tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855485928545677951.post317289499528294707..comments2024-01-08T00:51:30.080-05:00Comments on Write Now: Are You Guilty of Overstating? Karen Langehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18177923284595298347noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855485928545677951.post-25258489758326805862016-06-19T16:32:05.503-04:002016-06-19T16:32:05.503-04:00Jess,
I think in the "friendly writing" ...Jess,<br />I think in the "friendly writing" places, like texts and comments it's a way to express yourself better, but in the formal stuff it's good to take care. At least, that's what I try to do. :)<br /><br />Cecelia,<br />You male a good point with the professional aspect. It's always good to consider balance, the audience, etc. I think your advice was probably on target there. :)<br /><br />Happy writing,<br />KarenKaren Langehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18177923284595298347noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855485928545677951.post-11420728201669657952016-06-17T22:54:49.659-04:002016-06-17T22:54:49.659-04:00Your thoughts on the exclamation mark reminds me o...Your thoughts on the exclamation mark reminds me of when I worked in a library. The children's librarian (a doctor of education) asked me to proofread a letter she wrote to send to businesses in the area about the upcoming children's reading program. In the letter, she had at least three exclamation points. When I returned the copy to her I told her to get rid of them. She said she used them to show excitement. I told her they made her letter look unprofessional. We remained friends until I had to stop working there.quietspirithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06086016141181470311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855485928545677951.post-70604116407267304512016-05-29T10:37:47.580-04:002016-05-29T10:37:47.580-04:00I know I use to many exclamation points in my info...I know I use to many exclamation points in my informal correspondence and comments on blogs. I try to be aware of it and limit them, but I often fail. In my writing it isn't a problem- thank goodness. I do work on not overstating. It is a challenge for me, but I am getting better. :) <br />~JessDMShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04202502753961748992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855485928545677951.post-83523961859819446872016-05-26T17:28:41.797-04:002016-05-26T17:28:41.797-04:00Lynn,
Yes, I am not crazy about being told what to...Lynn,<br />Yes, I am not crazy about being told what to do in that manner either. You are welcome. It's something ongoing for me, so thought maybe others might relate. :)<br />Happy weekend,<br />KarenKaren Langehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18177923284595298347noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855485928545677951.post-20710969580800075442016-05-26T17:19:17.297-04:002016-05-26T17:19:17.297-04:00Keith,
It's a matter of preference, I know, bu...Keith,<br />It's a matter of preference, I know, but it always helps to consider it from the reader's side. Course, if you like overstating, well...lol<br /><br />Lisa,<br />I think private conversation and some social media (like personal stuff) is somewhat different, you know? :)<br /><br />Rhonda,<br />All caps, yeah, that does really get to me. lol You're welcome. I'm checking myself for overstating. :)<br /><br />Crystal,<br />Yes, me too, and the editor in me wants to fix it. Ah well, we do what we can with our own writing, eight? :)<br /><br />Happy writing,<br />KarenKaren Langehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18177923284595298347noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855485928545677951.post-67927682753021046272016-05-26T09:05:16.544-04:002016-05-26T09:05:16.544-04:00As one who doesn't like being told what to do,...As one who doesn't like being told what to do, especially repeatedly, overstating is irritating and bothersome! I remember being mentored to watch out for those words ending in 'ly.' Thanks for the reminder!Lynn J Simpsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04573498994019644656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855485928545677951.post-33529157157119006102016-05-25T14:13:42.471-04:002016-05-25T14:13:42.471-04:00Of course, I see overwriting all the time--repeate...Of course, I see overwriting all the time--repeated details, adjectives or adverbs that are completely unnecessary. Not so much overstating.Crystal Collierhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03912469552483168148noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855485928545677951.post-16461509049148622972016-05-24T16:18:27.855-04:002016-05-24T16:18:27.855-04:00I'm quite spare these (!!!) in my writing. I s...I'm quite spare these (!!!) in my writing. I seldom use ALL CAPS, either. It truly does diminish your message; they're right about that. It's a good reminder for me, though, as I choose my words. Thank you for that.Rhonda Schrockhttp://www.rhondaschrock.