Sad, but telling (or is is telling, but sad?)
I was traveling this past weekend and thus sent many text messages, from my handy Treo 700.
I love, love, love text messages, as for me they incorporate all the pleasure of a phone call (immediacy, convenience) with none of the downsides (the noise of jackhammers in the background, my tendency to meander conversationally).
However, the only downside is that using the semicolon in a text is really difficult! That's the sad-but-telling-part: I want to use semicolons IN TEXT MESSAGES. (Next I'll be complaining about the lack of the interrobang.)
Anyway, to type the semi (on the Treo, at least) you have to use this combination: option-k-alt-select. I'm fairly sure the only reason you have the option to use the semicolon at all is because it is an integral part of the winky smiley emoticon, ;-).
If you send me a text message using a semicolon -- bonus points. Massive bonus points. Prizes to be determined later.
I love, love, love text messages, as for me they incorporate all the pleasure of a phone call (immediacy, convenience) with none of the downsides (the noise of jackhammers in the background, my tendency to meander conversationally).
However, the only downside is that using the semicolon in a text is really difficult! That's the sad-but-telling-part: I want to use semicolons IN TEXT MESSAGES. (Next I'll be complaining about the lack of the interrobang.)
Anyway, to type the semi (on the Treo, at least) you have to use this combination: option-k-alt-select. I'm fairly sure the only reason you have the option to use the semicolon at all is because it is an integral part of the winky smiley emoticon, ;-).
If you send me a text message using a semicolon -- bonus points. Massive bonus points. Prizes to be determined later.
Labels: punctuation, txting
This entry was posted by Erin, on
Tuesday, February 13, 2007.
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2:55 PM
The semicolon is SO essential to creating just the right tone, especially in a text message, since you can't rely on facial expression or vocal inflection. For example:
"Please come pick me up; I've had a terrible day."
OR
"Please come pick me up. I've had a terrible day."
The first message is much less peremptory--the receiver feels understanding and sympathetic without feeling ordered about. The semicolon indicates that there is a relationship between the clauses; obviously, you need to be picked up right away *because* you've had a bad day. The second sentence is far too terse. It sounds grouchy and demanding, and if you didn't use a semicolon, you could find yourself looking for a ride.
I don't have a handy phone, so every time I use the semicolon I have to search through the list of "symbols" and insert it manually.
Sigh.