'tis the season

It’s “election season” and Halloween! What could be spookier? And annoying! I don’t like Halloween. I know lots of people lap it up. Dress up, decorate their houses and get all excited for parties and other Halloween events. I’m Not one of them. I’ve never liked people at my door in masks and costumes…really? Is that surprising? I’ve had friends try to spook me in costume or call to me from the dark street when their children are at my door. But who are they? Show me your face and maybe I’ll know who I’m talking to. I remember roaming the street with friends trying to collect a great cache of candy and yes, it was fun! But I never tried to scare or trick anyone. I certainly didn’t pretend to be someone I wasn’t or remain a mystery after someone answered the door. Yes, I’ve had people come to my door in costume with the “guess who I am” attitude and not reveal themselves. Sorry, I wasn’t amused. It’s no different with politics. The “real” people don’t try to tell stories. They state the facts and they don’t distort them. No politician can do everything they promise! So don’t tell me you will. Don’t point out the “flaws” in your opponent or I may come to question your real goals…more than simply to get elected. I’m more likely to listen to a Joe Friday…”just the facts, ma’am”. Tell me realistically what you “hope” to do or how you’re going to do it. Don’t waste my time telling me what your opponent can’t or won’t do. Yes, I will follow my party in my selections (that’s what I believe in), but don’t waste my time with all the mindless, insulting and yes, masked ads! I hope ALL the politicians pay their bills…they’ve certainly wasted a Lot of money on their publicity!

Chalk on a blackboard

Yup, it is like chalk on a blackboard to me. My apologies, I confess. I am a grammar nut. Years of working with words, trying to get it right has taken its toll. I had a Great foundation in English. The names of Elaine Daily and Peg Witham come to mind whenever I make that claim. That was followed by years of “feedback” with Ky Ayoob, a veteran Bangor Daily News editor-writer and coach, and a lot more assignment editors. And we were fortunate to be offered many workshops and classes as part of our training….and you thought we just winged it…right? While I was taking all those lessons, and writing Every day, I also found myself reading some great writers, great freelancers sharing their experience and great reporters offering advice. The Poynter Institute out of Florida was a great resource for working reporters not only with the proper grammar of writing, but “rules of the road” in conveying the news in an unbiased, but engaging way. There IS a difference in reporting the news and making the news. Making the news is choosing your words and subjects. Reporting is telling the story as it happens. Question that the next time a Big story breaks. With all that “training” and exposure to writing and writing advice, I’ve become sensitive to “correct” English…at least my way. I am constantly amazed at the people who can’t string a single sentence together or perhaps even complete one. Yes, you’re forgiven if writing isn’t your chosen profession. I understand. But more distressing is the way the digital world and social media have undermined our language skills, and perhaps sabotaged our youth. I’ve offered reminders to people who can’t tell, or remember, the difference between your and you’re or their, there or they’re. But perhaps that just makes me more of a nut. I know some people don’t know where to put commas and apostrophes or omit them…heck, I don’t always get it right. And, now, I’m sounding off on my frustration…just trying to explain why it’s like chalk on a blackboard to me when someone doesn’t see the obvious errors in writings, spelling, verbs or adjectives. And occasionally some of those choices are actually fun! Maybe I’m not talking to you, but maybe you know someone who doesn’t proof read what they write or heaven forbid even realize they need to proof it! Must be nice to have that much comfort in your own abilities. This is just, I hope, a gentle reminder there is a “right way” to put words together if you want to make a point or have someone hear your words and not question what you’re trying to say. Every time I offer some advice to proof what you write or choose your words or punctuation wisely someone takes it personally. I’m NOT targeting anyone. I’m just trying to explain where I’m coming from and why it might be important to get your words right. That’s why we have dictionaries and today we can check our choices online. …and I do. Someone once said to me “I’ll bet you proof read your emails!” Yup, guilty as charged. I’m a writer and I need to know I’m doing it right...if you’ve asked for my advice (as people do) , just know I try. Just my explanation while I’m getting that chalk off my mind.