Comma Quandary
I, either, have, too, many or not enough so I can't win.27 total reviews
Comment from judiverse
Did she really use all those commas? Why not eliminate those starter words like now and then. How about "Victor will edit your story and get back to you...." She must have OCD (obsessive comma disorder.) judi
reply by the author on 25-Oct-2021
  |
Did she really use all those commas? Why not eliminate those starter words like now and then. How about "Victor will edit your story and get back to you...." She must have OCD (obsessive comma disorder.) judi
Comment Written 24-Oct-2021
reply by the author on 25-Oct-2021
-
I'm with you! Clever OCD!
Check out Wendy G's review--I'd have done exactly as she did, per common sense as to natural speech. But my editor goes by THE RULES. I fear I've wrongly "corrected" errors in my reviews.
I assume you realize that the subtitle's 4 extra commas (and missing commas in the second part) was intended ironically.
-
Punctuation rules keep changing, and it seem that they favor less punctuation. Maybe the editor needs a more up-to-date book. judi
-
She'll never change, alas. Her Bible was written by her esteemed teacher back when.
One construction she "corrects" drives me crazy. Every source says not to do this--if for no other reason that it looks so odd--, so if you see me write a sentence like this one with the preceding superfluous comma after the long dash, you'll know she made me do it. Her rationale is that if you take out the offset phrase, you'd need the comma.
I was amused to see indigovega's response to the preceding:
Ouch, that comma after the long dash is like putting salt in ice cream :-) :-) :-)
-
It is hard to change habits. If you're in the business, I suppose you have your own style and insist on sticking with it despite changing rules. judi
Comment from Shirley McLain
You are a lady with my own sentiment about comma's. As yourself, I put in to many or not enough. Most of my corrections are due to comma's. Everyone has different rules, so you are right. We can't win. Great story. Shirley
reply by the author on 25-Oct-2021
|
You are a lady with my own sentiment about comma's. As yourself, I put in to many or not enough. Most of my corrections are due to comma's. Everyone has different rules, so you are right. We can't win. Great story. Shirley
Comment Written 24-Oct-2021
reply by the author on 25-Oct-2021
-
Check out Wendy G's review--I'd have done exactly as she did, per common sense as to natural speech. But my editor goes by THE RULES. I fear I've wrongly "corrected" errors in my reviews.
I assume you realize that the subtitle's 4 extra commas (and missing commas in the second part) was intended ironically.
Comment from Ric Myworld
As the great detective writer, Lawrence Block, once asked, who the hell can tell me where a comma, or short pause, should go in something that I'm writing? He said, only I know where the pauses should go according to how I want it to sounds or be said. Maybe he's right, or maybe he's wrong, but personally, I tend to believe him. Now, how about all the damn commas I've used in this stinking ramble. Thanks for sharing.
reply by the author on 25-Oct-2021
|
As the great detective writer, Lawrence Block, once asked, who the hell can tell me where a comma, or short pause, should go in something that I'm writing? He said, only I know where the pauses should go according to how I want it to sounds or be said. Maybe he's right, or maybe he's wrong, but personally, I tend to believe him. Now, how about all the damn commas I've used in this stinking ramble. Thanks for sharing.
Comment Written 24-Oct-2021
reply by the author on 25-Oct-2021
-
Check out Wendy G's review--I'd have done exactly as she did, per common sense as to natural speech. But my editor goes by THE RULES. I fear I've wrongly "corrected" errors in my reviews.
I assume you realize that the subtitle's 4 extra commas (and missing commas in the second part) was intended ironically.
-
Yes, I realized. Or should I have said, even I realized. :-)
-
She'll never change, alas. Her Bible was written by her esteemed teacher back when.
One construction she "corrects" drives me crazy. Every source says not to do this--if for no other reason that it looks so odd--, so if you see me write a sentence like this one with the preceding superfluous comma after the long dash, you'll know she made me do it. Her rationale is that if you take out the offset phrase, you'd need the comma.
I was amused to see indigovega's response to the preceding:
Ouch, that comma after the long dash is like putting salt in ice cream :-) :-) :-)
-
Salt on ice cream described to me perfectly!
Comment from Mary Vigasin
You know of all people, I am comatose on when and where to put commas.
I have to say the comma after "now" sounds a little strange and awkward. If I were speaking the words I would not pause after now. My thought would be a rewording to Victor now and also would it be better to say He will then. Thinking of mostly every day speaking.
