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After reading Lynne Truss’s book, “Eats, Shoots, and Leaves”, I had to comment about errors I see all too often as I bounce from page to page on the Web for my work. Very few Web content writers take the time to make sure their copy is clean. As professionals, we are expected to get things right – and that includes our writing.

It’s nice to read something from someone who is just as frightened and appalled as I am when we encounter blatant spelling, punctuation, and grammar abuses on signs, billboards, menus, flyers, programs, and just about everything that has words written on it.

It’s not that people don’t make errors occasionally. I don’t think even the most anal-retentive, uppity, girdle-wearing copyeditor in the universe can write perfect copy. But, geez, there is such a thing as taking the time to re-read what you wrote!

When I put things on display for people to read and find an error after it’s out there, my insides just begin melting. I am mortified and embarrassed. Not because I am an editor and writer. Not because I’m an innate grammar geek. And not because I happen to be a closet perfectionist.

Well, all those things factor in, but it’s because someone might have read it! It’s like being caught with your rear end hanging over the potty and there’s a line of people gaping at you. Embarrassing? Quite.

What I (and Lynne and many others like us) can’t figure out is why the offenders don’t feel this way. Don’t you care that you’ve just mooned everyone and we now know that your behind is pink, floppy, and full of pimples? Euwww! Do I want to buy anything from you? Not with that bumpy bottom I don’t.

Where is the commitment to excellence? What happened to going the extra mile? How did this happen?

As an aside, I’ve found that many people can be good writers and still not have the rules right. Sure, the message itself may be a very good one. It may be witty, worthy, and intellectually sound. You may be able to produce a piece that makes buttering bread sound like the next best thing to having wings. But, if your copy is full of grammatical stumbles, spelling spills, and punctuation missteps; that’s exactly how it’s going to read, despite your talent.

Point is: Spell check and don’t think for a minute your spell checker is going to catch everything. Grammar check, and don’t believe everything your grammar checker tells you. Read it out loud. If it sounds funny coming out of your mouth, chances are it needs a rewrite.

Take the time and your professionalism will have a better chance.

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