Septembre Russell

Copy Editor

Even before my present stint with copy editing, I was drawn to words. I learned from my mother, who proofread my essays and reports throughout elementary school. I would give her my work, and she would butcher it, handing it back to me chock full of editing marks. I could not stand it at times because she had a knack for shifting my words to better fit what her opinions were.
My mother and I found our synergy, and, thereafter, the student became the teacher. I once edited a paper for a classmate in elementary school and word got around that I possessed proofreading talent. I inadvertently became the designated editor, and the title stuck with me all the way through high school.
With such a seasoned background in proofreading, I cannot help but be inclined to find editing mistakes wherever I go or in whatever I read. Sometimes they pop up, but most often, I look for them purposely, which may be derived from a subconscious cynical desire to find an error each day.
One specifically deplorable trend that has manifested itself in the realm of punctuation faux pas is the gross overuse of the apostrophe. The apostrophe suffers unremitting allocation to elements in instances where they are incapable of possession.
The word television will serve as an excellent general example. Before I delve into demonstration, I will say I would prefer to see television in its natural form as “television,” and not “TV.” It is common practice to use TV for short, and, while that is OK, it leaves room for misusage of the apostrophe in the plural form. If you want to indicate more than one television, use “TVs,” not “TV’s.” The television is an inanimate object, and though it may speak to you, it does not take on possession in the plural form. I know, it may not be aesthetically
pleasing to see popular nouns pluralized sans apostrophe, and some may think it looks silly. Quibble if you will, but trust me; it does not look as silly as you do when you personify the non-living or readily misuse apostrophes.
It is understood that not everyone pays close attention to what he or she writes, especially since, at times, punctuation, or grammar in some cases, truly makes a difference. It worries me, though, to see flyers and advertisements inundated with such blatant disregard for one of the most basic rules of the English language.
It is tacky; stop it. I know for sure that if I were an employer, I would definitely be wary of hiring anyone who pays such miniscule attention to detail. Get a handle on your punctuation. You’re in college now.
Do not lose any sleep, my friends; we will work on your grammar, at
some point.