In Defense of Proper Spelling
You wouldn’t think we’d have to write articles defending “proper” spelling, but after a recent Wired article arguing against standardized spelling, Lee Simmons, a copy editor at Wired, has penned a lovely rebuttal. Simmons points out that while textisms may be acceptable in texts and tweets, they have no place in professional writing where standardized spelling aids communication and enhances clarity. Well said!
From the Chicago Tribune, January 29, 2012:
"Don't be agast (or even aghast)! Tribune once trifled with standard spelling"
http://www.chicagotribune.com/site/newspaper/news/ct-per-flash-simplespelling-0229-20120129,0,7206515,full.story
Proper spelling? In America?
Regards
Nigel Healey
Scotland
Proper spelling aids in searching for relevant material. Of course, unique names also help, which is why I'm really annoyed that Apple keeps releasing new iPhone models with an "S" added onto the name of the previous model. Am I looking for articles about the iPhone 4S, or articles about a bunch of iPhone 4s?
Proper spelling went out w/ yesterday's newspaper the day the music died; I'll keep doing it, but will continue to get nasty looks from posters who claim not to have the time to "write it right" or to "read my LONGhand". As long as folks embrace whatever's new because it's new (as opposed to because it works, is better, or hangs around more than a few months), proper spelling lives w/ Tootsie Rolls that taste right, vinyl records, memo pads and pants that actually fit.
Even this guy, who complains about people who don't spell properly, uses 'w/' instead of 'with.'
If the Bad-Spellers Club is a club that will have me, like Woody Allen's quip, I don't want the membership.
I noticed that the original article was written by a COLLEGE professor. That proves the adage, "Those that can, do; those that can't, become college professors"