Typos, Grammar Woes, and Your Credibility as a Blogger

by Sam on July 6, 2009

A blog post is not a school paper or a newspaper article. So, if you have a few typos and grammatical errors it doesn’t really matter, right? Wrong. One of the most important things for a blogger is establishing credibility. If we really want people to read our blog and keep coming back to it, we have to be credible.  There are so many factors that contribute to credibility that it’s easy for some to get lost in the shuffle.  It should go without saying that we have to know what we’re writing about and present our content in the proper way. This means not spouting off generalizations or random “facts” without backing them up or explaining our reasoning. But, it’s also about how we present our content physically.

Think back to the famous debate between JFK and Richard Nixon. JFK presented himself better on camera (he was also much better looking in the first place), and people paid attention. It may seem shallow, but the truth is that first impressions really do have a big impact on how someone perceives you. An even simpler example: two people show up to interview for the same position. One is wearing a suit and tie, and has all of his materials neatly organized in a portfolio. The other is wearing slacks and a button down shirt, but no tie or jacket. They have a copy of their resume folded up in their pocket. On first impressions alone, before either one speaks a word, the one who put in the time and effort into how he presented himself already has an advantage.

So, what does this have to do with blog posts, typos and grammatical errors? A lot actually. I had the absolute pleasure of helping out my friend Matt by copy editing the 50+ posts from the Inconvenience of Change series. Matt is planning on turning the series into an e-book, and asked me to proofread the content before he took the next step. I love editing, in fact, I’m the crazy kid who looks for errors everywhere (playbills, menus, signs, etc).  In addition to the excitement of releasing my inner editor, I really enjoyed reading through these posts again. Some pretty amazing people were involved in this series, and I was inspired all over again (stay tuned for a post on that subject).

The content was great, but there were several recurring errors that I noticed as I read through the posts. I know that not everyone is anal like me, but part of how you present yourself and your ideas on your blog is actually in the words themselves. Wouldn’t you hate to write a beautiful, heartfelt post, but have someone discount your content because of typos? Just like the person who takes the time and effort to put on a suit and tie automatically has an advantage, a blogger who takes the time and effort to read through their posts before posting them is laying the foundation for credibility.

Beware:

  • Split Infinitives: “I need you all to really work hard.”
    • To work is the infinitive, but by placing “really” in between “to” and “work,” the infinitive is split. Instead, try: “I really need you all to work hard.”
  • Punctuation inside quotation marks: Punctuation goes inside quotation marks, no matter what the punctuation is, whether the quotes are single or double.
    • Using the example above, I wrote …and “work,” instead of …and “work”,.
  • Than vs. then, affect vs. effect: These are both really common errors, and the best way to learn them is by practicing.
    • As a general rule, than is used in comparison: My house is bigger than yours. Then is used with a sequence of events or actions: I ate the apple, then I ate the pear.
    • Affect is the verb form: This cold is really affecting my ability to concentrate; And effect is the noun: I can feel the effect of this cold on my ability to concentrate.
  • Their, there, they’re:
    • Their: The possessive form, for example: They brought their boat ashore.
    • There: Refers to location, for example: The boat is over there.
    • They’re: Contraction of “they are,” for example: They’re bringing the boat ashore. So, if you wanted to include all three in a sentence about the boat: They’re bringing their boat ashore and parking it over there.
  • Typos: There are obviously no “rules” or tips I can give on typos. Just read through your posts before you publish them, and use spell check. If you’re not grammatically inclined, find a friend who is, and ask them to give your posts a read-through. Time permitting, I’m glad to help anyone who needs it.

Do you agree with me, do things like typos and gramatical errors affect your credibility as a blogger? Do you proofread before you click publish? If not, why not? Are there any other common errors you’ve noticed?

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Tagged as: Advice, bloggers, Internet, Journalism, Learning

  • I know that typos/grammatical errors have hurt my credibility in the past, and I hate to think I might've potentially lost a couple of readers as a result, but honestly I subscribe to the Tucker Max theory.

    Which is having a distinct voice is SO MUCH more important than great command of the English language, and grammar rules. I was an English minor so I'm capable of following most 'rules,' but for me it hasn't been worth the time to edit my blog posts aside from a quick read through.

    Does it turn people off? Probably, but I love my community and I know when I read typos (as long as they're not excessive) I could care less. For me it, doesn't affect the content. (Did I use that affect right?)

