Spell it Right

[Obie]

Ladies and gentlemen:

I insist on good grammar and punctuation for myself. Whether a line or a long essay, I try to be as correct in my grammar and punctuation as is within my range. After all, English is our language.

I had struggled with the correct spelling of eBay, having spelled it (or misspelled it) more ways than I can count. I am not a fan of eBay for buying anything, most of all razors, but that's another discussion.

Finally I decided to find the correct spelling for the word once and for all. Since I have always found the New York Times to be a stickler for spelling — though obviously it has its own style, as do other publications — I have decided to go with the way that publication spells the word.

Henceforth, I will spell the word eBay with the "e" in the lowercase and the "B" in the upper case, the way my most favorite newspaper spells it. I know, with all the major problems plaguing the world, correct spelling of something might be minor. To me, however, it is major in its own right.

So, for what it's worth: eBay.

Regards,
Obie

[welshwizard]

I will spell the word eBay with the "e" in the lowercase and the "B" in the upper case, the way my most favorite newspaper spells it.

That is how it is written on eBay's own website.
We ought to credit them with being able to write their own name correctly.

[JimmyHAD]

YouTube - Pink Floyd - We Don't Need No Education

[Stubear]

+1, I always try to spell things correctly. eBay spell their name that way, so I aim to spell it that way!

My surname is Fingland, and the number of mis-spellings I get of that are unbelievable. I did actually get a letter once addressed to a "Mr Finlano", whoever he is. I sent it back with "Not at this address" on the envelope..!

Maybe its just me, but I find it a little insulting when someone can't make the effort to ensure they've spelled your name right. I'm really careful to make sure I've spelled peoples user names correctly here on SRP, or to refer to them by their name (correctly spelled again!) if I happen to know it.

[JimmyHAD]

Were it not for spell check I'd never post.

[LX_Emergency]

Ladies and gentlemen:

I insist on good grammar and punctuation for myself. Whether a line or a long essay, I try to be as correct in my grammar and punctuation as is within my range. After all, English is our language.

No it isn't!!!

[JimmyHAD]

No it isn't!!!

Well if it ain't it oughta be ....... ........ just kidding , just kidding as I run and duck for cover......

[Lazarus]

... the way my most favorite newspaper spells it. ...

I go back and forth on the importance of perfect grammar. I think it is important to make a reasonable effort to communicate clearly (otherwise why communicate at all?). But being a grammar stickler I am not as sure about. It is easy to pick nits endlessly. Here is an example. In the phrase above "most" is being used to qualify an absolute (favorite), which is technically incorrect grammar.

[gugi]

Spelling is easy, the question is how do you pronounce it correctly?

[Obie]

I go back and forth on the importance of perfect grammar. I think it is important to make a reasonable effort to communicate clearly (otherwise why communicate at all?). But being a grammar stickler I am not as sure about. It is easy to pick nits endlessly. Here is an example. In the phrase above "most" is being used to qualify an absolute (favorite), which is technically incorrect grammar.

Hello, Lazarus:

Thank you for your note.

In this case, right you are on the use of the word "most." It does not belong there. It borders on the neighborhood of "most unique."

My thoughts on the subject of the spelling of the word eBay were meant for myself and no one else. That's why I started my initial post with the following: "I insist on good grammar and punctuation for myself."

I try to do my best, though now and then I miss something, as you have thoughtfully noted.

Regards,
Obie