Comments on: Tired of grammar Nazis? I here ya.

By: nancy

nancy — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:44:22 +0000

Dan, I’m trying to let these things go too, particularly on Facebook where it just comes off as douchey.

By: JC

JC — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:12:27 +0000

Recognizing a mistake is one thing. Pointing it out is something else entirely. For many (but not as many as a couple of decades ago, I fear), seeing these mistakes is almost like breathing. They can’t help it. And, I suspect, neither can you. So you’ve had a minor epiphany and are now conflicted over whether to point out/correct the errors, or just let them be. By correcting, you invite the “Nazi” moniker. But ignoring just don’t feel right, does it? See? My improper use of “don’t” above just jumped off the screen and whacked you on the side of the head, didn’t it? Yet, if you were listening to me instead of reading this, and you heard me use “don’t” instead of “doesn’t” in that same context, would you even consider correcting me? If not, does this mean we assign a higher value to correct grammar when it’s written than when it’s spoken? Or is it only that the idea of correcting spoken grammar (other than our kids’)reeks too much of snotty teachers’ pets we all knew in school, so we don’t do it?

By: Dan

Dan — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:03:25 +0000

This post wasn’t intended to point fingers at others, but rather to serve as a renunciation of my former ways. I took a little too much delight in identifying the errors of others.

As I’ve gotten more into social media, I don’t always proof myself as much as I used to and have let some really bad mistakes slip through.

I agree that pointing out mistakes serves a purpose. I just try to damn the sin and not the sinner.

By: Johann

Johann — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:58:43 +0000

Grammar Nazi… I can live with that.

I understand what you’re saying, Dan, but it’s *typically* fairly easy to tell the difference between errors of mistranslation, typo, being in a hurry, or whatever, and those of just flat out ignorance.

I never INTEND to come across as a Nazi when I point them out, but my thought is, if my correcting someone ends up keeping them from doing it again, then it’s worth it. I’m not perfect by any means; I would want someone to correct my mistakes. Or at least point them out and razz me about it.

Don’t even get me started on the misuse of apostrophes though.

By: Anonymous Communist

Anonymous Communist — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:42:50 +0000

what could be more fun than laughing at the illiterate?

This is the funniest thing I’ve read in some time.

I know I’ve pointed out abused apostrophes here from time to time. It’s jerky of me to do that, yet I would want people pointing out my punctuation, grammar and spelling mistakes. I’m a complex dude.

By: caseymay

caseymay — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:27:28 +0000

oh yeah – well back to BFS…I’ve missed your posts

By: caseymay

caseymay — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:25:03 +0000

Dan I have to confess that I am a ball buster in this regard…but I will pencil whip myself when I notice that I’ve made an error (especially in emails). It drives Roy insane because I am always pointing out his grammar errors. I am also a spelling whore – it must be an extension of my OCD.

But, I do appreciate that in the heat of thought, it’s easy to make mistakes. Thank goodness correcting something that is typed on the computer is so easy…I rarely hand write anything because a)my writing sucks, and b)there is no proof reading option on handwriting!

But, just so we’re understood here… I wull blast u fer youre grammer an speelling errers whanever I heppen to cetch thum.

By: MB

MB — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:31:40 +0000

On this topic I give no breaks. If I mess up, let me have it. Therefore I reserve the right to let others have it as well, and you should too.

One of my favorites is the use of “noone” for “no one.” Makes me crazy. I have also found many using “than” rather than “then.” Didn’t we all have English in school?

I am disappointed in your stance Dan. We need more worthy sentinels to watch over our language not less. But I am not sure why you need to name-call. Who are you referring to as a ‘homophone?”