Hill Holler

I find it difficult to read something if there are a lot of incorrect words used in it. Simple things, like using “its” when it should be “it’s”, or “theyre” instead of “they’re” or even “there” or “their” set my teeth on edge. I lose focus on what the writer’s trying to convey while I get an ulcer over the state of the English language.

My son calls me a grammar Nazi. My husband says it shouldn’t matter as long as the article or whatever is coherent and you can tell what they were meaning anyway. They both roll their eyes when I point it out on their own work and give me the “shut up!” look. I know my laid back Southern husband thinks me being Scottish is to blame for my nitpicking.  But then he thinks I can’t cook for that reason too, when really it’s not being brought up on the haggis that’s to blame - I’m just rubbish at it. I’m joking of course.

I can’t help it. I’m of the opinion that it looks unprofessional. If I visited someone’s website with the intention of buying a product or service from them, it would make me think twice if I saw that. To my mind, if they don’t even take the time to proofread their site for grammar or spelling errors, then what does that tell me about their attention to detail?

It dismays me to see it on writer’s websites especially. I know it’s easy to overlook your own mistakes when you’ve been working on something for a while, but why not ask someone to cast an eye over it for you when it’s finished? Make sure it’s right because you have one chance only to make a first impression.

I don’t know. Maybe it’s just a sign of the times. Am I being too uptight about the whole thing and should loosen up a bit or do you agree with me? Maybe you’re too scared to reply in case you make a typo.

“I love being a writer. What I can’t stand is the paperwork.” -Peter De Vries