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Noticing Newbies: April 11, 2012 Issue [#4990]

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Noticing Newbies


 This week: Glitches and Twitches
  Edited by: Stephanie Grace Author IconMail Icon
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Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

I believe in simplicity in introduction to new things and also that there is a wide variety of topics to be explored in this newsletter --Not only for newbies, but those that have been here for years and want to recognize newbies through reviews, etc... I think that the primary focus of this newsletter should be twofold: Just Here and Here For Years... I think that the title is so broad that this newsletter really needs to feature something for newbies as well as "oldbies". Of course, cohesiveness between the two is also important so that one does not feel lesser than the other. We are all equals here and I think the best way to convey that message to newbies is to let them see their work alongside "WdC veterans"...


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Letter from the editor

Two things that you might not know about me:
         1. I'm on Facebook way too much.
         2. I'm "quirky" which is the nice way of saying that a lot of things make me twitch or make me want to scream, yell, and throw punches. *Blush*

Those two details have often combined forces and led to lengthy rants and very, very angry words being posted by yours truly. There are few things that can tolerate less than blatant disregard for intelligence. (Don't get me started on people who say things without researching them first... Ugh. Research is so crucial in life --probably why I got teary-eyed when I read that Encyclopedia Britannica was going to stop putting out print editions and go digital.).

Anywho, I figured that I may as well share one of my Facebook notes with you all. Since this is a writing website, I think these are things that you really should know. This is somewhat long, so feel free to skim for bits that might be useful to you. *Wink*

THE USUAL CRAZINESS
These are the most commonly misused words. Generally, these are not true spelling mistakes, but just typos or people being fools. Read and take notes, my friends... PLEASE! *NOTE: My examples here are angry, even after toning them down. I was really frustrated by seeing people continually messing these up --even after being corrected!


Your: This is a possessive pronoun. It stands in place of the name of the person to whom you are speaking. So, if Matt's stupidity angers you, you would say to him, "Your stupidity is incredibly irritating." *Wink*
You're: This is a contraction that combines the words 'you' and 'are'. This means that person to which you are speaking is making an action. If Matt is being stupid, you would say to him, "You're acting like a numbskull." *Smile*

Their: This is a possessive pronoun used much like 'your', but this refers to a group of people (i.e. more than one person) and does not mean you are speaking to them, but about them. *Wink* If Matt and Joe both have angering stupidity levels, you might say to Betty, "Their stupidity makes me want to scream."
They're: Just like you're, this is a contraction. It combines the words 'they' and 'are' and also implies that an action is being made. If Matt and Joe are acting like wild monkeys you might say to Sally, "They're acting really stupid."
There: This word means a location, plain and simple. If Matt and Joe are by the monkey bars you might say to Patty, "I'm glad they are [or they're] over there because I'd have to leave them if they were over here."

Then: This refers to TIME and time only. We had ice cream and then Matt threw up on Joe.
Than: This compares two things. I am smarter than Matt. That shirt is brighter than the sun. Joe's puke smelled worse than Matt's sweaty T-shirt.

Okay, there you go. I hope you all took notes. *Smile*

THE 'ITES'. - Part I

Before we begin, let me say this: nite, lite, and brite are not words. They are the phonetic skeletons of actual words that should be left to brands and companies as opposed to being used by intelligent people, like you, that know:
The opposite of day is night.
The opposite of dark (or heavy) is light.
The opposite of dim or dull (or idiotic) is bright.

THE 'ITES' - Part II

Some 'ite' words actually do have meaning with the more phonetic spelling as well as with their 'ight' cousins.

