Thursday, December 5, 2013

People Who Should Know Better

At the launch of this blog, I mentioned that I would mostly highlight the writing faux pas of other communication professionals - that is, I would mostly refrain from picking on the uninitiated. Of course, I have, on occasion, pointed out some egregious writing from laypeople, simply because I couldn't resist. And they were funny.

So, in returning somewhat to my charter, I want to point out (without naming names, Jake Freivald) that one should try to pick a side and be consistent.

That is, if you want to write like a Brit, I'm sure there's room for you across the pond. But as an American communication professional, I recommend adherence to an American style guide. You don't even need to pick one style guide. I mean, I float freely among AP, Chicago, AMA, or even the corporate style guide du jour - that is, I happily flex to please my clients. And when writing fiction, I stick with Generally Accepted American English (GAAE). Yes, I made that up. And, of course, there are exceptions for accented dialogue, poetry, etc.

So, why do I bring this up? Because when you are writing in the United States, for a mostly American audience, your commas and periods belong inside the quotation marks. This is not a matter of personal preference.

"That is all."


Monday, December 2, 2013

Review Time


Here's a fun review I found on Amazon for a product that you plug into your cigarette lighter in the car so you can play music from your phone.

Creeps popping out if my blugin
By nathen l smith on December 2, 2013
Can't see the screen much but that is not needed rilly and it pops out of the blugin in my car but good sound I can't find a longer cord for it thow and the cord is only like 1ft

Based on that, I think I will not be buying it. I mean, who wants creeps popping out of their blugins?

Don't Let 'Em Win, People!