It's always fun to have fun with homonyms and "proper spellings." As far as I'm concerned, Spell Check is the bane of the erudite. I can almost hear snickers coming from my spell check software. "Let's duh, duh, dumb it down!"
Poor grammar is disappointing and decidedly distracting in formal audio reviews.
I find the majority of formal audio reviews across numerous publications to be easy reads. However, I can barely put together a coherent thought when reading anything by Jason Kennedy, editor of the-ear.net. It is as if he does not understand the limitation of use of a comma. Do the English really have that much of a different implementation of the english language versus Americans? Does anybody else struggle to read certain editors' work?
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“I can’t say I struggle to read any of them, not even the frankly unpleasantly dishonest Darko, but most are as dull as ditchwater.” @cd318 if you are going to impugn someone else’s integrity and character I think you risk being unpleasant and dishonest when you don’t offer any evidence to support your casual slanderous remark. |
The last I checked with the powers that be moderating such subjects such as stereo equipment and recordings and personal preferences regarding such likes and like nots in a time when proper use of grammar has diminished as well as the use of cursive writing in such that the writer or reader of such prose in order to decipher the underlying meaning or theme that may go along with such a statement could really care less about such an atrocity of not punctuating properly when discussing the haves and have nots or the merits and demerits of the comma. |
I can barely put together a coherent thought when reading anything by Jason Kennedy, editor of the-ear.net. It is as if he does not understand the limitation of use of a comma. Do the English really have that much of a different implementation of the english language versus Americans?Actually, sometimes one will write in a particular style that emulates an eclectic (if you will) speaking style or an involved story with many facets. Sometimes, you have to go with the flow. If it's not for you, it's not for you, but, it's not like we're turning out flexible, well read readers (or listeners) anymore. I'm guessing that in the not too distant future, 'tweets' and Instagram posts will be as nuanced a reading adventure as Americans, born and not yet born, will ever see. |
A person's character is revealed by their communication. I spend quite a bit of time editing my reviews for Dagogo.com, sometimes nearly as much as the time involved in writing the article. I often pore over them anywhere from three to five times entirely in order refine my thoughts and to purge any improper grammar that I discover. I understand that my reviews are essentially untouched by the editor, versus others that need much cleaning. I am unpaid for all this, so there is a temptation to not execute at a very high level. However, I recognize that it is a privilege to be able to have gear sent for review (NOT "free" to keep, to clarify for detractors or cynical types). This is not complaint, but simple explanation of how extensively editing is involved in my writing process. I believe my articles would be poorer if I did not spend so much time on editing. Editing is time consuming and tedious. I have written one book and am in the process of editing another. I tend to underestimate the time it will take to thoroughly edit the work. I recall seeing several times the sentiment by authors that editing is a tedious process. I concur. It's not enjoyable, and I believe some authors place too much pride in creation of thought and not enough in proper expression of it. One of the reasons I spend so much time on self-editing is that I wish for my expressions to be read precisely as I have written. Editing can alter the sense of the text to a significant degree. If I assume the role of editor and produce a nearly flawless copy of the review, then my work is more likely to emerge intact. I also consider it respect for the readership to spend the time to produce a beautiful piece of writing. Also, as a Christian I intend to show that I put a great deal of thought into my articles and wish for them to be high quality. For instance, rather than leave the transition headings to the editor, I write my own because I consider them important segues. I wish for the article to appear precisely as I submit it, and often it does. Poor communication and sloppy execution would militate against these goals. Even in replies to threads I do not simply post them, but review and edit them. I wish to have a reputation of being a good communicator. We now live in an age of instant communication, and some dismiss precision from a sense of urgency. If we do not know the educational level and whether the communicator has English as their native language I suggest we, "put the best construction on everything," versus snipe. I shudder to think what form my thoughts would take were I to attempt expressing them in a different language! I certainly would wish for others to be charitable! I think our English as second (third, etc.) language contributors here communicate quite well considering the maze of rules in the English language. |
