This is not a new idea for a blog post. People blog this topic a lot actually.  But,  here’s the thing–I don’t think people are listening.  Maybe it’s because the posts are too polite and encouraging. Maybe it’s because the point is made to be a tongue in cheek laugh-it-off kind of thing. So, today, I’m going to tell you what people mean, but DON’T say when they write this blog post.

I know typos are inevitable.  I type fast, and sometimes I don’t catch things. But, this problem goes beyond typos, and is actually starting to  make me fearful of the state of this country .

PLEASE SPELL PROPERLY!!  I know there are some words that are hard to spell, and I get that. But, most of the words we use on a daily basis,  are fairly easy. An inability to spell them properly, or use proper punctuation, reeks of laziness.

People say, “What does it matter? People know what I meant.” Yeah, we do. But, we also think you’re stupid. Not in the casual way, meaning “not trendy,” but in the worst way. The way that means, “Unintelligent, and unworthy of responsibility.”

What I will not say, because I think it’s impolite, is my opinion of a person immediately goes down when they use, “your,” instead of “you’re,” or worse, “youre.” (That last one isn’t even a word!) Or, how about “its” versus, “it’s,” or my personal favorite, the incorrect use of “their,” “there,” and “they’re.”

Sometimes I read the comments on YouTube and social news sites, and the spelling and punctuation are so horrendous, I can’t even understand the point they are trying to make.

So, to end on a positive note, I used to be an elementary school teacher. So, for the next few days, I’m going to post a series called “Grammar Nazi’s Rules of Internet Etiquette.” Each day I will pick a common spelling/grammar mistake, and explain the proper use.

Anyone who feels strongly enough to chime in and suggest topics, feel free!

P