Dear Grammar Bullies

Summary

The article criticizes individuals who harshly correct others' grammar on Medium, questioning their motives and suggesting more constructive approaches to improving writing.

Abstract

The author addresses the issue of "grammar bullies" on Medium who publicly criticize writers for grammatical errors, likening their behavior to schoolyard bullying. These grammar trolls are challenged to apply their critical eye to more influential language offenders, such as coworkers, sports pundits, and talk show hosts. The article questions the satisfaction derived from such corrections and whether it contributes positively to the world. It also points out the hypocrisy of these critics, who may not be as successful or grammatically perfect as they claim. The author encourages a more thoughtful and inspirational method of correcting grammar, emphasizing the importance of uplifting fellow writers rather than tearing them down.

Opinions

The author believes that the harsh criticism of grammar on Medium is hurtful and unproductive.
The article suggests that grammar critics should focus on more significant offenders outside of Medium, such as professionals in the media.
It is implied that grammar trolls may be motivated by a desire to feel superior rather than a genuine interest in helping others improve.
The author mocks the idea that these critics are highly successful writers or contributors to the platform.
There is a call to action for more established writers to engage in positive, uplifting correction methods.
The author uses sarcasm to highlight the absurdity of nitpicking grammar in informal, conversational contexts where strict grammatical rules may not apply.
The article concludes by promoting

Is It Your Job To Be An Editor Or A Jerk?

I’ve been reading a few articles about the Medium grammar trolls picking on some writers like bullies in the schoolyard. Their words hurt like a kick to the crotch. Hey, don’t good writers know better?

Alright, grammar trolls, why don’t you pick on some of the more prominent offenders of the English language? How about your coworkers, your boss? Do you correct their emails and inter-office memos too? Huh, huh, big guy?

Do you pick on all them guys?¹

How about all those sports pundits and talk show hosts on TV and radio? Do you call and write their producers and advertisers to tell them about the proper usage and placement of “I” and “me” in a sentence? Well?

Tell you what.² Why don’t you march yourself down to a studio, face a former pro athlete and school him on grammar. Go to where they’re at³ and get in their faces. Go ahead, punk.

Does it make you feel good? Does it make you feel smarter than someone else? Does your commentary make you think you’re making a positive difference in the world? Tell me why.

I know you make $10,000 or £10,000 a month on Medium because you’re such a great author. You’ve probably sold ten books on Amazon too.⁴ Why are you the new authority on other people’s writing anyway?

If you’re such a skilled writer, find a more thoughtful and inspirational way of correcting another writer’s grammatical errors if you think you must.

Yes, idiots, I know it’s grammatically incorrect, but don’t tell me you don’t hear people talk like that.

I know it’s wrong, you over-officious jerk, but the “I” is implied. Again, in conversational English, you often hear something said in that fashion. Obviously, you would have rejected Mark Twain’s classics.

Do you also try to teach people the unnecessary usage of “at”? I’ll bet you don’t.

No, Butthead, I didn’t forget the word “thousands” after “ten”, and I didn’t mean ten different books. I meant ten copies of that one book you self-published. Did your mum really buy all ten of them?

If you’d like to buy me a coffee, your support is very much appreciated.

To The Grammar Bullies

Is It Your Job To Be An Editor Or A Jerk?