Today, March 4th, is the only date that's also a command: March forth!
That's why today is National Grammar Day. I don't follow the logic either. But I'll take any chance to get nerdy about words!
So here are some grammar (and usage) rules for fundraisers:
- Fundraising paragraphs don't need to start with a topic sentence. And each paragraph doesn't have to contain one complete idea. In fundraising, the paragraph isn't a unit of information. It's a visual structure. Try one-sentence paragraphs. One word paragraphs.
- Sentence fragments? No problem in fundraising. Fragments add energy to copy and improve reading ease. And on a related note: feel free to start sentences with conjunctions. They help propel the reader forward.
- In fundraising, contractions are a must. If you do not use them, you will sound like a robot.
- Semicolons, the lawyer's favorite punctuation mark, rarely belong in fundraising. They're formal and legalistic. Hardly anyone knows how to use them correctly, so they confuse many readers. If you know how to use semicolons, congratulations; just don't use them in fundraising.
- Have you been slapped around for using passive voice? Passive voice can be used in fundraising. It's a natural way to talk, and good writing typically contains some passive sentences. Just don't use it too much.
- Avoid puns and wordplay in your fundraising. They're much loved by writers, but most people don't get them, don't care, and find them confusing or annoying.
- Use clichés in fundraising. There's a reason clichés catch on. They express things people often want to express—in short (and sweet) ways that are easy (as pie) to remember.
- In fundraising, please don't follow those fake rules some English teachers spread around like Don't end sentences with prepositions, Avoid split infinitives, and Never use exclamation marks outside of direct quotes.
- In fundraising, use the word you a lot! Really a lot!
from Future Fundraising Now https://ift.tt/2SHGWpq
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