There are many things that could fall under this category, and perhaps I’ll explore this as a semi-regular blog topic, but let me just give you one of the most important Rules For Not Pissing Me Off.
Rule #1: NEVER correct my grammar, spelling, or syntax without first ensuring you’re right.
This is not a random assertion. Recently, I wrote something in a semi-public forum using an obscure word with a specific meaning that could easily be confused with a far more well-known word that has a broader meaning.
Specifically, I used the word “illusive,” commonly confused with “elusive.”
And wouldn’t you know, at least three or four people sent me varingly offensive (to me, anyway) e-mails suggesting I should learn how to use a dictionary.
That just pisses me off. I replied to every one of them suggesting they follow rule #1, and to back my pissed-off-ness up, I copied & pasted dictionary entries for both illusive and elusive into the e-mail.
Bah. Freaking annoying.