The Evilest E-mail Sin

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Back in the day, even if a paper was handwritten, you couldn't get away with using the lower case in everything, the teacher would red mark the whole thing, so why not apply it to the keyboard?

It's a tool that's simplified handwriting, which, at my age, I wouldn't get past the first paragraph without cramping up. For those of us who learned the qwerty keyboard navigation on electric typewriters, it was drilled into our heads, on our hands, until it became second nature. This was the age before spellcheck so you had to have brought your "A" game.

It's simple, it's second nature to me, it doesn't take long and it promotes the proper English techniques and grammar usage the TEACHER wanted to pass on.

Terri of OK 12:31PM August 08, 2008

At leest yoo dont hav to deel with fonetickalee speeld wurds oar miss spellens. But I understand yor pont of veew. Mie bigust pet paev is wen peepull cant speel the kontracshun of "yoo ar" rite. It is tuff to yoos, I noe, but thare iz a difrence: yoo're going to the stor vursis yor hows is on fieyar.

heiferhopper of TX 12:18PM August 08, 2008

At leest yoo dont hav to deel with fonetickalee speeld wurds oar miss spellens. But I understand yor pont of veew. Mie bigust pet paev is wen peepull cant speel the kontracshun of "yoo ar" rite. It is tuff to yoos, I noe, but thare iz a difrence: yoo're going to the stor vursis yor hows is on fieyar.

heiferhopper of TX 12:18PM August 08, 2008

At leest yoo dont hav to deel with fonetickalee speeld wurds oar miss spellens. But I understand yor pont of veew. Mie bigust pet paev is wen peepull cant speel the kontracshun of "yoo ar" rite. It is tuff to yoos, I noe, but thare iz a difrence: yoo're going to the stor vursis yor hows is on fieyar.

heiferhopper of TX 12:17PM August 08, 2008

Jane of IL, your position is certainly a valid one. However, I noticed that you took the time to use correct spelling, punctuation, and, yes, capitalization in your reply. I look at some of the other LAZY MORONS who can't be bothered to use the shift key or spell correctly or punctuate ther responses or evn wrte ther rsponses n complete sentences. I guess that this is a byproduct of the instant messaging culture that occupies everyone's time these days. It is certainly more entertaining to use "creative" spelling and syntax, just as it is entertaining to spray paint your "creative" garbage on the side of someone else's property. That doesn't make it right. If you think you have no time to write something correctly, then you are entirely too plugged in. Put up your computer, PDA, cell phone, or whatever other electronic leash you have, and spend some time in the real world for a change.

T-Tom of TX 12:17PM August 08, 2008

Poor grammar from someone giving advice on writing anything decreses the credibility of the advisor! Personally, I refuse to read any e-mail that has a mis-spelled word in the subject line, especially from unsolicited sources. In the workplace I have to be sensitive of the fact that English may be a co-worker's second language.

Re: all lower case

I agree that all lower case is difficult to read. I believe that when writing and sending e-mails, the receiver should always be considered. It is also the writer's responsibility to insure the e-mail is understood. Particularly in the workplace, one should always use proper grammar and spellcheck, and remember that the recipient may not have a lot of time to read (much less, decipher) your e-mail. I like to look at this from the point of view and standard of applying for a job. Is it acceptable to use poor grammar in an application or resume? How does your e-mail represent you and the company?

Re: over use of e-mail

I have found that a 2-3 minute phone call saves more time, especially when the subject is a simple matter that does not require being documented.

The Working Girl needs a refresher course in English Grammar and/or needs to learn how to use Spellcheck!

Roo of CA 11:36AM August 08, 2008

people....get a damn life!!! i don't capatylize..you think i give a %#^%?! just because you type a sertain way on the computer doesn't mean your stupid!!!! karen or whatever the hell your name is.......GET OVER YOURSELF!!!!!!!!!!!! people will type how they want and if you have such a damn problem with it then throw your computer out your damn window.....and shove your head in your oven!

jamie of MO 11:31AM August 08, 2008

I even capitalize and spell most words out when chatting or sending an IM because I am a Technical Editor, and I'm afraid to adopt lazy habits during leisure, lest they seep into my professional life.

We ARE in trouble if teachers let students get away with murdering the English language!

Peter from Mesa of AZ 3:28PM August 07, 2008

i think the all lower case issue is a carry over from unix text editors and c programming....i'm an equal oppportunity email typist....why does the 1st letter deserve special attention when email is not intended to replace more formal communication, just complement it....it helps differentiate email from a hand written note or formal business letter

stephen of MA 1:59PM August 07, 2008

Well, I agree of MO.

Apparently someone didn't like what I had to say or how I said it. The pulled my comment so no one else can read it...

Bastards!

Charles of MA 12:32PM August 07, 2008

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