Don't Boast Before You Post

I am not a professional at editing, and I definitely don't have all of the rules memorized with grammar, but there is nothing worse to me than seeing a large billboard or sign that has a spelling error, punctuation error, or incorrect grammar.  I have posted a few signs that are similar to signs I see on a regular basis with errors.  I am amazed that the people creating the signs don't pick up on the errors.  I think I could probably start a business called "Error-Free Signs" so that people can feel confident in what they are spending their money on advertising.  Signs aren't cheap!  It really makes these people look less intelligent and less credible when they post signs that have errors on them.  One that stands out to me is a sign posted on a fence on the way to our cabin.  I wish that I would have known about this assignment a few months ago, and I could have taken a picture of this sign for a great example. The sign says, "No Shooting Alowed." It drives me crazy every time I read it!  So, my suggestion to sign creators is to do a better job proof-reading before spending the money to make the signs. 

                

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My 11th secret to writing well is:  Learn the Rules and Review the Rules regularly.  There are so many rules out there to remember, and having a guide handy is probably a good idea. I don't think that any writer can possibly have every rule memorized.  For the benefit of everyone reading, using correct grammar and punctuation can be much more enjoyable and educational.  In today's world, people have become very dependent on technology checking their mistakes.  Young kids abbreviate everything so they don't even have to use complete sentences or correct spelling.  Even if this is done, it is important to learn the rules and review them in order to sound intelligent when you are writing.