A brief rant about typos
Firstly, I should point out that I am very pedantic. I know this. I understand that not everyone is like me in this respect (and many others). As an example of my pedantry I am embarrassed to inform you that I was going to misspell the title of this post on purpose as a kind of joke. I thought about it, but I couldn’t actually bring myself to do it.
This is because I’m a pedant.
If you’re not concerned about the details you needn’t read on. You may discover I was one of those annoying kids at school who read your essay or short story and said “I like it but you missed a comma here and you’ve used the wrong instance of ‘there’ on page 4, paragraph 2, in the third sentence.” And yes, I am aware that that was a ridiculously long sentence! I would never do that on a piece of advertising or web copy or even in a novel.
But I digress.
I have often had cause to visit websites which are set up to promote a business. Some of these websites are aimed at selling the services of SEO experts (which I dabble in on behalf of Firehoop). Some of these websites are for other businesses like hotels or personal trainers. Like any person who uses the web for work or recreation, I get around a lot! Unfortunately, it also means I see typos a lot!
Sometimes I even get emails full of them – from copywriters and so-called ‘communications experts’ alike.
For any of my online copywriter friends reading this, I should point out, it’s not you. If it was a friend I would just point it out – especially if it appeared on their website! I’m not going to name any culprits but if you know me and talk to me on Twitter (or you happen to have published one of my guest posts) then I consider you a friend and it’s definitely not you!
I guess that doesn’t narrow it down much. Maybe it’s you? Maybe it’s your site that’s full of typos? Have you checked? It’s not good for business you know! Just imagine what sort of impression you’re creating.
All too often at work and in my life in general I come across bad spelling, bad grammar and sloppy typing. Some things just need a quick tidy up whereas some are almost illegible but even if you’re confident with your writing it’s worth getting somebody to take a look with fresh eyes. If they’re as pedantic as me it’ll be time and money well spent!
