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Their websites' content has been double checked for common usage errors, relieving
reader from any undue distractions; their sales messages come through as clear as a bell. Like Corey Rudl, they leave you with image of a polished and sophisticated marketing professional. Your ultimate buying decision is based solely on merits of their products, not on whether they botched up their sales pitch with carelessness.
Please note, my mention of these three particular marketers should not be considered endorsements of their products. I am a happy customer, but they are simply being singled out in this article as prime examples of how, in my modest opinion, one should handle use of language as a skilled, responsible, Internet marketer.
SUGGESTIONS AND RESOURCES
A professional looking website, within parameters I have pointed out, is not that hard to achieve. There are inexpensive, easy to use tools and aids to help you accomplish this indispensable goal.
For example, if, like most of us, you have a tendency to misspell words, take advantage of Spell-Check feature built right into most word processor programs to double check your work. Or, better yet, since you'll be actively engaged in process, buy yourself a pocket Dictionary for about six bucks to look up words. Personally, I own several of these, with a few foreign language versions for both Spanish and French.
If punctuation and grammar give you migraines, buy yourself a College level English Usage or Style handbook at any used bookstore in town. Then, when in doubt about any facet of your written work, leaf through it to find an acceptable solution. In no time at all, with just a little effort on your part, you'll gain mastery over any aspect of English language which previously derailed you.
Personally, I use one, or both of following when I run into a grammar roadblock: William Strunk's Elements of Style, and American Heritage Book of English Usage.
And, if you're fortunate enough to have, either a member of your family, or as a friend or neighbor, an educator who teaches English and whose expertise you trust, ask them to review your written work prior to publishing it as a website.
You'll receive invaluable insights and suggestions from a specialized professional, at zero cost to you. Naturally, for your own peace of mind, refrain from taking their suggestions personally; it might be helpful to pretend that work being reviewed by them is not your own.
Additionally, should be inclined to doing your revisions online, I offer up this list of grammar related resources with accompanying descriptions. They're all fr*ee:
1. http://www.chompchomp.com erms.htm Grammar terms are listed and each is linked to its own page of explanation and examples of correct and incorrect usage. There are also online exercises. By one Robin L. Simmons.
2. http://www2.ncsu.edu:8010/ncsu/grammar/ Home of Grammar Hotline. Has tips and links. From North Carolina State University.
3. http://www.well.com/user/mmcadams/words.html Glossary of grammar terms and their meanings. From magazine-editing guru Mindy McAdams.
4. http://www.wsu.edu:8080/~brians/errors/errors.html Paul Brians of Department of English at Washington State University talks about common mistakes and about perfect English that is often changed in error by well-meaning editors.
5. http://www.worldwidewords.org/ All pieces here are about English words and phrases—what they mean, where they came from, how they have evolved, and ways in which people sometimes misuse them.
CONCLUSION
Thankfully, for kind of writing that we do for Web, you will not have to become adept at unraveling such mysteries as: What emotions dictate use of Subjunctive voice? Or, define a prepositional phrase. How about, what is difference between a definite and an idefinite article? Or, can a personal pronoun be used in possessive form? Better still, how would you indicate possession for a noun ending in letter "s?" Last but not least, does English language have a future perfect tense?
Cast all your fears aside, because not only would answering those questions be beyond scope of this narrative, they would surely be well beyond my own limited and flawed intelligence, as well! For website publishing, we only have to concentrate on writing clearly, sharply, and concisely; clean, simple, and well thought out copy is all we're after. A basic common sense approach. Pulitzer prize winning authors are bred elsewhere.
You'll find that, by taking simple precautions and suggestions I have oulined here to spruce up your website, your professionalism will shine through, making you feel proud and empowered, your feelings of self worth will rise dramatically, giving you added confidence to tackle more and more written projects, praise from others will allow you to recognize your dormant talents, helping to fuel your creativity to a higher level...and your bottom line will inevitably soar as a result!
----------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright 2004 Jorge M. Vega - After struggling for years trying to figure out what worked and what didn't work online, author has started to "bring home bacon" marketing on Internet. See few select, sure-fire ways he has found that anyone can use to begin making a comfortable home-based living, starting today: http://www.earnlarge.com/pbi -----------------------------------------------------------------
After struggling for years trying to figure out what worked and what didn't work online, the author, Jorge M. Vega, has started to "bring home the bacon" marketing on the Internet. See the few select, sure-fire ways he has found that anyone can use to begin making a comfortable home-based living, starting today.
