Grammar's Still Important

In reading through Blogger Knowledge the other day, I came across an article entitled Eats, Blogs & Leaves by self-proclaimed "grammar bitch," Jennifer Garrett, that I believe every blogger (or anyone else writing online) should read. People have become increasingly lazy about grammar and punctuation in their online correspondences, and according to Ms. Garrett, it's time for a change. Beyond just being anal, it's just the right thing to do.

The article (and its title) is based on a book called Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation by British writer Lynne Truss, which speaks to this very important topic.

A #1 bestseller in the U.K., this small book offers a fun and historical look at punctuation usage in both America and the U.K. As a bit of a grammar geek myself I look forward to reading and learning from this book. (If it means anything, Amazon reviewers gave it 4 stars.)

Granted, there are those who "murder the king's English" (as my mother would say) as a matter of style or expression, then there are others who are too illiterate to know better, or those for whom English is a second language, then there are those who really just don't give a damn (the most dangerous). I guess it takes all kinds.

Call me crazy, but I just find it easier, and more satisfying, to read something that's written—and punctuated—well.