Regards,
Mary
reply by the author on 25-Oct-2021
|
You know of all people, I am comatose on when and where to put commas.
I have to say the comma after "now" sounds a little strange and awkward. If I were speaking the words I would not pause after now. My thought would be a rewording to Victor now and also would it be better to say He will then. Thinking of mostly every day speaking.
Regards,
Mary
Comment Written 24-Oct-2021
reply by the author on 25-Oct-2021
-
I'm with you!
Check out Wendy G's review--I'd have done exactly as she did, per common sense as to natural speech. But my editor goes by THE RULES. I fear I've wrongly "corrected" errors in my reviews.
I assume you realize that the subtitle's 4 extra commas (and missing commas in the second part) was intended ironically.
Comment from Kooky Clown
I enjoyed this as I have a problem with commas as I never seem to know where to put them I seem to put in too many or not enough I find it all very confusing. Thanks for sharing if not helping. Kooky
reply by the author on 25-Oct-2021
|
I enjoyed this as I have a problem with commas as I never seem to know where to put them I seem to put in too many or not enough I find it all very confusing. Thanks for sharing if not helping. Kooky
Comment Written 24-Oct-2021
reply by the author on 25-Oct-2021
-
Thanks for stopping by, Kooky. (I don't like the rule that says I have to put a comma before your name!)
Check out Wendy G's review--I'd have done exactly as she did, per common sense as to natural speech. But my editor goes by THE RULES. I fear I've wrongly "corrected" errors in my reviews.
I assume you realize that the subtitle's 4 extra commas (and missing commas in the second part) was intended ironically.
Comment from Seshadri_Sreenivasan
It is a constant struggle for me to keep up with all those punctuations, let alone the common comma. You know it. Looks like Google correct has given up on me! So, I can understand your struggle. Your story is enjoyable and resonates with me. Cheers!
reply by the author on 25-Oct-2021
|
It is a constant struggle for me to keep up with all those punctuations, let alone the common comma. You know it. Looks like Google correct has given up on me! So, I can understand your struggle. Your story is enjoyable and resonates with me. Cheers!
Comment Written 24-Oct-2021
reply by the author on 25-Oct-2021
-
Check out Wendy G's review--I'd have done exactly as she did, per common sense as to natural speech. But my editor goes by THE RULES. I fear I've wrongly "corrected" errors in my reviews.
I assume you realize that the subtitle's 4 extra commas (and missing commas in the second part) was intended ironically.
Comment from Theodore McDowell
Lol. I love it. Know the situation all too well. Have you started submitting to other publications on Medium? Hope things are going well with Genius. I've been tracking you.
reply by the author on 25-Oct-2021
|
Lol. I love it. Know the situation all too well. Have you started submitting to other publications on Medium? Hope things are going well with Genius. I've been tracking you.
Comment Written 24-Oct-2021
reply by the author on 25-Oct-2021
-
Check out Wendy G's review--I'd have done exactly as she did, per common sense as to natural speech. But my editor goes by THE RULES. I fear I've wrongly "corrected" errors in my reviews.
I assume you realize that the subtitle's 4 extra commas (and missing commas in the second part) was intended ironically.
I've got 40 pieces in GiaB--Raffaella rarely takes a day off! I've applied to three others--haven't heard back yet. Some others ask that you apply via a submission. Since GiaB has been so accommodating--every day!--and given that I spend an hour editing each story before submitting it to "the stickler"--I have little time to investigate other publications. As it is, I'm straddling Medium and StoryLand.
-
lol, the stickler got ahold of one of my poems for Gia today.
-
How can somebody edit free verse, (assuming no SPAG citations are warranted)? Does she give stylistic suggestions?
-
commas etc. she gives me some leeway but always has a few citations, lol
-
Commas in free verse?!
-
I actually get more reads on other publication sites. The Lark, Poetry's Home, Scrittura, Know Thyself, heal thyself, American Haiku, etc. Genius doesn't get me many hits, even though the stickler seems to appreciate my work as well as Jay. Jay encouraged me early on to go to other sites for my poetry. It also helps when I write from promps on other publications. It's a hassle getting accepted to publish on the other places, but once I got the hang of it, it is pretty easy.
