Is punctuation passé? Perhaps it is amongst "the texting generation." Nowadays, capitalization, commas, and periods seem to be treated as . . . optional. While I do text (frequently), I do make every effort to punctuate properly. I attempt to proofread a text message before I hit that blue "send" arrow. With so many norms and standards falling-away (daily), I feel more compelled than ever to keep up the fight—including with my punctuation.
Several years ago, I purchased Lynn Truss's book, Eats, Shoots and Leaves. The cover depicts a particular panda removing the title's offending comma. He wants to make it clear that he eats shoots (he doesn't shoot and leave.) I recently came across another argument for the proper inclusion of commas: "Let's eat Granny!"
Today is National Punctuation Day—established in 2004—a celebration of em-dashes, ellipses, and Oxford commas (like the one here).
Punctuation vulgarians may argue that simplification—evolutionary streamlining—is easier and that young writers' laziness must be accepted. fine But I, for one, will try to keep-up-the-fight.
Helping me to do this is the English stainless steel mechanical pencil, shown above. The hexagonally-faceted shaft is easy to hold. A click on the top button advances the lead. The pencil comes with a supply of replacement leads. Click on the photo above to learn more about it.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
To arrange a visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only), please call 917-446-4248.