My Personal Views and Reflections - Blogs and Grammar by Terry Shoobridge 16 June 2015




 My Personal Views and Reflections - Blogs and Grammar by Terry Shoobridge 16 June 2015

A sub-heading or category entitled “Blog” on a funeral provider’s website might seem strange but this is simply an area where I, as a practicing funeral director can state my observations, feelings and reflections in a human way and not as a professional undertaker.

It may surprise many of you who read the topics, articles and even headings on our website to know they are not ‘professionally’ written or produced as such: apart from the more extreme technical approach of some of our bereavement and grief articles (the one about psychiatrists comes to mind and the writings of Therese A Rando too), everything has been written by myself or my son Paul who, incidentally, I am proud to say, came top in the nation of his professional funeral exams (2015).

Growing-up and being educated in the late 50’s and 60’s - pre today’s Comprehensive School Standard system, I moved schools and managed to miss important English Grammar lessons due to a system that was not only ‘out-of-sync’ timing wise but rather self-regulating which was fine if you didn’t move schools mid-program!

I not only observe today’s phonetic and abbreviated system of written communication, I have been guilty of using it in the past myself with text messages and emails – my daughter at one stage found my style so challenging to interpret, she threatened not to bother trying to translate it into English – consequently, I ‘KISS’ (Keep It Simple Stu**d) now and confine my obscurity to CU L8R and HAGD (Have A Good Day).

My lack of grammatical education unfortunately leads me to ‘over-focus?’ constantly. Additionally, my computer is ‘American,’ my wife, Canadian so garage, garage, tomatoes and tomatoes figure largely in my life – my children (and wife) consistently ‘pull me up’ for phrases borrowed or ‘slipped’ into, and looking occasionally at or on grammar type (American) websites, I find I am totally confused by ‘past participles’  and the such like– I don’t even know what a present participle is let alone one that is past!

As I ponder websites throughout the world, I notice that spelling, accuracy and grammar are either not important or, ignorantly, inept. As a person who compiles (composes?), Orders of Service for clients, accuracy and consistency are mega-important to me and Shoobridge Funeral Services; I spend inordinate and disproportionate time and repetition ‘proof reading’ content. I find comfort in the truth that, if something goes unnoticed, it is probably accurate and, correct however, I am never complacent or totally confident that ‘all-is-well’ because often, the material supplied to me comes from different sources and everybody’s perspective, differs.

Photographs are a popular inclusion on numerous service sheets nowadays but people see what they want to see which is quite correct; the classic lamppost sticking out the top of someone’s head still goes unnoticed as does the sign in the background which clearly states, ‘Toilets!’ Thank heavens for an old version of Photoshop that I manage to ‘clone-out- some items (clone tool) and my very limited but sufficient-for-the-job, knowledge – mind you, as we change from PC to MAC, my familiar MS Publisher will be left behind and the ‘old dog’ will have to learn new tricks! Not an enviable situation.

So, back to the point: I tend to write as I speak – my wife and son say, far too wordily! I am who I am and must have some endearing qualities?

Our website: I read it as objectively as I can – an impossibility I know as I am the main author but I try to imagine reading it from an ‘ordinary’ person’s pov – sorry, point-of-view. My view is that I am more believable as a consumer as opposed to a professional and if I can relate to the ‘norm,’ then ‘you’ can also and I want you to know that I am, my staff are, all human beings, everyday people with foibles and some, imperfections!

You will find errors in punctuation, commas which possible don’t appear (to you) to be  in the correct places but I want you to know that I am addressing these issues regularly but I don’t construct the actual web pages and our providers are excellent but, extremely busy so little things get placed in lower priority order as we endeavour to keep adding useful content for the consumer, our customers and potential clients.

Coupled with the inadequacy of my education, ‘you’ are the recipients of not only my best efforts to date but countless proof-reading sessions and, whilst the goal remains in sight, the game is not over yet so, I ask your patience and, understanding. Finally, we view our web and internet presence as of the utmost importance but unlike some of the national funeral service providers, we cannot match their IT resources but strive to match and exceed their standards.

We sincerely hope your visit was and has been worthwhile but, we welcome all and any helpful criticism, advice, feedback or views as to improvements or our website appearance to you, the important person ‘out there!’

Please email: terry@shoobridgefunerals.co.uk


Comments

  1. My Personal Views and Reflections - Blogs and Grammar by Terry Shoobridge is a very informative post for the people learning these ideas. When I used the dissertation writing services uk I found many places that can help us to resolve all the problems we face.

    ReplyDelete
  2. This is true that most of people face problems due to not having grammar perfection in their writing. During my career with dissertation writing firm, I have helped many students who could not write their dissertation because they don't were fluent in English writing.

    ReplyDelete
  3. My personal view and reflections. Blog and grammar by Terry Shoobridge is a very ideal post for all people leaarning these ideas. I read your blog very interestingly. But I am upset because I need a dissertation then my father advised that you contact get dissertation help service. Which will solve your problems.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Look at the list of methods below on this site https://www.builtinchicago.org/event/how-expand-network-contacts-linkedin/134854 and feel free to use them because they will definitely help you in the future and I think you will never regret that you came and read these methods.

    ReplyDelete
  5. It needs a handful of information and skill to craft assignments according to the necessities

    ReplyDelete
  6. Je devais juste dire à quel point j'ai apprécié cet article de blog, c'est comme avoir une conversation avec un ami bien informé. Les avantages de l'utilisation d'un Auto clicker sont indéniables, car il optimise le flux de travail, minimise les erreurs et permet aux utilisateurs de se concentrer sur des activités plus créatives et aspects stratégiques de leur travail.

    ReplyDelete
  7. After reading Terry Shoobridge's insightful blogs on grammar, I've been inspired to embark on a journey of self-improvement. Their expertise and engaging content have motivated me to enhance my skills further. Consequently, I have decided to take my online class to refine my understanding of grammar and writing. Terry's blogs serve as a catalyst for personal growth, encouraging me to pursue education in a more structured and knowledgeable manner.

    ReplyDelete
  8. If you're struggling with your marketing assignments, you're not alone. Marketing can be a complex subject, with concepts that require careful analysis and application. That's where a marketing assignment help service can be invaluable. These services offer expert guidance and support to students facing challenges in their marketing coursework. Whether you're stuck on a particular topic or need assistance with your entire assignment, a marketing assignment help service can provide the assistance you need. With their expertise, you can gain a deeper understanding of marketing principles and improve your academic performance.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How To Write A Eulogy

Christmas Greetings from Shoobridge Funeral Services - 2016

Shoobridge Funeral Services named runner up for Regional Funeral Planner of the Year Award