Are people on DU gradually eliminating the use of punctuation?

[CBHagman]

I keep seeing subject lines and even original posts without correct punctuation -- e.g., its instead of it's, etc. Was there a run on the apostrophe store or something?

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

1. No whatever gave you that impression

[TexasTowelie]

2. It is part of the post-hack aftermath.

Apparently the fix was made by the administrators the use of the single quote key that is used in contractions and to denote possessives is no longer being recognized in either the title of threads or in the reply titles. For awhile it was also not recognizing other symbols such as dollar signs, the percent key and even the plus symbol.

The administrators are aware of the issue and some progress is being made to fix the situation, but I suspect their priority is to make certain that the system is not hacked again and remain operational.

However, it could also be a prelude to the dumbing down of America now that the reign of the Orange Buffoon is imminent.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

7. Right. You can't embed links in articles in LBN now either.

The software strips out the vertical slash symbol (|), so links disappear.

[CBHagman]

10. Thank you. I saw it so often in Late Breaking News...

...that I wondered if it might be something like what you're describing. But then I saw exceptions, and in addition the OPs sometimes were missing the correct punctuation, so I figured there might be another answer.

[Arkansas Granny]

3. I can't speak for anyone else, but my phone and my tablet will put the

apostrophe in contractions for me. I've had to edit several posts I've made on a keyboard because it doesn't have that feature.

[astral]

4. It's very common mistake to think its always needs its apostrophe.

It's only apostrophe'd if it is short for it is. The apostrophe' politely reminds you that you left out a letter, hence the "'" replaces the letter "i." If you say it's lost its mind, you would be right. With the polite little apostrophe here reminding you that you've now dropped the letters "ha."

There is as much of an epidemic of over-apostrophe'-ing in here (and everywhere) as under-apostrophe'-ing. I know someone who uses apostrophe's (As Well As Capital Letters) kinda like sprinkling pepper (or bacon bits) on his salad. Kinda like word salad insurance, you are better off with too many than not enough. It's an a bomb in a nation!

she said knowingly.

[OriginalGeek]

23. This thread is sorely lacking

in love for your post. Mega-heartses for you! <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

[ret5hd]

5. itstherewritetorighthowevertheywant

[hlthe2b]

6. Nyet

[femmocrat]

8. I still understand apostrophes, but commas get me every time.

I even read that book, Eats Shoots and Leaves. I think that is where my confusion began.

[TexasTowelie]

13. The enthusiastic male student that tweeted

"I like college boy" certainly learned a lesson about proper comma placement.

It definitely has a different meaning than "I like college, boy".

[greatauntoftriplets]

9. Not me.

As a writer and editor, I'm a true grammar Nazi.

[lpbk2713]

26. Are you a grammar or are you a great aunt?

Or both?

[greatauntoftriplets]

27. Guilty as charged.

[R B Garr]

11. Phone typing may be contributing to this. With the small display area and keyboard,

it's difficult to see to make corrections and there is usually an autocorrect that has a mind of its own. If you have to go back and insert a comma or apostrophe on those small screens and keyboards, it can easily get overlooked. Sometimes smart phones aren't so smart.

[True Dough]

12. A couple of my favorites...

[TexasTowelie]

14. See post #13.

Punctuation also defines lives.

[Lady Freedom Returns]

15. Why what ever do you mean

[IcyPeas]

16. Let's Eat Grandma

are an electronic duo from England. They are only 17 years old. Saw them on Jools Holland recently. (Yes, off topic.... but... pretty cool)

[mexit]

17. I'm sorry, I have been

grading essays ...

you mean there are actually some people that still use punctuation?

What a quaint concept!

I approve.

[eppur_se_muova]

18. Some dang fool used up the whole supply ...

[fleabiscuit]

19. If peeps will just not post a damn hundred line block of text...

and will break it to where it's readable, I can do without a punctuation Nazi on duty.

Paragraphs friends, paragraphs!

[3catwoman3]

32. Thank you! Many a lengthy post...

...goes unread by me because of lack or pararaphs.

I've no doubt missed some ineresting stuff, but I can't read when I''m cross-eyed.

[doc03]

20. Maybe because we got out of school 50 years ago and don't remember

that stuff after all those years. I worked in a steel mill for 39 years there wasn't much
call for writing a novel there.

[demon in basement]

21. y u even ask

I am kno punc!

[denbot]

22. Let slip the dogs of grammar..

[Rhythm]

24. I'm one of those people who uses proper spelling/punctuation even in texts...

Including semicolons, where applicable.

Now get off my lawn!

[3catwoman3]

33. Me, too.

My twenty-something sons probably think I'm crazy. At least the younger one. Older one is a proper usage nerd like his mom.

[jpak]

25. there their theyre

calm down

[kairos12]

28. WhatDoUMEan?

[Liberal Veteran]

29. Yeah!!!!! Sorry,,,,,, ''''''''bout that.....::::: All,you;re punctuation----are belong to me!!!!!!

Any questions???????????!!!!!!!!

[retread]

30. Im not certain what you are referring to After all were all in this together Right

[lindysalsagal]

31. whatdoyoumean

[Dr. Strange]

34. It's taterguy's fault.

He keeps stealing everyone's punctuation.

[area51]

35. Another thing I find interesting is

many people who put quotes in their posts but don't put quote marks around them.

[CBHagman]

37. Yes. Thank you!

We have plenty of options for marking quoted material as such, and there's no excuse for blurring the lines.

Use those italics and quotation marks, people.

[boston bean]

36. i do sometimes because of typing on a smart phone....

[madinmaryland]

38. whatthehellareyoutalkingaboutquestionelevens

[cynatnite]

39. im in full support of eliminating capital letters too n/t

[zippythepinhead]

40. I always get the appositive mixed up with the exclamation point

But I!m trying to do better'

[eShirl]

41. welcome to the internet