Poor grammar and spelling in online publishing

There is a trend I have noticed recently in online publishing and it is rather disturbing.  This trend that I am referring to is the use of extremely poor grammar and spelling.  I'm aware that my own grammar is far from perfect, but some of what I have seen goes beyond just imperfect into the realm of being almost unrecognizable as English.  Granted, some of it is from people for whom English is a second language, and as such, is somewhat excusable.  I am most appalled, however, when I see it from someone for whom I know that English is their first and only language.  Here are some of the most common grammar and spelling mistakes which I have seen and their correct usage.

Many people have a problem using words such as there, their and they're.  Really, there is an easy rule of thumb as to when each is appropriate.  There is a place, as in "I see something over there."  It should never be used as a possessive term, nor as a replacement for the words, they are.  Their is a possessive term.  It should be used when you are referring to something that belongs to other people as in, "that is their home."  They're is the one that I see most often omitted.  They're is a contraction for they are.  Basically, the best rule to follow regarding they're is whether or not you can replace it with the words, they are.  If you can, and it still makes sense, then they're is the term you should be using.  If not, then one of the other forms should be used.  Your and you're are similar.  Your is possessive, and you're is short for you are.

I will add to the grammar mistakes that people make as I see them.  This is not to criticize, but to help people to improve their writing.  After all, I may not like the competition, but if I'm going to have competition, I want to be competing with people on a higher level.  That helps us all.

Starting over

When I started this blog, I really didn't know very much, if anything about blogging.  To be honest, I still don't.  I do, however, know what this blog will be focusing on from now on, and that is the promotion of my writing.  I have written several articles at Helium, as well as a few at Associated Content.  I enjoy writing, and that is why I write. 

I also have an account with Webanswers, which is great fun and allows me to answer questions from the very thought provoking, to the ridiculous.  More often than not, I like to answer the more thought provoking questions, but sometimes those ridiculous questions are just too hard to resist.

As for blogging, I have four other blogs in addition to this one.  I have the Safe Place, which is dedicated to helping victims of abuse to rebuild their lives.  Forgotten Parents is dedicated to non-custodial parents who feel like they are unable to be a part of their children's lives.  Journey to Extreme Couponing is to help people save money.  The Ranting Spot is simply a place to put the things that are bothering me, and that I think need to be changed.

Those are the places that I write for now, although I am also attempting to break into print and into other venues that pay more.  I love writing.  It really is my life, and I hope to continue to make it a larger part of my life.