Every since my 11 year old kid starting “IMing” last summer, I’ve been somewhat outraged at the wholesale slaughter of the English language that takes place between kids in this communication portal.
Not only is there often nothing of value discussed, (that’s a whole other topic) but the kids mis-spell and or use slang spelling for practically every word.
My kid already has spelling issues, isn’t one of the lucky ones who learns spelling by osmosis; since it’s not being taught in elementary schools around here anymore.
It has made me wonder about the effect that this will have on them once they become adults; when spelling, speaking and using proper grammar is more important.
So it was interesting to happen upon a post by copywriter Bob Bly entitled: Do Typos Matter? that’s generated a lot of comments this week. Here’s what Bob had to say:
“A local gym recently mailed a postcard to attract new members.
It features a stock color photo of an attractive woman working out, with some brief copy, the closing of which read: “Call today. Summer is comming.”
When I pointed out to the owner that “coming” is spelled with one m, he shrugged it off.
“It doesn’t matter,” he said dismissively. “The picture of the hot chick exercising will pull ‘em in.”
I have no doubt that the photo will get people to stop and look.
But is he right about the spelling?
Do people care if there’s a typo on your web site or in your mailer, ad, resume, or cover letter?
Or is concern about proper spelling and grammar an old-fashioned, archaic belief that people no longer have?
Although I think that it doesn’t matter to everyone, it certainly does matter to some, especially when creating marketing materials. After all, you’re trying to make an impression, and that impression can be diminished by something as simple as a typo. Why risk it?
Which bring me back to my kid and that entire generation of “mis-spellers”
What do you think?
-Susan Martin, business coach and sometime “mis-speller”
