Kids are often told in school these days that punctuation doesn't matter. Tell that to Rogers Communications Inc. The Canadian firm is out several million dollars because of a misplaced comma in a contract.
The company had a deal with Aliant Inc. to string cable TV lines over thousands of utility poles in Canada's Maritime Provinces, at $9.60 per pole. They thought the deal was set for five years, but after the first year Aliant said it was canceling the contract and hiking the rates dramatically. An 18-month legal battle ensued, and Rogers lost. Read the full story in the Toronto Globe and Mail.
Punctuation does matter, and so do grammar and spelling -- and not just for the sake of full employment for editors like me. They are aids to full and accurate communication, and in some cases -- as with the unfortunate Rogers Communications -- a healthier bottom line.
Now if only I could get that across to many of our letter writers, who apparently bought the bilge they heard in school about punctuation's unimportance.
It matters to the reader. I understand this.
On the other hand, when it's used on a forum post simply to critique, it is unconstructive and a waste of time.
I know lots of useless information about mortgages. Watching people's eyes glaze over as I discuss the difference in a cofi loan versus a 15-year fixed? Waste of time.
I, on the other hand, applaud the person who edits my punctuation and grammar on this blog. For the unedited me check Fresno Famous. Not a pretty thing.
My point is we all have things we excel at. Sadly, grammar and punctuation are not mine. I happily leave these things to the experts. I put my hand over my heart and swear not to call you and yours just as you sit down to dinner to find out when you will refinance your mortgage. =)