@gents, "Sometimes, you have to go with the flow. If it's not for you, it's not for you, but, it's not like we're turning out flexible, well read readers (or listeners) anymore. I'm guessing that in the not too distant future, 'tweets' and Instagram posts will be as nuanced a reading adventure as Americans, born and not yet born, will ever see." Yes, this is a facet of all literature as it endlessly gets reinterpreted through the ages. It also explains why we may all have different favourite authors. Chaucer, Dickens, Orwell, Miller, Proust, Wells, Maugham, Fitzgerald = ok Shakespeare, Shaw, Woolf, Joyce, Beckett, Burroughs, Kerouac = not so ok. But that's just me, YMMV. At work we have a plain English department dedicated to promoting good grammar and clarity of meaning via elimination of jargon etc (or at least the meaning they want to convey) but as of yet I cannot recall ever reading anything of interest in their memos. |
Thanks to those who mentioned my comment. In case others think I am wrong, our former governor and legislature wanted to reduce or eliminate state scholarships to state universities for those star A+ 4.0 students who qualify IF they do not major in a money-making subject. As he stated, "We don't need any more anthropology majors." (HINT: His DAUGHTER majored in anthropology. Guess blood is NOT thicker than a wad of bills slipped into your pocket at a "fund raiser.") This genius, who committed the largest medicare fraud in history, is now one of our Senators. The bigger the thief, the more likely you are to be elected in our state, anyway. He will run for President, I am sure, and may win. Why not? Money talks louder than grammatically correct usage any day. Oh, he has over $250 million dollars in the bank, so fraud pays, but hey, he is NOT an elitist. How could he be as a former master thief? All he cares about are the "little people." You believe that, right? Right! Cheers! |
I'm old enough to remember back when it was considered proper to correct bad grammar right on the spot. It was never considered bad manners or insulting to do so and when I was corrected, it was not a big deal. In fact, I appreciated it and endeavored to remember it. The English language is a beautiful thing to behold and I wish I were a lot better at it. All the best, Nonoise |
I’m old enough to remember back when it was considered proper to correct bad grammar right on the spot. It was never considered bad manners or insulting to do so and when I was corrected, it was not a big deal. In fact, I appreciated it and endeavored to remember it. Yes but this was back before everyone was told they are a special snowflake, entitled to "their own truth" and that the best way of doing something isn’t really the best, you are just oppressing me, man! Grammar is rules of language, how we use words. Earlier on another thread I lamented how there are similar rules of engagement for argument and inquiry. Not argument in the Monty Python sense, but argument in the sense of how you structure and say what it is that you want to say. Hardly anyone knows these rules any more either. The one thing they hate more than any other is rules- no worse, being told there ARE rules! Who are you to tell me.... etc etc yada yada. But, there are. Following them is the difference between this https://youtu.be/ohDB5gbtaEQ?t=86 and this- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVYGxSnLxJQ now that my friends is an argument. Impeccable. Right down to the grammar. |
I very much like the above post by @douglas_schroeder, with the exception of one statement: "Also, as a Christian I intend to show that I put a great deal of thought into my articles and wish for them to be high quality." There are a couple of adjectives I could ascribe to a person who would say such a thing, but I shall refrain from doing so. I WILL say the sentiment revealed in the statement is disrespectful and insulting to a lot of other human beings. That smug moral superiority is very common amongst members of many (all?) faiths. Though not myself an atheist, Christopher Hitchens was (R.I.P.), and his superb writing exhibited a great deal of thought, including why he considered The Catholic Church (and many other religious organizations) evil. You may not agree with his opinion, but you cannot accuse him of a lack of thought. |
