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.