Spelling and Punctuation

[cameron]

Engage moan mode.

I have to admit that I've been disappointed by the number of poems posted that contain glaring spelling mistakes. Some people may argue that spelling is not important but I feel that it is crucial if you want people to take your work seriously. If you're not sure how to spell a word why not check it in a dictionary or as Kris suggested on one of the other threads, run it through your spell checker.

Similarly, I feel that punctuation is also crucial if you want to present your poetry in the best possible light. If I had a pound for every missing apostrophe, I'd have £3456. A good book to read on the subject is Eats, Shoots & Leaves by Lynne Truss.

While I'm in moan mode, I'm also concerned by the way that text language is creeping into poetry. In time, text language poetry may become a type of concrete poetry but I would prefer not to see it unless, of course, it serves a particular dramatic purpose.

Thoughts welcome as always.
Cheers
Cam

[camus]

Cam,

I agree totally, there is no excuse for spelling mistakes, it is annoying. As for punctuation, now I think there should be a little more leeway, when to use a colon, that gets me everytime, I'll check out Eats, Shoots & Leaves.

As for Newspeak M8, Orwell strikes again, terrifying.

[Bombadil]

Cameron,

I'm glad you said it. I've been grinding my teeth on this for somewhile, trying to settle my tongue before writing anything, so as not to blast anyone. To add to your post: when I read a poem--here or elsewhere--that has flagrant errors or lacks directive punctuation, I will stop reading it. I feel if the poet does not esteem his work highly enough to make sure it is correct, then neither should I deign to read it.

Oh...and the text thing...good sweet Christ, it annoys me.

--A.S., the curmudgeon.

[Queen Victoria]

I have to admit that I've been disappointed by the number of poems posted that contain glaring spelling mistakes. Some people may argue that spelling is not important but I feel that it is crucial if you want people to take your work seriously.

Quite right, Headmistress. "Must try harder" is the expression I believe you are groping for.

If you're not sure how to spell a word why not check it in a dictionary or as Kris suggested on one of the other threads, run it through your spell checker.

Exactly. Anyone who cares enough about language to write poetry should also care enough to get their spelling right.

Similarly, I feel that punctuation is also crucial if you want to present your poetry in the best possible light. If I had a pound for every missing apostrophe, I'd have £3456. A good book to read on the subject is Eats, Shoots & Leaves by Lynne Truss.

Or "You have a Point There", by Eric Partridge. Fowler is, of course, the bible on this and anything else to do with correct English.

I'm also concerned by the way that text language is creeping into poetry. In time, text language poetry may become a type of concrete poetry but I would prefer not to see it.

And dip-pens only, please, girls. Nothing written in biro will even be read.

VR

[Boyd]

Hi, I'm new to this site and just learning my way around. I'm glad to see that correct spelling and punctuation are taken to be an indication of a person's serious attempt at poetry. I'm only half way through Eats, Shoots and Leaves, so I hope there are no errors in this.

I'm looking forward to reading more of the poems and then posting some of mine.

Boyd

[cameron]

Decided to bump this up as it appears that the general standard of spelling, punctuation and grammar on the forum is deteriorating again.

Please check your posts carefully before pressing the submit button. This is supposed to be a serious forum for people who care about the English language.

We may start deleting posts if things do not improve.

Cam

[susie g]

This book is wonderful, apart from being a useful reference book, it is very well-written and an easy read.

I am so glad there are others who feel that spelling, punctuation, and perhaps grammar, are important.

Might I also make a plea about vocabulary?

I'm sure there are valid reasons for "fucking", "bloody" etc, and times when such usage is entirely appropriate, but would there not be more appropriate words to use in discussion posts about literature ?

Only thinking aloud.

Sue

[Bombadil]

...wait for it...

[that girl]

Hmm...

Profanity and vocabulary is an interesting topic to bring up. You will find a lot of people disagree.

My best advice is:
If you don't like it, don't use it in your poetry. If other people use it in there poetry, don't complain. If It offends you, simply stop reading it and don't comment on the paticular poem. I really feel like it's only annoying to yell at people about there cursing. Also, I'm sure if a piece of poetry focus more on swearing than it does on really saying anything, the moderators will take care of it.

On a different note, I really enjoyed Eats, Shoots & Leaves for its content, but Lynne Truss had such a nagging and superior tone I almost couldn't finish the book.

Good day to all,
.tg.

[Bombadil]

Sue,

Check out this thread. It contains a similar conversation...and my opinion, therein.

http://poetsgraves.co.uk/forum/viewtopi ... ight=#1848

Cheers,

Keith

[susie g]

I agree entirely that use of language is to some extent subjective both from the user's stance and the receiver's, and that there might be a perception-gap between the two.

I agree entirely that there are times when certain types of language are appropriate within a given context... having looked through the link that Keith supplied this seems to be the agreed standard.

What I am asking is: is the use of "expletives" always the better choice given that we have a pretty extensive vocabulary available to us, or could it be that sloppy language is so universally acceptable that we perhaps get a little lazy in seeking a more effective, perhaps "grown-up" word?

No criticism intended per se, just asking as a matter of curiosity.

Sue