Comma Optional

Sliding my finger under the flap.  Slowly pulling the card from the envelope.  Skip the date, the place, the for who...  Is it?  Is it?  YES!  Black tie optional.

I love black tie optional.  Tuxedos with or without bow ties.   Dresses with matchy-match shoes.  It's like going to the Oscars for a night.  If you want to.

If you don't want to, the unwritten rule is: Don't be a slob.  Hence, the optional.

I'm not as much a fan of black tie required or requested.  It can be an unnecessary expense and I would be sad to know someone couldn't join in a joyous event because of a hardship.

This is exactly how I feel about commas.  (Not to be confused with COMAS- those should never be optional, required, or requested.)

There are so many rules for commas.  I used to have them all memorized and mastered.  In my professional field, I ABSOLUTELY follow the rules.    I'm a wide reader.  That's not a reflection of my waistline but the amount of text I've read.  Being exposed to so many authors, most have a command of commas.  Some stylistically avoid them unless they're really dependent on them.  (HAH!)   Then...we come to the gems that could have used a little more polish.  Just like people, I don't walk away if the message is good despite the delivery.

To be honest, I spend so much energy on being as perfect during my work day as possible (cross t, not I; mind my p's & q's; make sure clients & colleagues come first).  It's nice to blog without formality.  My revisions and edits tend to focus on word checks (Blast you, Humpback of Notre Dame) and did I use -ly right (probably not).

Just like me at a black tie optional wedding (pretend Oscars event in my head), my content is still worthwhile (I hope) even if I go with the optional.  I try not to come across as if a slob.  (The sick and purring cat on my lap who is responsible for my typos and lack of energy to troll for them agrees.)

And, my shoes might not be perfectly matchy-match, but they have style.