Grammar Bitch Online

Radio Free Mike introduces a new feature! As of now we intend to pick on stupid, sloppy lapses in grammar by journalists who should know better.

Since most of us around here sympathize with Ed Ward, who thinks online writing (and reading habits) have degraded both reading and writing, we hope setting up a Wall of Shame at Radio Free Mike will get writers to slow down and think about what they’re doing.*

Okay! Our first entry comes from the Huffington Post:

The New York Observer’s Azi Paybarah posts a reader tip of a Doonesbury cartoon from a time when Bill Clinton was a “rock star” candidate of his own. The cartoon, seen below, calls to mind the same claims lobbied against the media during the 2008 campaign — namely, that journalists are “in the tank” for Barack Obama.

Now, kids, can we “lobby a claim” against something?

lob * by, v.intr. To try to influence the thinking of legislators or other public officials for or against a specific cause: lobbying for stronger environmental safeguards; lobbied against the proliferation of nuclear arms.

lob v.t. To hit, throw, or propel in a high arc: lob a beach ball

lodge v.tr. To register (a charge or complaint, for example)

No, we certainly can’t. Minus ten for the Huffington Post. We could lob a claim at the media, or lodge a complaint against it — but to lobby a claim against the media is unfortunate mindless nonsense.

* Er, yes I know the web site I help edit, Spiegel Online, has its share of typos. But we do pretty well for the resources we have. It’s only fair if you complain about them here, I guess, but just remember I’m not (always) responsible…

     posted 16 March 2008 by Michael Scott Moore