Funnest: If Steve Says It, Can I?

When Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple, called the latest iPod Touch the “funnest iPod ever,” some people got angry. “Fun is just a noun, not an adjective,” they said, “even if you’re Steve Jobs.” Grammar Girl jumped in and argued that “fun” is turning into an adjective, and “funnest” will soon be acceptable

E-Mail on a Handheld

Mobile e-mail may not replace traditional desktop e-mail, but it’s a rapidly growing medium. Here are some tips for e-mailing folks who are likely to read your message on their hand-held devices: Keep messages short. When sending e-mail that might be read on a hand-held device, keep messages short and put the key information at the top

Seriosity Turns E-Mail Into a Game

Seriosity, a software and consulting company, has an interesting solution to information overload. They’ve adapted the methods of massively-multiplayer online games to the world of business, using invented money and reputation statistics to encourage concise, relevant e-mail, among other things. No matter what your incentive for crafting effective e-mail, Write It Well’s workshops and workshop facilitator guides can give you the necessary tools for clean, clear communication

Subject: The Key to Getting Read

Sometimes I find myself neglecting the e-mail subject line because I assume everyone wants to read my message regardless of how I advertise it. Unfortunately, an e-mail with a vague subject line like “Subject: Re: Fwd: Item” will find its way to the dustbin quickly. The subject is the same as a captivating headline, providing just enough specific information that your recipients know it’s important

Business Lingo Glossary

When “Head & Shoulders” refers to a graph and not anti-dandruff shampoo, you’re dealing with business jargon. When using jargon, be sure it’s necessary and everyone understands it. Specialized language might make you feel important, but it can confuse your reader