Who Cares? It’s Just Business.

So, why do I even bother? I find it strange how people can resort to the use of "txt" speak in a business email, even from the supervisory level.

I'm not sure about them, but when I was a kid and going through school, a good chunk of my English classes were about proper grammar, and how to write in the world of business. All of this included how to do proper introductions and closes, as well as everything in between.

Maybe in this electronic age we've lost the edge. But I for one only use "txt" or "1337" speak when playing an online game, or when making a joke. Even in a text I don't use "txt" speak. I find it appalling and a detriment to my intelligence.

Maybe society is just lazy. Maybe with all of these advancements we've lost the ability to adhere to the things that we were taught, and that we've got caught up in quick communication rather than proper and clearly written communication.

It's an annoyance. Heck, I want to have the ability to "bounce" an email at work back to the sender based on my own preferences, say someone typing in all capital letters.

Warning – Your email was not delivered to recipient(s):

matt@xxxxxx-xxxx.com

Reason: You’re an idiot who typed a message using txt speak and all caps. Either do it proper or don’t do it at all.

It really does amaze me.

Although, this really could relate to all of the other people in the world that cannot drive, and say that "manual" transmissions are too hard to drive on. Jeremy Clarkson of BBC's Top Gear fame recently said that if you have no interest in something, then you're not likely to care, or do it correctly. So very true. If you don't care about writing a proper email and being interpreted by your peers in a positive manner, then by all means, don't care.

The same goes for those people who have a hard on about automatic or CVT transmissions. They'll do anything to not learn on a proper gear box - a manual. After all, if you care about driving, and want to do it correctly, then you'll take the time to do so.

I learned how to drive on a standard. As well, I've driven almost exclusively on standards. Why? Because they make sense, can be better utilized for better gas mileage and acceleration, and are better for driving under virtually any weather condition. If you care about driving, setting a correct line in a corner and losing the least speed while doing that corner while being smooth, a standard is for you. If you're looking to get from point A to point B, burning some gas in between while reading a book at the traffic lights and taking 5 to 10 seconds to get off the line when the light does change, then an automatic is for you.

Don't get me completely wrong though, there are some times that I think it'd be a great time to have an automatic. I have that mood every couple of months where it would be great to just plow my right foot down and cruise without having go think However, I find that leads me to think less about what I'm doing, and makes me more careless.

So, if you think you're a conscientious driver, maybe you should drive a stick if you're not already. You'll only find how much you improve, actually having to think about what you're doing.

Sure, and for the weak among us they're asking, "How am I supposed to drive a stick?! I can't do two things at once!". Well, for people like you they make public transit. If you can't do two things at once, driving a 5000lb weapon should be the last on your "To Do" list for life. After all, if you're going to take the risk and drive yourself around and not be able to two things at once, I don't want you next to me. After the cell phone rings and your book gets boring you might have the time to drive, or maybe turn your blinker on before changing lanes, heaven forbid.

I guess people out there today just don't care, regardless of the activity.

So? Today's lesson? If you're a dolt who doesn't care, at least realize that some of us do, and we'll be there to read your emails type in "txt" speak while we spray the hose on your blood and guts off the highway after you run your SUV into the path of a transport truck. Good luck and Godspeed. The sooner you make that mess the sooner I can go back to talking to people that care.

Rantfully Yours,

Matt