Seriously – Observe Professional Standards!

Once in awhile, I'll get an article submission that reads as though the author has been using what I like to call The MySpace Elements of Style. Maybe it includes "emoticons" (smileys), multiple exclamation marks after individual sentences, or the cringe-worthy abbreviation "LOL." My ultimate peeve is using "u" for the pronoun "you." Really, are you texting in your submission? I don't think so.

Remember that, just because you see it on a cat macro (see left), use it in a forum discussion, get it sent to you in a text message, or use it in a casual email to friends, that does not mean that it is equally acceptable in a submission.

If you use the kind of language popularized by the above, I will have to see you in my office. I are serious editor.

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