How Important is Punctuation?

The Importance of Correct Punctuation

From Games Magazine, 1984

Who cares about punctuation, anyway? Is it really relevant? You decide. Read the two letters below. The words are the same. See what a difference punctuation makes?

We examine two “Dear John” letters …

Version 1:

Dear John,

I want a man who knows what love is all about. You are generous, kind, thoughtful. People who are not like you admit to being useless and inferior.

You have ruined me for other men. I yearn for you. I have no feelings whatsoever when we’re apart. I can be forever happy–will you let me be yours?

Gloria

Version 2:

Dear John,

I want a man who knows what love is. All about you are generous, kind, thoughtful people, who are not like you. Admit to being useless and inferior.

You have ruined me. For other men, I yearn. For you, I have no feelings whatsoever. When we’re apart, I can be forever happy. Will you let me be?

Yours,
Gloria