Me Likey (or Not)

It looks like I'm on an etiquette kick this month because lo and behold, I have another etiquette thing to talk about.  Maybe with the holidays around the corner, it's a good thing to pay attention to the little annoying things we may do unknowingly in order to promote peace on earth and goodwill to all men (and women).

E-mailing and especially texting have greatly impacted our writing skills and even our speaking abilities, and I can't say for the better.  Sure, it's convenient and time-saving to abbreviate messages like, "r u ok?" or "btw im @ ur bro's pl."  I admit that I've also adopted the new shorthand of today.  However, when I write formal letters (believe it or not, I actually do sometimes), I use proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation.  And when I speak to someone in person or over the phone, I actually use complete sentences.

You'd be surprised to know how many people come up to the perch and say (or more often grunt) "computer" rather than "Could I have a computer pass, please?"  My co-workers and I are somewhat grateful that we comprehend that "computer" means that the patron wants to use one of our computers.  Who knows, though?  Maybe one day we'll get a shock and discover that "computer" means something else entirely.

Unless you happen to experience a sudden shortness of breath, it's actually nice to hear people communicate to us in correct English.  Perhaps working with books and words all day have turned me and my co-workers into fuddy duddy keepers of the language, but it would be encouraging to know that technology hasn't caused us to become lazy with our words.

Guarding grammar at the perch.