How Important Are Proper Spelling And Grammar On Blogs?
If you check the “About Me” link, you will find the below comment. I assume you are asking, “Why is this post here?”. It is here because it addresses an issue that I do find offensive. It is offensive to all that aren’t English Majors, who I feel have important thoughts, that should be heard.
On February 19, 2010 at 7:56 pm Jeanne Gatlin wrote:
Jeanne Gatlin on February 19, 2010 at 7:56 pm
Please hire a proofreader. I have never seen your website, until prompted to find it by ‘Googling’ “Eddie Sessions”.
When I encounter poor grammar in the first few paragraphs, I automatically stop reading, assuming the author is amateur, not only in presenting his/her research, but also researching.
I apologize if you take offense to my feedback; I offer it in sincerity. If you have a passion for communicating your beliefs, you stand a better chance to gather a larger audience when you hire a proofreader before publishing.
Not because of my poor grammar or writing skills and the fact that I feel I must defend myself. The criticism, correct or not, can be taken as an insult far beyond the writing skills displayed on this blog.
I would believe, research involves “reading”, therefore if it was written correctly, even someone who couldn’t write well, just might understand the facts correctly.
Is the implication of the comment one that indicates that opinions of certain people, because of a lack of proper grammar are not important?
I agree with the fact that poor writing skills are not desirable.
This is not a “professional” blog. It is an “unprofessional” blog, that is here so that those that do not possess perfect writing skills can post and have their thoughts seen.
I believe all Americans are “equal” and have a right to vote as well as a right to be heard regardless of their writing skills. Ms Gatlin shows how many Americans feel about those with less education or skills than others. She has a choice to read, or not read anything on this blog.
I think the point she makes is excellent and as I said in a comment earlier under her comment, I am not offended.
She is correct in her comment that ignorance or a lack of skills can show incompetence or a lack of knowledge.
I think we need to hear from all Americans, regardless of how they speak, write, or express themselves on anything happening in America. No one is required to agree with anything.
I believe we should judge the content, not the grammar.
I have certain priorities in life. As much as writing and written communication is important, the true priorities in my life are food, shelter, and clothing.
Therefore, I have a deep respect for the farmer with the callouses on his hands, or maybe the fisherman that “smells” of fish, or the person at the garage that keeps my car going so that I can get to work or to a place where I can obtain the true necessities of life.
Money is very nice. It is nice to be intellectual. In times of need, who is important, the rich intellectual that writes properly, or the person who loads the boat, truck, plane, or some other form of conveyance that brings food, water, medications, and the like to those in need to sustain life.
Is it possible that Americans, because of our lavish lifestyle when compared to other countries, are actually losing touch with reality as far as what really is important?
I hope this is not the case…
[...] How Important Is Proper Spelling And Grammar On Blogs? | Living in America [...]
I do belive Ms. Jeanne Gatlin is out of touch with reality. Come on! – The heading of the blog is “Living In America”! I think she is living a sheltered life with no clue as to what the average person goes through to try to make this the best country on this planet. Upity people that are so quick to point out others perhaps lack of writing skills make me sick. The whole idea of what you are working on is to connect people and expand people’s minds through thoughtfull reflection and conversation. I am sure my post has grammatical errors and mispellings but please forgive me as I took my Masters Degree to Sea by choice to aviod having to deal with the real ignorance and arrogance of people such as Ms. Gatlin on a daily basis. May the wind be at your back, the sun shine on your face and your pots be full! Keep up the good work Kelly! – Scott – Rockport, MA
Wow!!!
Rielaty is taht too mnay poelpe are gadrautnig from Aremcian shcools whtiuot any udrentsnaindg of bsaic Egnislh cmopisotoin and sellpnig…
A very large number of people know that a sentence composed of misspelled words, if the first letter is correct, can be read by nearly everyone.
Your point?
My point is that too many people graduating from schools in this country lack basic skills useful for communication. Evidently you missed the sarcasm, or chose to ignore it. There is no implication in my post that good composition and spelling are always necessary…
I agree with your post. I also am glad you came back and hope you will continue to be a part of this site.
I do think I missed the sarcasm because of the insult to myself and others by another comment, but we don’t have to agree or disagree on anything.
I just like the idea of sharing our views with others.
Thanks again for coming back and I hope you return often.
You are correct. Education is more about business than education. This Edu-business is profitable. Certainly the extent varies but when you see a school close it is likely because they were staying true to education and not focusing on the bottom line. Most are very aware of the potential profits and really this is what they focus on behind the scenes. Campus wide faculty meetings always get redirected back to “we are making so much money off of this but we can certainly make more”. I always joked that the only criteria for admission was a pulse. I had to walk away from it. Now a lobsterman with a terminal degree formerly a tenured professor I am staying true to my convictions. I will educate anyone interested in my field of expertise(it is not english composition if you have not already figured that out) for a nominal fee. In my little harbor two other lobstermen hold degrees above a B.A. or B.S (many have honorary degrees in B.S if you read me!)one an M.S. in Biology the other a PhD in Physics. Everyone has their specialization so if yours is English and you want to help someone proof read or be their editor by all means step forward but I presume it will only be your fellow smarties who will care. Have a wonderful day!
You are so creative. What do they call that, pig latin? I think you make an excellent point with your post as even when you do all the sarcasm, it is still fully getting your point accross. Not everyone has gone to higher education for English. There are subjects that are equally important to learning as an English major. If the time ever comes that you are laying on the table with your chest wide open will you quiz the surgeon on their writing skills? Have you looked at the penmanship of doctors? Does that detract from their excelence in the field? If I ever get a legible perscription I will question if the doctor squeeked through medical school.