Rite: This generally refers to a religious act or system, etc... It most often refers to a ceremony or procedure: The rites of passage.
Right: This is a synonym of correct or a directional word meaning the opposite of left.
Write: This is a verb for when someone picks up a pencil/pen/stylus and performs the act of making letters and/or numbers.
Wright: This means worker. It's not commonly used on its own nowadays, however, you should recognize a word such as 'playwright'. *Wink*

Cite: This is generally used in terms of court, but also means that something is being quoted, mentioned, or remembered.
Site: This means a location and, yes, a website counts as just that since it is a location on the 'web'. *Wink*
Sight: This is one of your senses. The one linked to the eyes. *Wink* Of course, it's also something that is seen by your eyes.

Bite: This is what you do to a sandwich or an apple. *Wink*
Bight: This has to do with rope or water. (I'm not a dictionary, if you really care, I'm sure you're intelligent enough to look it up --Just don't forget how to spell it!)

MISCELLANEOUS MISCONCEPTIONS


Breath: This is a noun representing the air that you inhale and/or exhale. The 'ea' in this word is pronounced as like 'eh'. You take a breath. You might have bad breath.
Breathe: This is a verb to show the action of what you do when you inhale and/or exhale. The 'ea' in this word (because of that nifty 'e' at the end of the word) is pronounced as 'e'. This is what you do to stay alive. You BREATHE. You cannot breath. *Yes, both have other meanings, but we're being simple here. I want you all to get the basics.

Desert: A big old sandbox of nothing but heat, sand, and sun.
Dessert: Cake, pie, ice cream, etc... See that second 'S'? That's so everyone knows that you want a second scoop. *Wink*


Awe means that you are astounded or overwhelmed by admiration, etc... You can be in awe of something; something can be awesome or awe-inspiring.
Aw is an onomatopoeia which represents the noise made when we see something cute or sympathisize. *You can be in awe of something, but that cute puppy probably makes you 'awww'.

Yea and Yay are prononced the same way; they both rhyme with 'day'.
Yea is the opposite of nay and represents a positive or supportive (yes) vote.
Yay is used to express excitement or in such phrase as 'I was yay big at the time'.
Yeah is a friendly, informal way of saying 'yes'. It is pronounced as y-AH (Pretend you're a New Yorker and just say pair, rare, care, etc... That's how you say 'yeah').


Well, that's all for now. *Smirk* My collection is still growing, but don't worry, I won't make a habit of bringing it here. *Wink*

*Heart*,
Stephanie Grace


Editor's Picks

Grammarama Open in new Window. (13+)
A library featuring commonly committed errors of the English language.
#890221 by Davy Kraken Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1735797 by Not Available.


 whole love Open in new Window. (E)
searching for love
#1860335 by melfen Author IconMail Icon


 And Then I Am Home Open in new Window. (E)
A dream I once had...
#1860282 by Hannah English-Maden Author IconMail Icon


 My Life, To music Open in new Window. (13+)
A short creative essay about music in my life.
#1860636 by David Whitfield Author IconMail Icon


 
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Ask & Answer

From Angus Author IconMail Icon: I try to read everyones profile and bio even before I read the story. At one time I came across a person who actually had a diary about her writings. It explained how she was feeling, what was happening in her life, and the consequences that inspired each story. Granted, it was just a reference for her, but she made it open to everyone, and the diary itself was an interesting read.
That's awesome! I imagine that'd be a great tool to have when it comes to editing so that you can get back into the groove. I might just have to give that a go one of these days. Thanks for sharing your find!


From mattab and featured item, "Invalid ItemOpen in new Window. : The bioblock is always important, it's the first port of call for me if I'm reading a new writer. The biography is equally important. The highlighted items should be ones you want reviewing, but also ones that a representative of the quality of your writing. The link I have provided can help get your items up to scratch.
I wholeheartedly agree --and love the item you shared! Thank you!


From gemynonly: I have checked out quite a few stories on this web site. I check out the Bio and if they don't have one I don't like to review their stories. Because like you said the Author needs to connect with their readers and they can do that by adding a Bio to this web site.
I think it's especially important on a website such as this because it not only helps to build the connection, but it also kind of tells you how to approach reviewing the person. (I'm sure you know what I mean...). *Wink*

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