There is an episode of "Family Guy" where the evil Baby Stewie takes over the world, and one of his first orders of business is to threaten to send anyone who uses the phrases "irregardless," "a whole nother" and "all of a sudden" to a work camp. I agree, and I have some additions. (continue reading)

Why does slang have to be in the dictionary? Doesn't it receive a certain level of validation by that inclusion, resulting in it no longer even qualifying as slang? Media Bullseye editor Sarah Wurrey argues against including nonsense words in the dictionary. (continue reading)

Jennifer Zingsheim interviews Jeff Deck, the originator and principal behind the Typo Eradication Advancement League (TEAL) about typos, misspellings, and his cross-country mission to correct bad grammar. (continue reading)

Is social media making all of us unbearably rude? With the increased popularity of social networks and tools, are we forgetting about the humans around us while interacting with others online, and if so, are we really being good communicators after all? (continue reading)

The Associated Press doesn't appear to be making many strides towards clearing up the conflict with the blogosphere that erupted last week, when the news organization sent out take-down notices to bloggers quoting their content. Neville Hobson notes that this week, the organization is claiming that they understand the value bloggers offer--but have a funny way of showing it. Also: Ethics of fair use, Twitter v Plurk, and grammar tips. (continue reading)

While social media engagement is a significant portion of many PR pro's jobs, Tom Murphy makes the excellent point that many have plenty of other responsibilities to keep them busy. So is it really the quantity of their engagement (or the number of people they "follow back" on Twitter), or the quality? Also: raise your Twitter profile, communications plan advice, and the evolution of pitching. (continue reading)

Sure, newspapers are allegedly a dying breed. But there is much to learn from traditional journalism that just might give your blog a boost. My favorite tip? Learn to edit yourself. Also in today's Jots: what would you give up to get something back? And how to get over blogophobia. (continue reading)

They may not know it, but even those consumers who never read a blog, explore a social network or pay attention to social media are still feeling its influence. Kami Huyse explains how. Also: How to stop procrastinating and write, how to spruce up Twitter, and social voyeurism. (continue reading)

Suffering from a dearth of comments on your blog? Neville Hobson offers up some solutions. Also: Ten deadly sins, the secret power of typos (shudder), and the inevitable Prince Harry Backlash. (continue reading)

Remember Pop-Up Video? just try to tell me that you wouldn't participate if a similar feature were available through twitter, in which your friends comments automatically popped up on the program you were currently watching together. Also: YouIntern.com and defining PR. (continue reading)

Dave Fleet argues that many social media terms are becoming jargon - used by people who often have no idea what they mean, but who want to sound smart in front of others. He thinks it's time for us to cut the jargon out of our writing and nerd it down a little. (continue reading)

In today's Jots: Brian Solis reviews the latest social media and networking site, Twitxr. Sarah Wurrey complains about the strain of keeping up with all these new toys. Also: 8 steps to avoid TMI in blogging, and George Costanza can help your marketing. (continue reading)

In Today's Jots: some terrific tricks and shortcuts for using Twitter efficiently, more tips on writing effectively (as I continue to struggle to do just that), and a question: What makes a good social media marketing campaign? (continue reading)

In today's Jots: insistence upon instance may do more damage to your reputation than accepting guilt, according to crisis blogger Gerald Baron. Also: the need for clear writing, in the case of the PR bloggers' clique. (continue reading)

I came back from vacation with a broken right hand. For a communicator, this presented a particularly bleak problem: considering I spend the vast majority of my time at work either writing or editing other people's writing, how was I going to continue as my hand healed? (continue reading)

With all the sites and tools that Twitter has spawned, one of the more interesting (and useful to newbies) is the wiki for "Twitter packs." But Dave Fleet worries that the idea, while good, isn't fool proof, and may cause problems. Also: Interactive content, and print media still alive and kicking. (continue reading)

Why can't new PR people write? This question has been tackled by plenty of PR bloggers, all bemoaning the lack of fundamental writing skills in new recruits. PR professional and writer Steve Kayser turns to Hemmingway for help. (continue reading)

How much of what we react to on the blogosphere is based on truth, and how much on overreaction and innuendo? Are there social media urban legends that everyone accepts as fact? Also: Bacn filters and the need for editors. (continue reading)

As the annual list of "words that should be banned" comes out, Jennifer Zingsheim wonders how communicators should handle overusing certain words and phrases. Can the communicator stay "on message" without using the exact same words every time? (continue reading)

What's wrong with PR writing? To borrow a phrase of poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning, let me count the ways. But I don't have that much time, so allow me to offer a few ideas based on some 30 years in the public relations profession and almost 20 years teaching business writing in professional workshops and now on campus and online. (continue reading)

A university in Michigan has published its annual list of words and phrases that ought to be banished from overuse--particularly by the news media. Among the words on the chopping block are "perfect storm" and "webinar." (continue reading)