for the pathetic way in which he expresses it and I am embarassed to append my name to such a poorly penned missive, without mitigation.

[jackthehat]

I know that you have been deliberately circumspect regarding the issue at the heart of this letter.................but now that you have whetted our whistle, couldn't you share the actual details of the situation with us all ?

[rutineli]

Mr McVittie I am afraid that I could not but it isn't really terribly large just has to remain confidential . Sorry Mate,

[jackthehat]

Bah !
I admire your conscientiousness although I'd rather have the full details !