Any English Majors Out There? - That wouldn't mind helping proof read?

ataylorm wrote: I am working on publishing a free newsletter in our city that focuses on helping people understand modern home technology. Problem is that while I am great at technology, I am not so great at Freshman Comp. Any English buffs out there mind giving this a once over and see if I have any glaring English errors before I publish it to the whole city?

Thanks a bunch!

Newsletter

Jamison'smama replied: One hint--
Use a semicolon when you link two independent clauses with no connecting words (and, but, so).

There are exceptions you can use adverbs like otherwise, therefore, consequently etc. following a semicolon.

I can't remember where I saw that--I think it was in the second section.

luvmykids replied: In the article about kids and online safety, the second paragraph says "How do you protect them while their online?".... it should be they're instead of their. (Their is the possesive, as in "their computer"; they're is the contraction for they are as in "they are online")

Nice newsletter, very helpful info

ataylorm replied: Thanks,

I will see if I can make those changes. I am not sure I know where the semi-colon is missing, but I will look again.

Nina J replied: I'm not that great at grammar. I have trouble with the 'theres', I only know they're, for they are. I just alternate the other two at hope I get it right

redchief replied: The first sentence on page 1 "Protecting Your Kids Online," appears to run on. I would end the sentence at "cringe." I would join the rest with the next sentence, thereby not beginning that sentence with "But," which should be avoided when possible anyway.

I don't know what kind of time you have to get this out, but right now I have to leave for a half-day trip to Philadelphia. I'll be happy to look at the rest of your pages later if you like.

Jamison'smama replied: I'm sorry, I should have specified. You added semicolons where commas should have been. I didn't finish the whole article but one is under the heading Protecting Your Kids --first sentence. Another is the first sentence of It's time for a new computer.

Jamison'smama replied: How picky do you want us to be? For example, a sentence on page 4 ends in a preposition...do you want to change that? If so it would be "with what picture quality you are able to live" or something like that. Vs. What picture quality you are able to live with. One is easier to read and the other is grammatically correct. You are fine either way. I am not the best editor because I am too picky. DH asks me only if he REALLY needs it done

ataylorm replied: Well as picky as needed to be so I don't look like a complete idiot.

ataylorm replied: Ok I made those changes and re-uploaded it to the website. Thanks for all the help!

amymom replied: I have not read the entire newsletter but I can see you have done a nice job. I am not very good at editing, so I will not try. I just wanted to say nice job on the newsletter. I hope the community appreciates it.

ataylorm replied: I am going to try and create one quarterly, I was going to make it longer, about 16 pages, but the printing cost is astronomical. I will make sure I post it electronically as well. You welcome to submit subject ideas.

ataylorm replied: I would like to thank everyone for their help, respecially bookeandmadisonsmom and redchief who pm'ed me with dozens of changes each. I really appreciate everyones help, and hope maybe some of the information in it helped you as well.

If anyone wants to read the grammatically correct version, it's online.

jem0622 replied: I know I'm late replying, but I'm an English major and have been in the Tech Writing/Freelance arena for 9 yrs now. If you ever need help in the future then please let me know.

ataylorm replied: Hey Julie,

Feel free to take a look and see if I missed anything, I am still a few weeks from publishing because I haven't found a reasonable price for printing them. $0.75 each is a bit to high for me, especially for B&W.