About Correctness 101

In my not-yet-finished series about the five gold rules of expository writing, I mention getting the mechanics of writing correct. Now I don’t advocate calling one’s son “demon seed,” (In fact, never insult your children. Express disappointment because you expected better. But I digress.) but both of these people, Curtis and his dad, have a point.

I confess that I proofread my texts and emails (most of the time) because I like to see the mechanics done correctly and as an example to others, (My daughter once expressed surprise (with laughter yet!) that I even knew what LOL means, much less use it.) but the context of texts (and grocery lists, reminders, and such) is not the same as serious, thoughtful writing. Brevity is key in texts, so those insane abbreviations are okay. What it says about you is that you know the mechanics of texting. Just don’t criticize us curmudgeons who prefer the extra finger exercise of using, um, good English.

And I recommend that you don’t use texting’s hyper-abbreviated style of writing when you have access to a keyboard that lets you use all your fingers.