Yes but this was back before everyone was told they are a special snowflake, entitled to "their own truth" and that the best way of doing something isn’t really the best, you are just oppressing me, man!A perfect description of the alt right and the orange autocrat who led them. A party of feigned grievance, revenge and projection. The perfect antidote to a functioning democracy. Trying to meet your recruitment quota, again? By the way, happy surrender at Vicksburg day, where the Mississippi River runs again unvexed into the sea. All the best, Nonoise |
...more fun and games with Anguished English after a whipping post or two from our desponders.... Having fits over arguments with Spell Check? Well, you are not alone. I'm with you, here to hawk my latest tome: Howl 2 catsup frum no attentsion dureng englash gasses! (Furst Addiction) It's free! Only a dollar....;) |
(...pity, all those formal reviews I’ve read not properly attired in audiogarb.....let’s see....sweatpants & t-shirt?...nah. Shorts, no socks?....ehhh. Izod ’n ’crisp’ slacks? Better, I guess... ) The ’Full Monty’? Mmm, only with proper ’companionship’ *cue Up* ;) Rare, perhaps....but done ’well done’ essential... |
poor grammar and spelling > stuffy "writerly" posts that reek of effort. not only in hifi either. saw someone mentioned christopher hitchens - great example of a guy who could float until he got out of his depth. unfortunately for him (and us) that was on the subject of religion. anyway, i personally think darko's better in print, (but still love his channel - that room!) and art dudley was decent as well. ymmv |
@roxy54: Nothing wrong with mentioning religious affiliation, as long as in doing so one doesn't insult those who don't share that affiliation. Intending to show you put a great deal of thought into your articles and wish for them to be high quality: what's that got to do with being a Christian? Again, smug superiority, imo a Cardinal Sin. ;-) |
Interesting comment above: "Americans don't write good English." This is clearly an over-generalisation but there is some truth in it. I find it ironic that Americans are at the same time killing English as I older English people knew it and spreading and perpetuating English and its influence all around the world. We English probably ought to be pleased. |
" @cd318 if you are going to impugn someone else’s integrity and character I think you risk being unpleasant and dishonest when you don’t offer any evidence to support your casual slanderous remark."In the spirit of this thread, your use of the word 'slanderous' is incorrect. The word you want to use is 'libelous'. |
I suppose I should follow my own personal rule and never complain without offering a solution. I posted TWO "complaints" already on this thread, so I owe at least ONE solution. I prefer this one, but there are a couple of others around as well: The Gregg Reference Manual: A Manual of Style, Grammar, Usage, and Formatting Tribute Edition: Tribute Edition (Gregg Reference Manual (Paperback)) by William Sabin | Mar 1, 20104.6 out of 5 stars 319Spiral-bound$81.85 $81.85 $98.50 $98.50 Get it as soon as Wed, Jul 7 FREE Shipping by Amazon More Buying Choices $37.54(57 used & new offers) eTextbook$28.71 $28.71 to rent $85.06 to buy Available instantly Paperback |
I see nothing wrong with striving to follow a perfect being in the quest for excellence in all endeavors. How could that possibly be offensive to anyone? I'm starting to think we may have a few "Karens" lurking here. Frank |
@bruce19, Have you heard his podcast on snake oil? Squirm City Arizona. Nothing libellous about having an opinion. I couldn't care less about his butthurt. Is there really any surprise that he blocks comments even on his own rather slimy channel? https://darko.audio/2020/03/podcast-20-snake-oil/ |
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@chrisohea, "Errr....stop reading the reviews of writers who cannot write/communicate clearly...This problem is everywhere, an epidemic in the 21st century." There is always that. You know the old saying, follow the money? Well it seems as if we are living in the age of ever increasing sheeplike conformity as they blindly go about sniffing for the next dollar. Hi-Fi journalists are really little more than hacks, especially now that they've largely abandoned technical data in favour of ambiguous suggestions which serve as little more than dressed up advertising. I used to tear out interesting magazine reviews (Hi-Fi Review etc) to keep and throw away the rest of the magazine, (the ones without any, I sold off for £1 on eBay just in case someone was interested). Apart from a few articles penned by Harvey Rosenberg, [ https://www.meta-gizmo.org/Tri/index-1.html ] and the writings of luminaries such as Gilbert Briggs, there's really hardly any worth a re-read. Harry Pearson, you have an awful lot to answer for. |
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