When I took my copyediting class last year, we had to read the entire Chicago Manual of Style. It was Hell. I remember the first week, I had to read 400 pages. I was visiting my sister in Chicago that weekend so I lugged the book with me and all my luggage to work that day. I was sitting at my desk telling a co-worker that I was going to Chi-town. "Ohh, so you're bringing a Chicago guide book?" he asked, pointing toward my huge-ass book. I had a difficult time not bursting out laughing. "Umm no, that is a book on grammar, not a Chicago guide book." But I guess it was kind of cute that I had to read the Chicago Manual my whole way to and back from Chicago. And it made for good plane conversation.
Anyway, I successfully completed my copyediting class, including the weekly quizzes and exams my professor made us take closed book (everyone else was allowed to use their books; um, as editors in the real world, you can open a book any time you want. Right??). I learned SO much; I can honestly say I've never learned so much in one class. But since then, between following other businesses' style guides and being forced to also read the AP Style guide, I didn't retain as much of the information as I wish I did. But I have become super obnoxious and ridiculous about grammar. I wouldn't call myself a perfectionist, but maybe just a bit OCD. When it comes to stuff for work, I get so bothered by inconsistency or tiny little errors, it won't stop nagging me. I could edit the entire site over a million times, and still not be happy with it. I can't wait to go back to Chicago in 1.5 weeks...this time without my 1,000 page manual!
This Lolcat is using proper grammar!
Oh, and talk of OCD grammar craziness does not apply to this blog. Ever. Just so you know.
