Novelists or short story writers who write like David Milch (Deadwood / John From Cincinnati)? [more inside]
posted on May 12, 2008 - 8 answers

I am in a search of a program that will help me memorize words... [more inside]
posted on Jan 22, 2008 - 14 answers

Spelling filter: Why do I ALWAYS struggle with the same few particular words? [more inside]
posted on Mar 20, 2007 - 44 answers

I'm trying to find a great article I read a year or two ago about the origins of white space in written text--does this ring a bell for anyone? [more inside]
posted on Nov 17, 2006 - 6 answers

What is the term for those little quotes that sometimes open books? [more inside]
posted on Oct 20, 2006 - 11 answers

Someone has asked to buy some paper I've written on... A few questions inside. [more inside]
posted on May 23, 2006 - 35 answers

I have a habit of typing "There are a..." when my fingers are hovering over the keyboard waiting for my brain to make up its mind what to write. Why is this, is it a textual "um", like in speech? And why those words? And does anyone else do it?
posted on Jun 14, 2005 - 17 answers

What does "normative" mean? Is it a useful word? I only ever see it used in obscure, academic writing, which makes me suspect it's worthless. How is it different from "normal"? My dictionary says it means, "Of, relating to, or prescribing a norm or standard: normative grammar." That sounds like "normal" to me, so why not just say "normal"? Can someone give me some clear sentences that use the word -- sentences that are not written in post-modern, complit speak? Can one use "normative" meaningfully in a sentence about real-world things, like butter, eggs or bricks?
posted on May 21, 2004 - 24 answers