Comments on: Why Great Writing (and Good Grammar) Matters Online

By: Link Love From James’ Feed Reader (and on Giving Up) | Men With Pens

Link Love From James’ Feed Reader (and on Giving Up) | Men With Pens — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 14:19:37 +0000

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By: Melissa Donovan

Melissa Donovan — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 08:43:44 +0000

Kids these days! In writing, there is much room for creativity and “doing what you want,” especially in poetry. And artists of all kinds (including writers) have always taken liberty with language, so it sounds like the younger generation is keeping up with tradition in their own way

By: Reggie Greene / The Logistician

Reggie Greene / The Logistician — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 06:51:45 +0000

I’m 57. I attended a social networking / new media conference in Greensboro, NC in October known as ConvergeSouth. Most of the attendees were under 45. Many of the 30 somethings and 40 somethings were previously print or television media folks, and still appreciated the importance of good grammar and such. A discussion developed about a set of standards for bloggers. It was at this time that the 20 something crowd began to let their feelings be known about etiquette, spelling, grammar, etc. Interestingly, the discussion focused not so much on the value of good grammar and proper spelling, but the “freedom to do what you want” without restrictions. Much to my surprise, it was more of a philosophical discussion, as opposed to a pragmatic discussion. I got the impression that many recognized the value of proper spelling and good grammar, but didn’t want someone suggesting or telling them to do it, or being required to it.

By: Melissa Donovan

Melissa Donovan — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 20:01:46 +0000

Isn’t it frightening? That post haunted me for days. I love that you say a grocery list should have proper spelling. That puts a big smile on my face

By: John Clise

John Clise — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 18:45:03 +0000

Writing online…doesn’t need to follow grammar, spelling and good standards…I am so horrified I will probably have nightmares tonight. Even a grocery list should be complete with proper spelling. You never know who might see it.

By: Melissa Donovan

Melissa Donovan — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 02:04:11 +0000

Hi Brad, I couldn’t agree more Good writing is essential, in my opinion. I believe that some bloggers and writers may get away with poor grammar if their writing is incredibly entertaining or contains compelling information that you just can’t get elsewhere but in general, it’s our duty as writers (and/or bloggers) to try and be good at what we do.

By: Brad Shorr

Brad Shorr — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 19:28:34 +0000

Hi Melissa, Just found your blog via Robert Hruzek's Blogapalooza. Fantastic! Companies often wonder why their websites don't perform. Seldom do they think it might have something to do with the quality of the writing. Brad Shorrs last blog post..To Write Persuasively, Know Your Customer’s Mind

By: inspirationbit

inspirationbit — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 19:40:40 +0000

well, I wouldn’t go that far claiming myself to be a writer just because I blog, but that shouldn’t stop me from improving my writing skills and trying to get better at it with every published post. And definitely I shouldn’t go urging others to stop worrying about their writing skills because they don’t matter.

By: Melissa Donovan

Melissa Donovan — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 18:49:49 +0000

@inspirationbit, Rhett and Lee are up to some good stuff over there at Epiblogger. My theory is a little different than yours. I think a lot of bloggers do not consider themselves writers and therefore claim that great writing is not necessary online. I’ve even seen outright statements saying that “bloggers are not writers.” Well if they’re not writers, then the writing doesn’t have to be very good, right? To me, the bottom line is that if you write, and especially if you publish, you are a writer, regardless of the medium.

By: inspirationbit

inspirationbit — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 07:01:30 +0000

Hi Melissa. I followed the link from Rhett’s post on this subject. Really glad to see that there are people whose reaction to Skellie’s post was completely the opposite to some of the comments on Skellie’s blog (e.g., you’re an inspiration, thank you).

You know, sometimes I think that’s what some prominent bloggers want to turn the rest of us into – an average blogger, mediocre writer, so that they can continue ripping the benefits from it and shine.

By: Melissa Donovan

Melissa Donovan — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 20:42:26 +0000

@Jaden, I feel horrible about what I’ve written here because it’s a pretty negative review and I’d much rather focus on positive. But it needed to be said. I feel very strongly about this and I feel that web writers need to step up their game, not pursue mediocrity. The Internet is growing increasingly competitive and great writing is an asset that shouldn’t be undervalued or written off as mere content. In fact, I’m growing tired of how the phrase “web content” is being used. Right now, it translates as “filler” in my mind. Ack, I feel another post coming on.

By: Jaden @ Screenwriting for Hollywood

Jaden @ Screenwriting for Hollywood — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 05:42:41 +0000

At this point, I am just feeling bad for Skellie. My post airing tonight will address dealing with negative feedback — hope she reads it; might make her feel a little better.

That said, I disagree strongly with what she wrote and already put my 2 cents on her site.

Skellie’s writing is great, which is why most of us (readers of her blog) were so shocked she was condoning bad writing.

Writing is my greatest life passion. Reading is one of my happiest joys. When they are well done, nothing gives me greater pleasure. That post was a slap in the face.

The sites I like take their content and their writing serious.

I will never be a fan of low-quality uneducated sub-standard lazy writers.

When I go to Europe, the average French or German knows more about American politics, geography, and the English language than the average American, it is truly embarrassing!

Never encourage ignorance or being average.