No Such Thing As Bad Publicity – Chapter 19

My recollections from the English classes in school was that there ought to be only one ‘and’ in a sentence, or a clause. Be that right or wrong, it is the rule that has been complied with hereabouts – other than that riddle. This Firecrest van did cause me to assess whether the rule in my head had any solid basis. I suspect that Firecrest intended to convey a message that they were experts in Fire & Gas Detection; and, Process C.C.T.V. – but to my reading they are advertising as specialists in Fire, not Fire Detection. As for the number of ‘ands’, the internet suggests that my rule does not appear to be founded on the strongest foundations. It is also not a rule to which Ernest Hemmingway adhered.

"I said, 'Who killed him?' and he said 'I don't know who killed him, but he's dead all right,' and it was dark and there was water standing in the street and no lights or windows broke and boats all up in the town and trees blown down and everything all blown and I got a skiff and went out and found my boat where I had her inside Mango Key and she was right only she was full of water." Ernest Hemingway, After the Storm

Winthrop Street - March 2014

One would think that a company such as Hallmark would have a good proofreading department. I suspect they would not sell too many cards saying – hapPY BITRHDAY. There is an expectation that what is printed is correct.

Imagine my surprise today when spotting an apostrophe instead of a dot, as well as capital S and DAY. Not fatal to anyone. Most people will probably read as a dot as intended but that does not alter that it is incorrect.  Everyone can make an error but what is surprising is that within Hallmark or its subcontractors, the sign must have been read on a screen or as printed by the graphic designer who came up with the proof; the sign maker; the people who erected the sign; and, all staff entering the building.

That suggests that these people did not spot the missing dot, the misplaced apostrophe or the capital letters. Alternatively, it suggests that they did not care as to what potential customers might think. I think that the latter would be worse but need to consider it further.