Dyslexie -font for dyslectics

Dyslectics often have problems with reading and writing. A new typeface has just emerged specifically geared towards minimizing some of these problems. Check it out here.

"too conversational"

A comment that I find writing a lot on the REM 100 term papers that I correct is, "too conversational". This basically translates into, "you write like you talk, and you talk like an idiot". I believe that most high school English teachers teach their students that writing like you speak is wrong, because what you are saying. and ultimately writing, is a lot of "um", "like you know", and "I feel like..." 's. Writing this way is wrong because it invokes the sense of rambling, which in your term paper writing equates to wasting words or filling up space because you either don't know what to say or don't have the training to say it properly. So I believe my writing the comment, "too conversational" is usually justified.

Peering beyond the prospect of rambling, I recently ran across a blog that stated, "if you want people to learn and remember what you write, say it conversationally." That is to say, when you want people to learn what you are reading you should be writing informally, or conversationally. The blog goes on to summarize the studies that demonstrate this interesting idea. This is all well and good for the fiction and most non-fiction with the special exceptions of technical and peer-reviewed journal writing. Unfortunately, I wish to write in peer-reviewed journals where the age old paradigms of attention to formal detail and process still exist. If I ever write a book I look forward to unleashing my creative talents in story form. But, since I am not changing the format of the jornal article in my generation, back to the factory settings.

Structured Procrastination?

Yep, it's real. Check it out here.

Basically, make a list and put important things at the top. Just make sure the important things at the top are really not that pressing. Examples include make peace with God, feed kitten, and reconcile with estranged child. Wait, that second one is kinda pressing. I will be right back.

Metaphor, Analogy, or Simile

What is the appropriate use of these commonly mixed up words? Let's compare.

Metaphor: a figure of speech that uses a image, story, or tangible thing to represent another thing or some intangible quality or idea. For example, "All the world's a stage." -Shakespeare

Simile: compares two different things to create a new meaning. Often uses the words "like" or "as". For example, the world is like a stage.

Analogy: a comparison between two things that might seem different. Often used in standardized tests in the form "A is to B as C is to D".

Thanks Yahoo Answers

Condusive?

Just finished writing a email and wanted to use the word "condusive". Despite being used quite frequently in the spoken word, this word is not condusive to proper grammar. The word that one would want to use in the written word is "conductive".

Conductive: tending to produce; conducing; contributive; helpful; favorable (usually fol. by "to"): Good eating habits are conducive to good health.

Beginning a sentance with "this"

Is beginning a sentence with "this" grammatically correct?

Short answer, yes.

However, it is imperative that it is clear what the "this" is referring to. "This" should refer to something in the previous sentence. Additionally, beginning too many sentences with "this" can make your writing have a monotonous tone.

Thanks for the help other bloggers!