We Don t Give No Respect

“We Don’t Give No Respect!”

Rodney Dangerfield’s catchphrase was “I don’t get no respect!” Unfortunately, this sentiment holds true in the realm of electronic communications. We, the communicators, are disrespectful and careless in our typing and composition. We overlook the importance of spelling, capitalization, and attribution, and we only realize our mistake when we are not given the respect we desire.

Here are some examples of our disrespect:

– We misspell names of people and businesses.

– We incorrectly name businesses and organizations.

– We ignore proper capitalization of names and trademarks.

– We misquote people, using incorrect words.

– We attribute famous quotes to the wrong people.

– We don’t verify the authenticity of our sources.

– We share incorrect links.

But why should we care, right? Well, businesses can’t afford to be as careless as we are. Their success depends on upholding copyrights, using correct brand names, and maintaining proper SEO and URLs.

Misspelling someone’s name, for instance, is not only rude but also insulting. Our names reflect our identity and should be respected. Misspelling can lead to negative consequences, such as losing a reader or customers due to a book or product being unfindable. It can also harm innocent individuals who are mistaken for someone else. Moreover, misspelling can alienate bloggers and authors, hindering potential collaborations and referrals.

When referring to a product, company, or website, it’s crucial to use the correct name. Ignoring capitalization can cause confusion and jeopardize copyright protection. For example, Twitter is a social communication network, while twitter refers to a bird song. Similarly, "Coke" is a specific soft drink, whereas "coke" is a narcotic.

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In the case of Jell-O, which is a protected trade-name, using the term generically undermines the brand’s efforts and value. The same goes for Adobe’s Photoshop, which has become synonymous with image manipulation regardless of the software used.

Misquoting is a major problem that can lead to misinterpretation, feuds, lawsuits, and damaged reputations. Many phrases attributed to Shakespeare are actually misquotes. The same goes for famous movie lines like "Play it again, Sam" from Casablanca, which was never spoken in the film.

Media outlets have also been caught not verifying their sources, leading to the spread of false information. This lack of due diligence can harm the credibility of the media and the reputation of individuals involved.

Posting bad links is sloppy and can irritate readers. It can also lead to lost customers and revenue for the author if the link is affiliate or click-through related. Therefore, it’s essential to double-check all links before publishing.

To rectify these issues, we, as digital communicators, must prioritize respect in our writing. We should use spell checkers, proofread diligently, and ensure the correct spelling of names, businesses, and products. It’s crucial not to assume we are right, as the internet provides us with the ability to fact-check with a simple click.

Ultimately, if we want to be respected, we must show respect to others.

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