Netiquette IQ Blog Of 3/18/17 - For Wont Of A Comma

Buy the books at  www.amazon.com/author/paulbabicki ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The article below is a nice one on the use of commas. In my book “ Netiquette IQ . . . “ there is a wealth of information on punctuation usage for email! “The writer who neglects punctuation, or mispunctuates, is liable to be misunderstood for the want of merely a comma, it often occurs that an axiom appears a paradox, or that a sarcasm is converted into a sermonoid.” Edgar Allen Poe +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ A Comma (or Its Absence) Can Change a Sentence’s Message By Mark Nichol  - dailywritingtips.com Writers are divided in opinion about punctuating introductory words or phrases—and often, they are at war with themselves with the topic. Even adherents of open punctuation will generally insert a comma after an adverb, whether it is transitional, like however, or descriptive, like suddenly, and will follow even a brief modifying phrase such as “according to the study” or “contrary to popular belief” with pausing punctuation. But somewhere in between—in the case of a short opening phrase like “last year” or “in retrospect”—many people believe a comma setting the phrase off from the sentence’s main clause is unnecessary. For consistency, I advocate generally using a comma regardless of the phrase’s length, but even though I am a close-punctuation adherent, I realize there are exceptions. Consider the use of please, for example. Read this sentence: “Please sit down.” Now, read this one. “Please, sit down.” Did you read them differently? I hope so. The intent behind each statement is distinct: “Please sit down” is an imperative barely tempered by a courtesy term; the person to whom the statement is delivered is expected to comply. By contrast, “Please, sit down” is an entreaty; the speaker sincerely hopes that the other person will accept the invitation. There’s a difference, too, between “Of course you would say whatever you thought I wanted to hear” and “Of course, you would say whatever you thought I wanted to hear.” The first sentence is delivered with some heat; the speaker’s tone is wounded and derisive. The second statement, by contrast, is more measured and reflective. These examples are more subtle than when one decides whether one should punctuate, for example, “In time you will understand why I acted as I did”: You either agree with me that if one is to punctuate a more extensive introductory phrase (“When you have time to reflect, you will understand why I acted as I did”)—and most writers will choose to do so—it’s only logical to treat a more concise opening phrase the same way (otherwise, where does one draw the line?), or you don’t agree. But sometimes, what a sentence communicates changes with the mere insertion or omission of a comma, and the writer should be sensitive to such nuances to help the reader read between the lines.  ====================================================   Good Netiquette And A Green Internet To All!  =====================================================================Tabula Rosa Systems - Tabula Rosa Systems (TRS) is dedicated to providing Best of Breed Technology and Best of Class Professional Services to our Clients. We have a portfolio of products which we have selected for their capabilities, viability and value. TRS provides product, design, implementation and support services on all products that we represent. Additionally, TRS provides expertise in Network Analysis, eBusiness Application Profiling, ePolicy and eBusiness Troubleshooting.  We can be contacted at: sales@tabularosa.net  or 609 818 1802.  =============================================================== In addition to this blog, Netiquette IQ has a website with great assets which are being added to on a regular basis. I have authored the premiere book on Netiquette, “Netiquette IQ - A Comprehensive Guide to Improve, Enhance and Add Power to Your Email". My new book, “You’re Hired! Super Charge Your Email Skills in 60 Minutes. . . And Get That Job!” has just been published and will be followed by a trilogy of books on Netiquette for young people. You can view my profile, reviews of the book and content excerpts at:  www.amazon.com/author/paulbabicki Anyone who would like to review the book and have it posted on my blog or website, please contact me paul@netiquetteiq.com. In addition to this blog, I maintain a radio show on BlogtalkRadio  and an online newsletter via paper.li.I have established Netiquette discussion groups with Linkedin and  Yahoo.  I am also a member of the International Business Etiquette and Protocol Group and Minding Manners among others. I regularly consult for the Gerson Lehrman Group, a worldwide network of subject matter experts and I have been contributing to the blogs Everything Email and emailmonday . My work has appeared in numerous publications and I have presented to groups such as The Breakfast Club of NJ and  PSG of Mercer County, NJ. Additionally, I am the president of Tabula Rosa Systems, a “best of breed” reseller of products for communications, email, network management software, security products and professional services.  Also, I am the president of Netiquette IQ. We are currently developing an email IQ rating system, Netiquette IQ, which promotes the fundamentals outlined in my book. Over the past twenty-five years, I have enjoyed a dynamic and successful career and have attained an extensive background in IT and electronic communications by selling and marketing within the information technology market.