Random rant

I realize this is likely an unpopular opinion, and I also realize it’s going to make me sound pretty old.  However, I cannot hold it back any longer…so I’m just going to say it.

I cannot stand “text speak”, and the overall lack of spelling and grammar skills found day in and day out on Facebook, blogs, articles and smart phones everywhere.  I love words, writing and reading, and it frustrates me to no end that the English language is being so badly corrupted. 

I fear that my children are going to grow up among a generation of people who do not know how to spell or communicate eloquently, or even intelligibly.  Though if I have anything to do with it, my children will do it properly.

“U” is not a word.  “I” and “a” are acceptable single-vowel words.  “U” is not.

Capital letters have feelings too!  Do not leave them out.  They have every right to begin sentences and proper nouns. 

Punctuation can be fun!  It helps express emotion, emphasize opinions, or break up a sentence.  Learn it.  Play with it.  Use it!

Don’t even get me started on the whole “they’re, their, there” issue.  It might make me cry, and I try not to cry at work.

I realize mistakes are made, and that Facebook isn’t exactly a professional document to be published and reviewed by millionaires everywhere, but it can’t hurt to just get in the habit of using the English language correctly. 

I realize it’s much easier to type “u” instead of “you”…wait, is it really that much easier?  It’s two extra letters.  You can do it!

I hope I can inspire even one person to take a little extra time the next time he updates his status.  You’ll appear more intelligent, eloquent, and thoughtful. 

And you won’t make me want to poke my eyes out.