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Comment by arp242 | Hacker News Reader

You're only bothered by it if you let yourself be bothered by it. "Mentally tripping over it" is something entirely within your own control.

Unlike some other languages the English language doesn't even have "official rules"; it's a loose consensus of the speakers of the language (i.e. you and me). You can quite literally set your own rules.

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OK, but I notice you're still using apostrophes in all their accepted right places, and I assume that's because you intend to accommodate me and other readers who haven't discarded the rules and would still trip. Earnestly, thank you, and please keep it up, because unless new rules emerge (whether official or just usage), we'll continue to be tripped up when the existing scheme isn't followed.

I customize more than enough things in my life for the sake of "better". It's not worth the tradeoff to deviate and be the pioneer every time. Some things you gotta run stock because compatibility is a major benefit.

I mean, obviously I realize that some people will take what I write less serious if I don't correctly use apostrophes, so it's worth the effort. I also think the whole "don't split infinitives" thing is utter bollocks, but if you know that a section of your audience will get all triggered over it then it's probably best to avoid (even though it's silly).

My point isn't that you or I should stop writing apostrophes, but that you should stop being bothered by other people not always using the correctly (or rather, our perception of what's "correct").

Its definately a loosing battle.

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