*******WARNING*******WARNING*******WARNING****
THOSE WITH PERFECT GRAMMAR AND SPELLING----PLEASE DON'T READ THIS YOU WILL BE OFFENDED AND THIS POST IS NOT INTENDED TO OFFEND.
I want to reach out to my spelling and grammar impaired (SGI) friends. Many of you don't post, comment or limit your activity on Active Rain because of the fear of being criticized. I know I have.... Even though I have made leaps and bound with my SGI its still is an issue. Even my SGI friends may have been offended by my past writing abilities.
In the days back before computers, I started college without a computer (got one of first word processors made after the first couple classes). It was really tough typing class papers over and over numerous times. IMHO the word processor is great invention and I don't think I would have stuck out college with one.
After much thought I have to wanted communicate to you that are SGI that you're not alone and let you know how I try to overcome my fear (real or imagined).
First I come up a subject I'm passionate about, for example this subject.
•1. I write a draft in Word with automatic spelling and grammar check. BTW it really doesn't catch everything and I use latest version of the software.
•2. I use Google to help find missed spelled word that Word doesn't pick up. Yes sometimes I spell so badly Word doesn't recognize it.
•3. I proof read multiple times
•4. Then I cut and paste. Change sentence order to improve the flow of the writing.
•5. Have others proof read, if they are available. I find this can limit my writing if wait on others to much. I also find if a non SGI person proof reads. They rewrite most everything thing and then it just isn't me.
•6. Put it aside and proof reading again. Then post and proof read again after posting.
Guess what? I will still go back and read old posts and find errors. Arrrrrrrg. Do I want to look stupid? NO Should I stop writing? Maybe, but I'm not.
So what is the solution? Some people just have harder times with spelling and grammar. Here is what I think is important.
•1. Do your best. Is your best going to satisfy everyone? NOPE....
•2. How are going get better if you don't practice. Writing blogs is GREAT practice.
•3. If English is your second language. What is a better way to enhance your English skills, than writing a blog.
•4. Those who would judge you solely on your writing ability, are probably not those who you want to do business with. They are most likely suited to go those that have perfect spelling and grammar. I have been writing market reports for years and they do generate business. However, not from those who are offended my SGI and that's ok.
•5. Those with perfect grammar are not smarter. I know many very smart people who are SGI.
When I back to college I started four weeks late (uncontrollable distractions). But I felt it would be better late than never or even delayed. I completed the makeup work and the class (accounting) with an A.
I later found if the teachers lectured on the subject matter they tested on (some don't) I could get an A without opening the book. Those expecting me learn entirely from the book well.... I didn't do so good (Yes I have Southeastern Utah vocabulary).
The point is I know many very intelligent people who don't have perfect spelling and grammar. They are my people. Just like those who perfect spelling and grammar hang with their people. There is nothing wrong with either.
Let your light shine. I will read your posts because I don't believe anyone posts to intentionally look
bad or unintelligent. I promise I won't be distracted by the errors and will look for the intent of the post.
So I encourage everyone to be the best you can be and improve yourself through blogging in the RAIN. Come on into the RAIN is not that bad once you get use to it.
Comments(9)