    In conclusion, I think I agree for the most part, but it's something I care a lot more about when writing for other blogs and publications than on my own platform.
  • Ryan: I agree. Having a distinct voice is the most important thing for a blogger. It's interesting that as an English minor, you don't feel compelled to do more than a quick read through. But, to each his own :)

    Perfect use of affect, and I'm glad you have such positive feelings towards your community. A few typos don't affect content when it's great to begin with...it's really all about personal preference and what's important to us. Thanks for your perspective!
  • Guilty sometimes, but the good thing is I don't do all the mistakes. It's excruciating if people do they their and there mistake btw.
  • Andhari: English isn't your first language, but you write so well! It's okay to make mistakes sometimes, everyone does it. Nice to know their/there bothers someone else too :)
  • Ryan: I agree. Having a distinct voice is the most important thing for a blogger. It's interesting that as an English minor, you don't feel compelled to do more than a quick read through. But, to each his own :)

    Perfect use of affect, and I'm glad you have such positive feelings towards your community. A few typos don't affect content when it's great to begin with...it's really all about personal preference and what's important to us. Thanks for your perspective!
  • Andhari: English isn't your first language, but you write so well! It's okay to make mistakes sometimes, everyone does it. Nice to know their/there bothers someone else too :)
  • I know that typos/grammatical errors have hurt my credibility in the past, and I hate to think I might've potentially lost a couple of readers as a result, but honestly I subscribe to the Tucker Max theory.

    Which is having a distinct voice is SO MUCH more important than great command of the English language, and grammar rules. I was an English minor so I'm capable of following most 'rules,' but for me it hasn't been worth the time to edit my blog posts aside from a quick read through.

    Does it turn people off? Probably, but I love my community and I know when I read typos (as long as they're not excessive) I could care less. For me it, doesn't affect the content. (Did I use that affect right?)

    In conclusion, I think I agree for the most part, but it's something I care a lot more about when writing for other blogs and publications than on my own platform.
  • Guilty sometimes, but the good thing is I don't do all the mistakes. It's excruciating if people do they their and there mistake btw.
  • nate
    Shouldn't the unsplit infinitive be, 'I need you to work really hard'?

    Not that split infinitives are particularly verboten these days.
  • Depending on you're (I mean your) audience, typos and grammatical errors can be detrimental to your credibility. Luckily I have you to come along and correct my mistakes. I always go back and proofread, but it's inevitable that things are going to be missed. Like the new direction(s) the blog is taking here.
  • Matt: Good save with the you're/your :) I know you find it charming when I point out your typos. Seriously though, I know that not everyone has an eye for these things like I do, and that's why I try to help whenever I can. Your content is great, and I would hate for someone to think less of it because of something so easy to fix. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
  • Definitely true - seeing the wrong "their/there/they're" really bugs me on a blog and the likelyhood is if I see repeated mistakes like that, I'm not coming back. Everyone makes a typo sometimes but if they're repeated it drives me mad. But I'm an anal ex-english lit student so things like this are pretty important to me!
  • Naomi: It's nice to know I'm not alone! Of course, everyone makes a typo sometimes, I'm not that much of a stickler :) But, it's the consistent mistakes that show a lack of effort in my opinion. Thanks for commenting!
  • Matt: Good save with the you're/your :) I know you find it charming when I point out your typos. Seriously though, I know that not everyone has an eye for these things like I do, and that's why I try to help whenever I can. Your content is great, and I would hate for someone to think less of it because of something so easy to fix. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
  • Anna
    Be careful what grammatical "rules" you offer as gospel. Some people might be reading your blog and take what you're saying as fact, when, in fact, you're wrong (at least in some respects).
    For instance:
    "Punctuation goes inside quotation marks, no matter what the punctuation is, whether the quotes are single or double."
    This is not true.
    Take a look at this info to get the real rules: http://grammartips.homestead.com/inside.html
    Also, splitting infinitives isn't really regarded as a grammatical no-no anymore, since the rule really derives from Latin, where it isn't even possible to split infinitives. It's an issue of style, not grammar.
    http://www.cliffsnotes.com/WileyCDA/Section/Is-...

