Re: (Zachary) taylor rants

[Melissa Morgan <mmorgan -at- CDG-HARGRAY -dot- COM>]

I want to say I am sorry for the previous posting.
I could have been more eloquent in my delivery.
Scott has done an excellent job of clarifying the
issue. I really did not intend to make a personal
attack, but in my frustration with the number of
errors I've seen on this list since I've been a member,
I ended up pointing to the first one I saw today. That
was not a very tactful thing to do, and for that I am
sorry.

I am not sorry, however, for attempting to point out
the big problem. In response to Chris' posting, in
which he asks, "How do we solve this problem?,"
I have a couple of ideas. First, I think that colleges
that offer programs/degrees in professional/technical
writing, should make it mandatory that all students
complete a course in Grammar and Usage. Some
might frown on this idea, because grammar is not
the most exciting subject. However, there are probably
many issues regarding grammar and usage that were
not covered or covered completely in grade school
and high school. At a college level, the intricacies
of language can be explored in greater detail.

So what about those who already have a degree, but
did not receive higher level grammar courses? And
what of those who did not receive a degree or grammar
courses, but are professional writers? To this I would
answer that we are all responsible for our professional
success or failure. There are resources available at most
bookstores. However, I think coursework might be more
beneficial (yes, I took a course in grammar and usage
in college). I realize that most of us lead rather busy
lives, but the benefits, in my opinion, outweigh the
sacrifice. If you're lucky, your employer may even pick
up the bill for the course!


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