Anal Reader Behavior
It is interesting how certain people can act totally anal when it comes to pointing out mistakes to us. As a writer I realize that I’m in the public eye, but so is a professional chef, a racing driver, an actor… you name it. All of these people make mistakes all the time and yet, they get paid as if nothing happened. It’s no big deal.
So how come when a writer makes a grammatical error you suddenly have the freaking grammar police knocking at the door.
I recently wrote a post on DLM and had this really anal comment about the lack of my grammar and how it all sucked and yadda, yadda, yadda. My message to all of these people is to lighten up!
Guys, seriously, since when are we writers not allowed to make mistakes. Do I storm into the kitchen of a restaurant when my meal was shit and stab the chef, or do I throw stones at a Formula 1 driver at the race because he crashed his car?
How about boo-ing at a professional speaker because he lost his trail of thought after you just paid $500 for the entry ticket?
Anal people piss me off! In fact, they get my blood boiling so much so that I like to rip their little brain from their heads and stampede all over it before I slice it apart with a sharp knife. But then, it isn’t worth the action because their brain is obviously non-existent.
If you read in the comment section of that post, you will know what I’m talking about and while I normally don’t throw fuel onto a fire, I believe it is worth it in this case because some people just don’t get it.
If you are a writer, you probably have received anal emails and comments too. I don’t send emails to Tom Cruise because he sucked in his last movie’s performance. I also don’t send an email to the president because he stuffed up. The last time I checked I was human and that includes making mistakes and learning from them, and unless (like I already stated in my comment to this anal prick) my clients don’t complain, I don’t worry about it. So far I never had a single complaint from any of my clients because of grammar or spelling. They are all English speaking, mostly from the US, the UK and Australia.
So to all of you anal pricks out there, can you just let writers be writers, including their mistakes and all and let them concentrate on the message rather than the mistakes we all make. I’m not opposed to learning because I learn every day, but I am opposed to how the message is delivered without respect and consideration.
Thanks
Monika
About the Author: I'm a passionate freelance writer and problogger. To further build my business I'm also in the process of building my own niche empire which pays me residual income.
TDMV | Sep 18, 2008 | Reply
Putting ‘anal’ in the headline will certainly create a lot of visitors Monika!
But you’re absolutely right. Unfortunately, these people are everywhere; they’re most likely bored or unhappy about something in their real lives.
I must admit, I don’t like spelling mistakes (gentle now, English is not my native language) but that doensn’t mean I go about it like that particular reader you’re talking about. You’re writings are good, and you know it.
Oli | Sep 18, 2008 | Reply
That’s ‘non-existent’.
Brett Legree | Sep 18, 2008 | Reply
Monika,
I should print this out and post it up at work, picture included!!! Seriously, I write for a living here, and we get this but from another angle.
It seems like people don’t care *what* the message is but is the grammar correct, is the typesetting and formatting perfect, are we using the latest template.
This during the review phase. You’d think the message and content would be of greatest importance – but no, the *appearance* is key.
What happened to “never judge a book by its cover?”
-Brett
Monika | Sep 18, 2008 | Reply
@ TDMV: I wonder what those visitors are hoping to find though.
I guess you are right. I was really angry with this guy. I don’t like spelling mistakes either and always double if not triple check and still, they do sneak in.
Thank you for your vote of confidence Theo. I do know that I’m a very good writer. Damn, I write better than most English native speakers I guess. But then, there are always better ones too and I really don’t care about that.
All I care about is respect and this guy truly pissed me off in the way he came across.
Monika | Sep 18, 2008 | Reply
@ Oli: Thanks
and welcome to my blog.
Monika | Sep 18, 2008 | Reply
@ Brett: Oh well, feel free to do so. I’m sure someone will have a good laugh at it all. I usually don’t get so worked up, but this guy really blew my lid today.
I really think it is time to stand up for ourselves and stop taking shit from people who have nothing better to do than nit pick at others.
Rita | Sep 18, 2008 | Reply
Monika,
Good for you! We are bloggers, not grammarians. The only time I’m careful now is in entries for the book we’re writing. Event there, that’s why publishers have editors on staff!
Try standing up in a classroom, and misspeaking. Or write a word onn the board that is spelled wrong. These shipper-snappers have NO problem telling me when I screw-up. But if they hand in a test, they want to make aure that “spelling doesn’t count!”
Unbelievable!
Rita
Writer Dad | Sep 18, 2008 | Reply
Monika, you’re awesome. I landed a guest post on Copyblogger a couple of days ago. I was totally shocked because I’d submitted the post and never heard back, until I got an email saying it was up. Someone I know saw the post and emailed me. It’s and its aren’t the same thing.