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855485928545677951.post-53820088946756356112016-05-22T08:29:18.659-04:002016-05-22T08:29:18.659-04:00I agree with S&W, although I'm certain I&#...I agree with S&W, although I'm certain I'm guilty of overusing the exclamation point, especially in private correspondence or on social media. I try to watch out for it, but I'm sure I don't always catch myself. Lisa Ricard Clarohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15014582949326182166noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855485928545677951.post-25597141657484546312016-05-21T10:27:34.235-04:002016-05-21T10:27:34.235-04:00I have some friends who REALLY overstate when they...I have some friends who REALLY overstate when they are writing me an email or text...it makes me a little uncomfortable sometimes LOLOptimistic Existentialisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11507986337866049924noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855485928545677951.post-92101122180109267542016-05-20T16:54:37.758-04:002016-05-20T16:54:37.758-04:00Susan,
No shame, it's there for a reason! Lol ...Susan,<br />No shame, it's there for a reason! Lol :) Caution and balance, yes, you are right. <br /><br />Carol,<br />Good thing we have the editing process to keep us in check, right? :) No big drama, all with a good balance.<br /><br />Happy writing,<br />KarenKaren Langehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18177923284595298347noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855485928545677951.post-40066826065120884252016-05-19T12:20:29.480-04:002016-05-19T12:20:29.480-04:00Haha, yesss!! In informal things, I use the exclam...Haha, yesss!! In informal things, I use the exclamation point a lot. I try not to use them much in my novels. Otherwise, it gets to sounding melodramatic REALLY fast; I notice them a lot in others' writing. I think I'm a bit guilty of wanting to italicize in order to emphasize words, though...I have to edit some of them out later! :)Carol Riggshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14092209912983783974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855485928545677951.post-61670829999366062162016-05-19T09:35:51.179-04:002016-05-19T09:35:51.179-04:00I do agree with Strunk and White. And poorly used ...I do agree with Strunk and White. And poorly used caps, as in your example, are a sure turn off for me. I will use an occasional exclamation mark without shame (wink) but I'm more cautious about it than I used to be. Great post, Karen! (Sorry, couldn't help myself). :0)Susan Sundwallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17747706680849311882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855485928545677951.post-75632299332356629812016-05-18T17:19:05.512-04:002016-05-18T17:19:05.512-04:00Susan,
I'm flattered that you will use this in...Susan,<br />I'm flattered that you will use this in one of your posts. Thank you! :) It really takes a good balance, doesn't it?<br /><br />Jen,<br />You are welcome. :) It's my pleasure. You know, I think in some ways a balanced use becomes ones' style. And you use discretion and wisdom when you write, so it's all good.<br /><br />Crystal,<br />It really is tricky as to how to get the message off to the writer without tipping the scales, isn't it? I see it in books occasion, and in blog posts fairly often, but maybe your favorite genre already has a good balance. That's a good thing, I'm thinking. :)<br /><br />Tyrean,<br />Well, great minds do think alike, you know. :) It's one thing to use them when making a point in social media, even blog posts, for we are trying to make a certain point on a certain platform. I am sure you strike a good balance in your books.<br /><br />Happy writing,<br />KarenKaren Langehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18177923284595298347noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855485928545677951.post-14449573415368286782016-05-18T16:58:16.126-04:002016-05-18T16:58:16.126-04:00I just read this section out loud to students in m...I just read this section out loud to students in my college prep writing class, so I found it humorous/ironic to see it here. Maybe someone is trying to tell me something? I have a tendency to overuse exclamation points in blog posts and comments.Tyrean Martinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15356604721537744361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855485928545677951.post-27494131933920384092016-05-18T11:22:27.860-04:002016-05-18T11:22:27.860-04:00I think any time there's an extreme of emotion...I think any time there's an extreme of emotion on the page, it's wise to closely evaluate how to present it. I really haven't seen much overstating, other than in social media. Maybe it's the genres I read?Crystal Collierhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03912469552483168148noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855485928545677951.post-89840809686352973632016-05-18T09:14:24.842-04:002016-05-18T09:14:24.842-04:00Karen,