    Finally, I have to wonder why you didn't include a single link to back up these "rules" you're listing. Perhaps something to consider next time?
  • Anna: I respect your perspective and I'm glad you shared it here. However, what I offer in this post are suggestions. I never claimed them as gospel or even "rules." Maybe you're right, and I should have linked back to some sort of source, but again, these are merely suggestions. I'm not pulling this information out of nowhere, as I've been a student of Journalism and English throughout my life. I was motivated to write this post after copy editing 50+ posts all written by different bloggers. The general point I was trying to make is that things like grammar and punctuation are part of how we present ourselves and our blogs. Regardless, people can choose to take my suggestions or not. I'm only trying to help.
  • Naomi: It's nice to know I'm not alone! Of course, everyone makes a typo sometimes, I'm not that much of a stickler :) But, it's the consistent mistakes that show a lack of effort in my opinion. Thanks for commenting!
  • Anna: I respect your perspective and I'm glad you shared it here. However, what I offer in this post are suggestions. I never claimed them as gospel or even "rules." Maybe you're right, and I should have linked back to some sort of source, but again, these are merely suggestions. I'm not pulling this information out of nowhere, as I've been a student of Journalism and English throughout my life. I was motivated to write this post after copy editing 50+ posts all written by different bloggers. The general point I was trying to make is that things like grammar and punctuation are part of how we present ourselves and our blogs. Regardless, people can choose to take my suggestions or not. I'm only trying to help.
  • Depending on you're (I mean your) audience, typos and grammatical errors can be detrimental to your credibility. Luckily I have you to come along and correct my mistakes. I always go back and proofread, but it's inevitable that things are going to be missed. Like the new direction(s) the blog is taking here.
  • Definitely true - seeing the wrong "their/there/they're" really bugs me on a blog and the likelyhood is if I see repeated mistakes like that, I'm not coming back. Everyone makes a typo sometimes but if they're repeated it drives me mad. But I'm an anal ex-english lit student so things like this are pretty important to me!
  • Anna
    Be careful what grammatical "rules" you offer as gospel. Some people might be reading your blog and take what you're saying as fact, when, in fact, you're wrong (at least in some respects).
    For instance:
    "Punctuation goes inside quotation marks, no matter what the punctuation is, whether the quotes are single or double."
    This is not true.
    Take a look at this info to get the real rules: http://grammartips.homestead.com/inside.html
    Also, splitting infinitives isn't really regarded as a grammatical no-no anymore, since the rule really derives from Latin, where it isn't even possible to split infinitives. It's an issue of style, not grammar.
    http://www.cliffsnotes.com/WileyCDA/Section/Is-...

    Finally, I have to wonder why you didn't include a single link to back up these "rules" you're listing. Perhaps something to consider next time?
  • Of course they damage your reputation. People expect dedication and hard work, not just good ideas. The important thing is that this is easy to learn and it can improve your brand a lot. You shouldn't focus on the design or the content if you can't write yet. Period.
  • Carlos: you're exactly right, taking the time to make sure your posts are grammatically correct and typo-free is a demonstration of dedication and hard work. It is easy to learn and just as easy to implement, and that's what I'm trying to convey with this post. You are a great example of someone who works very hard to present your blog in the best way you can. You're also not afraid to ask for help (which I have been glad to give!) Thanks for your comments!
  • I'd have to agree. Typos and grammatical errors stand out in all writing. I tend to edit after publishing, but I don't think I have a large enough readership on the blog for the timing of the editing process to matter.
  • Suki: Editing after publishing works too, chances that people won't read your post right away after you post it. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your perspective!
  • Carlos: you're exactly right, taking the time to make sure your posts are grammatically correct and typo-free is a demonstration of dedication and hard work. It is easy to learn and just as easy to implement, and that's what I'm trying to convey with this post. You are a great example of someone who works very hard to present your blog in the best way you can. You're also not afraid to ask for help (which I have been glad to give!) Thanks for your comments!
  • Of course they damage your reputation. People expect dedication and hard work, not just good ideas. The important thing is that this is easy to learn and it can improve your brand a lot. You shouldn't focus on the design or the content if you can't write yet. Period.
  • Suki: Editing after publishing works too, chances that people won't read your post right away after you post it. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your perspective!
  • I'd have to agree. Typos and grammatical errors stand out in all writing. I tend to edit after publishing, but I don't think I have a large enough readership on the blog for the timing of the editing process to matter.
  • I'm loving all the technical blog posts you've been writing recently. It's a new edge, appealing to other readers and you have experience in it so it's great. Keep them coming, I'm learning a lot :)
  • Thanks Grace! I thought I'd go for a little more substance, ya know, use my education for something :) Seriously though, thank you, I'm glad you're liking this new side of the blog, and learning something too. That's why I do it!
  • Thanks Grace! I thought I'd go for a little more substance, ya know, use my education for something :) Seriously though, thank you, I'm glad you're liking this new side of the blog, and learning something too. That's why I do it!
  • I'm loving all the technical blog posts you've been writing recently. It's a new edge, appealing to other readers and you have experience in it so it's great. Keep them coming, I'm learning a lot :)
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