Congratulations would’ve been fine.
Quit The Day Job | Sep 19, 2008 | Reply
Spellifications and grammarations aren’t a big deal to me, unless it happens to be work that is exposed to the outside world, a web site for example, for my “employer”.
Then, if the spelleration is wrong….I want it fixified.
Pink Ink | Sep 19, 2008 | Reply
I’m not sure what gets people’s grammar whips out, but I’ve noticed it on one particular high-readership blog, readers pointing out typos. And then on one, there was a glaring error in the blog title nonetheless…and no one (and not me) mentioned it. I suspect it’s because the writer is a self-described fledgling writer.
Maybe pointing out grammatical mistakes has something to do with sour grapes? Jealousy?
Perhaps you should be flattered someone thinks so highly of you
.
Vered - MomGrind | Sep 19, 2008 | Reply
It’s always easier to criticize than it is to create.
Writer Dad | Sep 19, 2008 | Reply
It’s and its aren’t the same thing, SHE SAID. Obviously, I’m retarded.
Michael Martine, Blog Consultant | Sep 19, 2008 | Reply
There is a grammar mistake on line…
Just kidding.
I don’t pretend to be professional writer (although I went to school for English) and I don’t care about other’s grammar or spelling all that much. Look at Jeremy Schoemaker (ShoeMoney). He admits his grammar and spelling are terrible, but he’s great to read for so many other reasons.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to look at something else to get that picture out of my mind. O_o
EP | Sep 19, 2008 | Reply
Monika,
Great post. I left a comment regarding this same “problem” just a couple days ago. I work for a newspaper. It’s my job to know words and spelling, etc., because great writers omit and misspell words as their stream of consciousness is put onto screen or paper.
The occasional typo is funny, but readers should be reading for the message, not for grammatical errors. If someone is reading and picking out the difference between “its” and “it’s” or freaking out over a sentence ending in “for” or “in” they should go read some TPS reports and company memos.
Ashwin | Sep 19, 2008 | Reply
I get this all the time.
I know I keep making mistakes and I call that learning. Hey the only ones not making the mistakes are those who aren’t doing anything or those who are ‘Anal ‘ to it all
I concur, these guys have to lighten up.
Ash
Tumblemoose | Sep 19, 2008 | Reply
NOTHING is more irritating than a visit from the Grammar Police”. Even if the “critique” was constructive, most of the time it serves no point. These people are insecure in their OWN lives and have to take out their passive-aggressive behaviors behind the impenetrable flat screen monitor where they sit in their underwear eating Ho-Hos in the dingy corner of their mommy’s basement.
Knuckleheads.
Friar | Sep 19, 2008 | Reply
@Monika
I must say, I’m a bit disapponited.
The first few seconds I clicked onto your post, I thought: “Woo-Hoo!…CLEAVAGE!!”
But then I saw it was just a butt-crack.
(Damn!)
Friar | Sep 19, 2008 | Reply
PS.
My Mom lurks on my blog.
Sometimes she’ll email me my typos!
Cath Lawson | Sep 19, 2008 | Reply
Hi Monika – was LMAO at that pic until I heard what happened on DLM. It was obvious that the grammar correct person was the same one as the original whinger. I hope Jay doesn’t realise that twat is a swear word over here and leaves my comment up.
Jay @ Dumb Little Man | Sep 19, 2008 | Reply
Monika – You’re great. Nice post!
Jay
Jay @ Dumb Little Man | Sep 19, 2008 | Reply
Cath – Yeah, I know what twat is but I will leave it up. It’s appropriate in this case.
Monika | Sep 19, 2008 | Reply
@ Rita: It is quite unbelievable indeed. Luckily I had a good night’s sleep to calm down, otherwise I might have really killed someone. Ok, just kidding.
Thank you for understanding what matters in life.
Monika | Sep 19, 2008 | Reply
@ WD: LOL, isn’t the world (or shall I say some humans) funny indeed. I’m going straight over to the post in question. BTW, congratulations on getting this post accepted that is a great achievement.
However, I do agree with you in regards to this person being so anal about the spelling error. Never mind that. Enjoy the limelight, you truly deserve it.
And no, you are definitely not retarded either, you Rock!
Monika | Sep 19, 2008 | Reply
@ QTDJ: Spelleration and fixified? LOL, that was funny. I understand though. A corporate environment is certainly different than a blog.
I’m also not saying we shouldn’t make spelling mistakes and grammatical errors, but they do happen (even though they are not intentional).
What really annoys me is that we get scrutinized so hard while the rest of the world gets by without those nit pickers. Or, at least they are not so obvious there anyway.