Thanks for the mention of Coffeehouse for W...Karen,<br />Thanks for the mention of Coffeehouse for Writers & Pen and Prosper. Funny thing about the exclamation point. Many years ago, an editor who purchased my pieces on a regular basis, and loved my work, gave me a "lashing" about my use of exclamation points. Imagine that!!! I use them because I am often excited when I express myself in real life and in written form. Though I don't use them in excess, it's part of my expressive style; I do the same thing with smiley faces! :-)Jennifer Brown Bankshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15525705931988259779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855485928545677951.post-90188079709233558912016-05-17T20:52:39.099-04:002016-05-17T20:52:39.099-04:00Hi Karen - Overstating something is a good way to ...Hi Karen - Overstating something is a good way to make your readers roll their eyes. In a novel, it pulls them out of the story faster than any pov infraction or head hopping. Thanks for a great article. I'll be linking to it in one of my Weekend Potpourri posts. Susan J. Reinhardthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07461276857852409546noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855485928545677951.post-14481858569059393112016-05-17T18:06:45.712-04:002016-05-17T18:06:45.712-04:00Jen,
Well, I think that humor has its own rules fo...Jen,<br />Well, I think that humor has its own rules for overstating, since without it, some humor would just fall flat. So you take it and run, girl! LOL It's all about balance and knowing the audience. I guess I should have clarified that. All caps - yeah, that gets ME TOO!! :) <br />Happy writing,<br />KarenKaren Langehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18177923284595298347noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855485928545677951.post-43726289807913151202016-05-17T11:12:12.108-04:002016-05-17T11:12:12.108-04:00I definitely agree with this in general, but when ...I definitely agree with this in general, but when I write humor, I like to use hyperbole for a laugh. If I say the prices at our favorite restaurant have increased, you might sympathize a bit. But if I tell you that they're now charging for water, toothpicks and napkins, and you have to BYOC (bring your own candles), I've made my point more comical. <br />I realize I can't use this in my DEVOTIONAL WRITING, or you'd not trust me. <br />And I unsubscribe to email senders that shout at me in ALL CAPS. UGGGGGHHHHH!Jeanette Levelliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12898750484193832082noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855485928545677951.post-17156268421478200562016-05-17T08:27:04.517-04:002016-05-17T08:27:04.517-04:00Joy,
social media can be different, I think, and I...Joy,<br />social media can be different, I think, and I use them more often there too. I wonder if we are trying to make sure that we aren't misunderstood or that our tone is misread. They can be a help in that respect, you know? :)<br /><br />Hilary,<br />Those instances are different, I agree. Like I mentioned to Joy, we want to make sure our tone, etc. comes off pleasantly. What is it about them in print for regular writing that makes them seem overbearing at times? Or maybe I just don't like feeling coerced. LOL :)<br /><br />Marja,<br />Ha- well, I've done that too! LOL I was typing on Facebook and another blog's comment section and realized I used several of them. Ah well, they have their place in the right spot. :)<br /><br />Medeia,<br />Over time I know I've gotten better at keeping overstating at bay in my writing. Always something to edit in the process. :)<br /><br />Happy writing,<br />Karen<br /><br />Karen Langehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18177923284595298347noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855485928545677951.post-75132866920312068392016-05-17T06:10:50.887-04:002016-05-17T06:10:50.887-04:00I edit out really and very. Overstating does seem ...I edit out really and very. Overstating does seem unnecessary and there are better ways to express the sentiments. Too many exclamation marks bother me.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855485928545677951.post-4416272292930796792016-05-17T04:20:53.566-04:002016-05-17T04:20:53.566-04:00Guilty, for sure! Oh, I just did it again... the e...Guilty, for sure! Oh, I just did it again... the exclamation mark :)Marja Verschoor-Meijershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06475263793581289701noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855485928545677951.post-9333100372776015152016-05-17T04:06:55.429-04:002016-05-17T04:06:55.429-04:00Hi Karen - I overstate when I'm talking and wh...Hi Karen - I overstate when I'm talking and when I write up some of my posts or comments ... but I'm relating to bloggers, whom I feel I know. Come publishing something I'd tone it down ---- I think!! Cheers and see you at Jennifers - HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855485928545677951.post-21326772648148952752016-05-16T23:19:59.676-04:002016-05-16T23:19:59.676-04:00Overuse of the exclamation mark...that was me, unt...Overuse of the exclamation mark...that was me, until I became aware. Now, I scatter it liberally in my status updates and comments on social networks or informal notes, communication and such things.Joyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09341706502020011897noreply@blogger.com