-
I just got the go-ahead with Illumination and Haven. I'm waiting to hear from another--I can't remember which--I'm overwhelmed--GiaB has been good to me--I'll keep submitting there regardless. I joined the partner program--after a snafu with stripe--it's all set. I put all 42 of my stories behind the paywall. Earnings thus far=ZERO. I thought it was supposed to be retroactive--I expected to get two cents by now!
-
lol. I did the same thing. My early posts didn't count. The most I've made in a month is $50. Last month I made a grand total of $3.00, but I was in a psychiatric facility!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-
OMG--are you better now?
I'm still waiting to hear from the Lark. Illumination and Haven gave me the OK. I will research them before submitting.
-
On the personal front, I'm a little discouraged about the recent break after being stable for a few years, but I'm better although still fragile and vulnerable.
On the other publication sites, I remember Jay giving me a thumbs down on Illumination, saying the work accepted very poor writing as well as good. I do know that your work is so good that you should ensure their quality.
Kate has asked me to do a general call for K as we approach her surgery on Nov. 11. Could you do the same--you would reach more people with a call since you are the premier rock star here on Story Land.
Comment from indigovega
Haha, I completely agree and wholeheartedly sympathize with your comma conundrum :-) I too struggle with the comma a lot.
Have you thought of taking help from virtual editors like Grammarly or ProWritingAid? I think they get commas right most of the time and often give reasons about why a comma should or should not be put in a particular location.
reply by the author on 24-Oct-2021
|
Haha, I completely agree and wholeheartedly sympathize with your comma conundrum :-) I too struggle with the comma a lot.
Have you thought of taking help from virtual editors like Grammarly or ProWritingAid? I think they get commas right most of the time and often give reasons about why a comma should or should not be put in a particular location.
Comment Written 24-Oct-2021
reply by the author on 24-Oct-2021
-
Check out Wendy G's review--I'd have done exactly as she did, per common sense as to natural speech. But my editor goes by THE RULES. I fear I've wrongly "corrected" errors in my reviews.
I assume you realize that the subtitle's 4 extra commas a(nd missing commas in the second part) was intended ironically.
-
I agree with you and Wendy. It's quite sad to have to put up with editors who are sticklers to such a degree. It's kind of that fine line between getting it right and taking it too far...
I did not see the subtitle. I simply saw "comma quandary" and jumped right in to read about a "common enemy" :-)
-
One construction she "corrects" drives me crazy. Every source says not to do this--if for no other reason that it looks so odd--, so if you see me write a sentence over there with the preceding superfluous comma after the long dash, you'll know she made me do it. Her rationale is that if you take out the offset phrase, you'd need the comma.
-
Ouch, that comma after the long dash is like putting salt in ice cream :-) :-) :-)
Comment from Sanku
This is crazily comatose!The first two commas are not needed at all..I think a comma is not needed after bailing out either. Actually we should leave it to the common sense factor,of the reader as well as writer, before commenting or editing .I don't think readers are fussy as long as the sentence does not confuse them.
reply by the author on 24-Oct-2021
|
This is crazily comatose!The first two commas are not needed at all..I think a comma is not needed after bailing out either. Actually we should leave it to the common sense factor,of the reader as well as writer, before commenting or editing .I don't think readers are fussy as long as the sentence does not confuse them.
Comment Written 24-Oct-2021
reply by the author on 24-Oct-2021
-
II'm with you!
Check out Wendy G's review--I'd have done exactly as she did, per common sense as to natural speech. But my editor goes by THE RULES. I fear I've wrongly "corrected" errors in my reviews.
assume you realize that the subtitle's 4 extra commas a(nd missing commas in the second part) was intended ironically.
Comment from royowen
The funny thing is punctuation can be so subjective, there are the obvious ones, and then there's the subtle ones, but I think it's always the obvious ones, I don't think the reading public are that fussy, beautifully written, Blessings Roy
reply by the author on 24-Oct-2021
|
The funny thing is punctuation can be so subjective, there are the obvious ones, and then there's the subtle ones, but I think it's always the obvious ones, I don't think the reading public are that fussy, beautifully written, Blessings Roy
Comment Written 24-Oct-2021
reply by the author on 24-Oct-2021
-
Check out Wendy G's review--I'd have done exactly as she did, per common sense as to natural speech. But my editor goes by THE RULES. I fear I've wrongly "corrected" errors in my reviews.
-
I agree with her, a pause where there should be a pause, depends on the pause of course, but some folk think they are ?experts? and publishers rule I?m afraid, I don?t care about popular.