I appreciate your input and welcome to my blog.
Monika | Sep 19, 2008 | Reply
@ Pink Ink: Hi Jewel, I suspect it could be jealousy. However, some people are just sour by design. They have nothing better to do than complain and make other people feel inferior to themselves.
By the way, I love your statement of pursuing the ha-pink-ness of life. How cool is that. Very creative and so memorable.
Monika | Sep 19, 2008 | Reply
@ Vered: Yes indeed it is. It is also more destructive don’t you think?
Monika | Sep 19, 2008 | Reply
@ Michael: LOL, yeah, THAT picture. I know I went a little crazy there, but I think it brought the message across for sure. I just wish that idiot who left the comment would see it too. I chose it especially for him.
Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate it.
Monika | Sep 19, 2008 | Reply
@ EP: Oh, I love you. Coming from someone who does this for a living makes me feel way better already. Thank you so much.
I agree with you 100% on the message bit. I see errors consistently from most other freelance writers online but like you I don’t fuss about it or think anything less of them. I understand it comes with the territory and by simply being human and making mistakes. They are awesome to me because of the message they carry and not shit because of the grammatical error.
What you said about the nit pickers is so cool and spot on. Thank you for your support.
Monika | Sep 19, 2008 | Reply
@ Ashwin: Hi Ash, great to see you here. I love the way you said:
“Hey the only ones not making the mistakes are those who aren’t doing anything or those who are ‘Anal ‘ to it all”
I couldn’t agree with you more. Thank you for your support.
Monika | Sep 19, 2008 | Reply
@ Tumblemoose: Hahahahaha… George, you made me laugh so hard I nearly swallowed my Ho-Hos, whatever they are.
Damn you are funny. Thanks for lightening up my day.
Constructive criticism is not what annoys me, it is the way the message is delivered. Oh, I’m still laughing.
Monika | Sep 19, 2008 | Reply
@ Friar: Ahem, so sorry to disappoint with the picture. I might get a special sexy one for you in one of my next posts, how about that?
Mom’s are allowed to email, especially when they rock. You can send her to my blog anytime and I promise not to get upset when she emails me.
Monika | Sep 19, 2008 | Reply
@ Cath: LMAO. I just read your comment over there. Thank you so much for sticking up for me. I really appreciate this and had to laugh out loud when I read it.
I did refrain from leaving a reply because I really don’t want Jay’s blog to turn into a flaming war of idiots. But let it be known that you made my day with what you said – it felt great to be honest, so thanks again.
Monika | Sep 19, 2008 | Reply
@ Jay: Hey, THANK you very much. It means a lot to me that you took the time to come over here and show your support. Wow, I am very impressed by that.
lissie | Sep 19, 2008 | Reply
LOL – I get traffic from mis-spelled keywords: some of them aren’t even deliberate! When I noticed I started added a few in – after all that’s what people type into Google LOL
Cath Lawson | Sep 20, 2008 | Reply
Thanks Jay, he or she deserved it.
Cath Lawson | Sep 20, 2008 | Reply
Hi Monika – You’re welcome. Those idiots are so anal, I bet they never write anything worth reading.
Davina | Sep 21, 2008 | Reply
Hi Monika. I’m a perfectionist and have been getting used to being less perfect when blogging. I always seem to see that typo after I submit a comment. I’m learning to let them go though. I did mention a typo to a blogger friend only because I thought she might like to know about it. And she appreciated it. But I’ve stopped doing this because it doesn’t really matter to me (except when I catch one of my own typos)
@ Friar, go back to Vered’s Wordless Wednesday if you want to see some cleavage
: http://momgrind.com/2008/09/16/wordless-wednesday-mona-lisa-usa-edition/
Monika | Sep 22, 2008 | Reply
@ Lissie: ssshh…mis-spelled keywords can make you a lot of money.
Monika | Sep 22, 2008 | Reply
@ Davina: Thank you. Hey, I’m a sucker for getting comments stuffed up too. Lucky if the blogger has an editing feature.
Generally I don’t mind when people point out mistakes, since this has really helped me in the past. But like you said on DLM, the comment was reactive rather than responsive and that is what set me off yours truly.
Thanks for the feedback, I do appreciate it.
steph | Sep 22, 2008 | Reply
Even copyeditors and other industry professionals and grammarians make mistakes. Even the pope needs a confessor. GASP!!
I get smugly razzed for mistakes, too, and I also try to keep my inner anal person in check. There is a time and place for being that anal, and while I don’t love when a post or anything like that seems careless, I am pretty forgiving when I see the odd errors here and there.
I understand your anger. Unless it’s really important, it’s simply rude and misplaced pride to be so eager to point out someone’s errors.
