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Subject:Re: Punctuation names (catch that peeve) From:Jan Boomsliter <boom -at- CADENCE -dot- COM> Date:Tue, 22 Nov 1994 10:53:15 -0800
This is acceptable. It will undoubtedly insult a portion of the
readers, and while I don't approve of the assumption that we are
writing for illiterates, it may provide clarity for others. And
that's the purpose, isn't it.
I continue to rail against words that are made up because the speaker
or writer is too lazy to look it up. This practice creates a
population that knows less and less about the language in common use.
--- We do not promulgate errors ---
===================================
Has anyone considered a compromise between "baby talk" and insistence on
using the correct terms no matter what? How about including in your
introduction an explanation with illustrations such as
--parentheses ()
--brackets []
and so forth? (This keyboard won't do braces for some reason.)
Just a suggestion.
Sarah L. Bane
Assistant Professor of English, Coordinator of Technical Writing,
reformed lurker, and native Oklahoman
Murray State University, Murray, KY
Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of
the flesh.--Ecclesiastes 12:12 NRSV