Poor grammar is disappointing and decidedly distracting in formal audio reviews.


I find the majority of formal audio reviews across numerous publications to be easy reads.  However, I can barely put together a coherent thought when reading anything by Jason Kennedy, editor of the-ear.net.  It is as if he does not understand the limitation of use of a comma.  Do the English really have that much of a different implementation of the english language versus Americans?  Does anybody else struggle to read certain editors' work?
mganga

Showing 5 responses by roxy54

The use of commas is the least of what bothers me in audio reviews online. Some writers are better than others. I consider Clement Perry, the Editor of Stereo Times, to be one of the very worst writers overall, but as an online publication I would have to give the prize to enjoythemusic.com.
It seems that the editor accepts reviews from writers and then publishes them with no regard to spelling, punctuation or sentence structure. I frequently see missing words! It was also my understanding that an editor’s job was to edit the actual content and remove repetitive content or content that added nothing to the finished review.
I recently read one on enjoythemusic in which the reviewer mentioned the beautiful build and finish of the cabinets of the speakers under review at least 4 times.
I know that it may sound picky to criticize, and I have certainly been guilty of pointing out common errors members here make in threads, (and I do too!) but when an online publication makes serious mistakes like these on a regular basis, it’s disheartening. It really takes some of the pleasure out of reading, and seems to show that the editors look at the enterprise as not much more than a casual hobby.
I think what is actually worse is the presentation of the so-called information in many reviews. So much of what some reviewers present as factual information is really just technobabble lifted directly from the brochures of the piece under review, liberally seasoned with little stories about the designer and what a great guy he is, and how he really cares about the music above all. (Yes Clement Perry, I’m talking about you)
There are very few reviewers these days who I feel that I can trust to really get down to the business of a clearly written and sensible review that provides real and useful information and opinion, but fortunately there are still a few.
richopp and junkman,
Thanks for those comments and contributions. You're apparently correct richopp. Most people have no shame concerning their bAd speech and grammar. We all know that there are many members here for whom English is a second language, so they don't count. However, there are many who are obviously not foreign who make all of the grade school errors that junkman cites and more. It is really hard to believe that men (or women) who have been able to afford systems costing tens of thousands of dollars have reached middle age and beyond without knowing the difference between then and than.
As you say richopp, these days that's worn as a badge of honor. Anyone who actually cares about being correct is a silly nerd.
I see little useful or interesting commentary on the OP's original post, but a lot of would-be clever puns and nonsense. Too bad, because it's an interesting subject. I do see that apparently many members aren't bothered by poor grammar.
" I gotta say I've never come across"...
I guess you weren't one of those writers edcyn.
dekay,
I don't know what GMAFB is an acronym for, but I'm betting that it's not a compliment.
I guess that mentioning his religious affiliation on this occasion wasn't the best idea, but no harm done. That's why this is the USA.