Alex Fayle | Someday Syndrome | Sep 22, 2008 | Reply
I now teach English to non-English speakers and it’s really difficult to explain to them that yes, there are rules for grammar, but really, as long as you get your message across and it “sounds” good, then grammar doesn’t matter.
Of course I only explain this to the advanced students because if I tried to explain this to the beginners, they’d get up and walk out the door…
Donna | Sep 23, 2008 | Reply
Hi Monika. Just a quick note to say – hang in there girl.
I noticed that the vast majority of the comments on the two posts here and at DLM are positive, congratulatory or otherwise complimentary.
But I know myself how easily even a multitude of positives can pale in comparison to just one negative. It helps me to remember that these people are their own punishment. And that I don’t have to let them be mine – although, let’s be honest, I often still do
Kelly@SHE-POWER | Sep 23, 2008 | Reply
Here here! I think people like the grammar police are probably insecure, superior judgmental posers in all areas of their life, and I have no time for people like this. I’m not only a writer, but I’ve been trained in grammar to teach the english language, so I could certainly get nit-picky with everyone, including myself. But that is completely missing the point. Great writing is not about grammar. It’s about communication, individuality and eliciting an emotional response. Sounding like a grammar textbook doesn’t tend to elicit any response except for eye rolling and the thunk of a head hitting the keyboard from boredom!
So f*ck the holier than thou types Monika. They can go take their pursed lips and painful, pessimistic selves elsewhere.
Kelly
Monika | Sep 23, 2008 | Reply
@ Steph: Thank you, I appreciate this coming from you Steph. As a copyeditor you would have first rights to kick me in the a**, but so far you have always been very nice and not even batted an eyelid at me.
Monika | Sep 23, 2008 | Reply
@ Alex: That is a smart way to communicate with your student. Otherwise you’d have yourself a revolution and miss out on those dollars too. I firmly believe it is important to learn the basics, but like you said, after we have done this, the message is way more important than the mistakes we make. Thanks you too for your awesome input.
Monika | Sep 23, 2008 | Reply
@ Donna: LOL, I’m now back to earth again. You are right. Most people didn’t mind and were very supportive.
Like you said, these people are indeed their own punishment. Luckily, they have to live with that and not me.
How nice of you to stop by and say hello. Thank you.
Monika | Sep 23, 2008 | Reply
@ Kelly: Pursed lips and holier than thou! Oh Kelly, you are so refreshing – and so right! Thank you my friend.
steph | Sep 25, 2008 | Reply
Meh. I’m not the red pen, nasty comments kind of editor. I’m an encouraging guide! And I know when to pick my battles. If I saw you making a mistake consistently, I would probably email you, not flog you on your blog, and I would leave things alone if it’s not consistent and obviously just a typo or something.
steph | Sep 25, 2008 | Reply
Phew. Time to banish the stereotype of the typical copyeditor.
A good copyeditor is flexible, knows when to break the rules, especially to make something more readable, and is *optimistic,* or else what is her point if not to believe she can help an author become great and look like a star?
Jenny | Sep 27, 2008 | Reply
I couldn’t agree more. Those who are that anal about things should try doing it sometime! I read the daily herald online every day and in 3 out of 5 stories someone comments on the grammar or a misspelled word. It’s funny cuz they think it’s important to point it out and by the time others read their comment, the error is usually fixed so they look even dumber!
My favorite quote is… “To error is Human. To really screw things up, takes a computer!”
Deborah | Oct 25, 2008 | Reply
Thank you SO MUCH for this post. I know I’m late replying to it, but it hit home today.
Anne Wayman | Nov 9, 2008 | Reply
Amen!
Tammy | Nov 11, 2008 | Reply
You’ve been taggged!
http://articlesplus.blogspot.com/2008/11/ive-been-tagged-again.html
Susan | Nov 15, 2008 | Reply
I’m a travel writer and I’ve noticed 90% of the comments I get at my column are to complain about something, no matter how big or small. It’s almost a game to see what I think people are going to whine about.
Miriam | Nov 25, 2008 | Reply
Commenting or criticizing grammatical errors is hardly analogous to stabbing a chef for a bad meal. Maybe YOU need to lighten up, sister!
Jonathon Miller | Sep 10, 2009 | Reply
I agree. One of the worst anal readers I have is actually a friend of mine. His grammar isn’t the best and his spelling is worse, but he finds everything that I write and has to add his two cents. He comments on grammar and picks apart my content. I think he thinks he is showing support, but he is really just being annoying.
Jim | Jan 19, 2010 | Reply
I just loved the one where the commenter advised you to check your spelling and “grammer”.
Heh.