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“…crafting sentences that flow smoothly and are readable is becoming increasingly rare. I often read news articles from major outlets that are filled with typographical errors….I mention this not to throw stones but to encourage you to personally combat this tide of dehumanization. Read books. Write. Sharpen your craft if you are a pastor.” - Richard Bargas

Discussion

Thu, 05/22/25

One of the key things that has made me a better writer is in the enjoyment of good older books, especially those that are in the "canon" of great literature. In some cases, we might say that the judicious use of the Bard and Mark Twain is worth a few commentaries and a systematic theology on the shelf.

Aspiring to be a stick in the mud.

Thu, 05/22/25

Correctly using sound-alike words such as these when writing would be a great start:

There/their/they're

Whose/who's

Your/you're

I hate to think how many times just recently I've received a written reply that stated "Your welcome!"

Thu, 05/22/25

One that drives me bonkers…

‘Then’ is chronological. ‘Than’ is comparative.

  • More than one error.
  • Talk some more, then eat.

About AI, though… One one hand, I’ve read a number of articles that I thought would have been better if they’d been written by an AI. Others were just really obvious AI work. Too many words. Over-explaining. Excessive cheerfulness and “I just want to help you” tone. Trying too hard to sound colloquial.

Views expressed are always my own and not my employer's, my church's, my family's, my neighbors', or my pets'. The house plants have authorized me to speak for them, however, and they always agree with me.

Thu, 05/22/25

Strunk & White it is.....another great theological work!

Aspiring to be a stick in the mud.