How to protect against apostrophe rage 5 hours ago
Why hasn’t anyone invented a compass for the precise location of apostrophes? Then we could all answer the age old question “Where does it go?”. In the world of grammar, the apostrophe is the little thing that can cause a large amount of confusion. I’ve written before about the value of good quality grammar in copy and the cost of getting it wrong. In the absence of the apostrophe compass, try this enjoyable explanation from The Oatmeal.
Playing the name game 2 days ago
Names keep coming up in conversation at the moment. From brilliant baby names for a friend’s new grandchild to the best business name for another friend’s new venture. But does a name really mean that much? It’s only words isn’t it? Not at all. A name matters as much as a logo and a strapline (I’m talking about the business now, not the grandchild…). Like copywriting for a business, a name needs to be memorable, distinctive and designed to grow with a company. Getting it right can make great things happen. Getting a name wrong can cause all kinds of problems. And we’re not talking about being teased in the playground.
Most well placed words of the week 6 days ago
Talk about the right words in the right place. It’s just a small thing, the sign on the second floor. But every time I see it as I puff up the stairs towards my yoga class on the fourth floor (interesting old industrial building, no lift), it gives me a little boost. Whoever organises the Salsa understands the power of using the writing on the wall for motivation!
Am I the next Stephen King? 9 days ago
Does my blog on copy really read as if it were written by one of the world’s best known horror writers? According to the ingenious I Write Like analysis tool it does! The ‘analyzer’ is actually designed for creative writing. But with style such an important part of the copywriting process, I was interested to find out which writer came up when I added some content from my blog. See what your style is. I’m off to write a bestselling horror novel now…
Most traffic stopping spelling of the week 13 days ago
Mistakes happen. They’re part of life. But spelling errors like this really are suprising. The misspelling is a reminder of revelations earlier this year about the money local councils have spent on correcting sign bloopers.
