[OK, for those of you who read during the last few minutes, this is a bit strange, I am sure] The following was partially cut from the preceding post because I decided to expand significantly on the subject in which I had begun a discussion:
Susie is at work, and not all that happy about it.
So although, in general, I really like my job, in particular it sucks big fat boulders covered in lichen.She actually apologized for having used that language. What's up with that? In accordance with my linguistic philosophy, even the coarsest of terms are just words that convey some meaning of one kind or other. Sometimes the coarseness of the term is an essential part of the meaning intended to be conveyed, setting the mood and tone of the communication.
Often, when I review new bloggers, one of the things I particularly look for is writing style. However, writing style is a matter of many factors:
1. Vocabulary: Every word has a meaning. Not all of them are in the dictionary, but they still have meaning.2. Context: Words have different meanings in oral form due to vocal inflection. Such provides hints as to one possible meaning or another. It written form, the bare word form provides no such hint as to meaning. The writer needs to provide the proper context for the word so has to provide this hint of meaning.
3. Tone: Choice of words and sentence construction can provide an essential tone to the message. Six-syllable words, acronyms and intricately crafted sentences provide a different tone than short, coarse statements.
4. Grammar: Variations of the standard are acceptable to establish mood, tone or other purpose, but consistency is essential to allow the reader to understand the meaning of the variances.
5. Punctuation: Used to control the message. Punctuation marks are like the stage directors. Stop here, pause, respond.
6. Construction: How the message is conveyed. Sentences can build up the basis for an understanding of a viewpoint. Using sentences, the message can be effectively conveyed. If necessary, they can be utilized to provide explanatory references. They are blocks: stack one atop of another to reach the next level.
As someone who enjoys both reading and writing, I never mind creativity. I lust for it. What I abhor is miscommunication. I enjoy a well written anecdote written by a housewife as much, and probably more, than I do an academic treatise by a Doctor of Philosophy. Everyone seems to have great thoughts, some very innovative styles, and most of us are eager to read your message. Make us privy to your thoughts and remember: THERE ARE NO RULES! Just stay true to yourself, and stay within your limits. IF you do not truly understand the message you are conveying, convey it differently, in a manner you truly understand.
[linkylove]If I made any errors, Susie*, please do kindly feel free to point them out.[\linkylove]
*Susie is really going to be confused about why she has a trackback to the previous post and there is nothing there trackbacking to her, isn't she?
Posted by Tiger at July 23, 2003 07:43 PMLOL!! Thank you, Tiger dear. The trackback notified me of the great news!!! John Collins is off of Bogsplot!!!! (mmm...that was a typo, but I like it...).
Seems our friend Pixy is sharing his bandwidth with the needy again. He is so cool!