I’m a little vexed this morning.
I just read through a newsletter of an organization I belong to and noticed my name mis-spelled in several places. Coincidentally, that was followed up a few minutes later by an email – one of solicitation no less – that also mis-spelled my name.
Now it’s only an extra letter, and it’s still close. But it’s not me. And I’m normally mostly indifferent to this particular vexation, but today, for some reason it got to me enough that I feel the need to vent.
The most common spelling of my first name, Lilian, in North America is Lillian. Unfortunately for me, the way mine is spelled is the version more common in the UK. And then there’s a French version as well, Liliane, but nobody ever seems to spell it that way in Canada. That’s a shame, ’cause I actually like that one…other than the fact it can also be a man’s name in French but we’ll leave that one for now.
As a writer, I’ve had it drummed into me for years that it is critical to make sure you get names right when you’re writing something for publication. I’m the first to admit that I’ve had a few slip-ups myself from time to time, but as some one who is regularly subjected to manglings of both my first and last names, I try to be as diligent as possible on this one.
Because it does matter. For example, I’m certainly less inclined to think positively of a request made by someone who hasn’t taken the time to make sure they got my name right. And maybe that’s just me, but in my world, attention to detail counts for a lot.
Monday, 17. November 2008
My wife shared this blog with me…I completely empathize…my last name is Nutt, 2 t’s, our store is “In A Nuttshell” so not only do I deal with inconsiderate people, but I’m also subject to the tyranny of spellcheck…and Jay is my first name, it’s not short for anything nor a nickname…
A recurring frustration is when I get return mail, after
placing the request with my distinctively deep male voice for items to be addressed to “Jay Nutt” is to receive mail or return telephone calls destined for Jane Ott.
Thanks for sharing
Just Jay, Nutt with 2 t’s
Wednesday, 26. November 2008
I sympathize too! I’ve had people tell me to my face how my name ought to be spelled and even what my name really is (calling me Sharon really, truly irks me). I can follow the junk mail to source by how my last name is mis-spelled. I too sometimes don’t care, then other times get PO’d.
I had to laugh over your gender change Jay cause I’ve had the same happen to me, but the other way around.
Friday, 5. December 2008
Jay and Shireen…thanks for the comments and the sympathy. I’m glad I’m not the only one. And given the trend to unique and unusual name spellings for childrens’ names these days, I suspect we will be joined by others as well!
Saturday, 14. August 2010
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Tuesday, 24. August 2010
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