Background: I work as an editor at a publishing company. A few weeks ago I edited a manuscript so riddled with grammatical and spelling errors that it made me want to weep, cover myself in chocolate and roll around with rabbits and hamsters; anything to take my mind off it. Among many other plentiful shortcomings related to the written word, this author could not use a semi colon. Those of us who know such things, know that a semi colon [;] should be used to separate two clauses (two halves of a sentence which could stand as sentences by themselves, but are associated), or as part of a list. I should point out here that I am not a grammar nazi when it comes to blogs, text messages or CS for that matter, but if you are trying to publish a scholarly work of history then you should know how to put a sentence together. At the very least, if your own personal god has not blessed with the knowledge of how to use a semi colon, DO NOT TRY.
Anyway, today I get the proofs of the book back from the author. They are COVERED in red pen, reinserting incorrect semi colons (and some dashes, hyphens, full stops and commas for good measure). They also came with a letter, which comically proved the point that those who cannot use, shouldn't, and that some people are so delusional that they believe a professional grammar hound will change their punctuation for some other reason than that it was WRONG.
I reproduce the letter in part (the rest was waffle about his contract) complete with the many grammatical and spelling errors that he had cast over it like a bridesmaid tossing confetti over her BBF on her big day...
Dear BB,
I inclose the page proof's of [my book]. I couldn't help but notice that many changes had been made; and that many naunces of the text had been lost and errors incorporated. A few changes I could understand but I feel that whoever read the book [the bastard knew it was me but wouldn't call me out on it] may not be very experienced. Maybe if the original text was used; as I originally sent it, that would take less time than making so many corections.
Shall I put back all your woeful errors? Denied.
Are you a tool for doubting my mad grammar skills? Accepted.
Should you invest in a copy of Fowler's Modern English Usage before trying to publish anything more taxing than a grocery list? Accepted.
Anyway, today I get the proofs of the book back from the author. They are COVERED in red pen, reinserting incorrect semi colons (and some dashes, hyphens, full stops and commas for good measure). They also came with a letter, which comically proved the point that those who cannot use, shouldn't, and that some people are so delusional that they believe a professional grammar hound will change their punctuation for some other reason than that it was WRONG.
I reproduce the letter in part (the rest was waffle about his contract) complete with the many grammatical and spelling errors that he had cast over it like a bridesmaid tossing confetti over her BBF on her big day...
Dear BB,
I inclose the page proof's of [my book]. I couldn't help but notice that many changes had been made; and that many naunces of the text had been lost and errors incorporated. A few changes I could understand but I feel that whoever read the book [the bastard knew it was me but wouldn't call me out on it] may not be very experienced. Maybe if the original text was used; as I originally sent it, that would take less time than making so many corections.
Shall I put back all your woeful errors? Denied.
Are you a tool for doubting my mad grammar skills? Accepted.
Should you invest in a copy of Fowler's Modern English Usage before trying to publish anything more taxing than a grocery list? Accepted.
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