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I read a lot of posts online from individuals involved in work-at-home programs for all different sorts of companies. Most of the time those posts, answered questions, or "helpful" advice includes a pitch for the other party to become a part of your organization.

Believe me, there have been times I was sorely tempted to ask another question, but was put off by one (or both) of two things. First, I don't want to have to dodge the person forever because I asked one question, and the vast majority of these (mainly) MLM-ers are like pit bulls when it comes to a potential new recruit.

The second thing is more worrisome and usually takes greater precedence with me than the first bit of hesitation. I can't get past atrocious grammar, spelling, and general syntax errors. Why do I want to work for a Fabulous Business-Oriented Company that helps "mommy's" with their daily "dutys?" It seems too many people don't understand the difference between plural and possessive. They've gotten their Random Capitalization fingers out without the slightest hint of irony. (In the spirit of full disclosure, I'm a fan of the ironically placed random capitalization, but I seriously doubt that's the intended meaning here.)

I understand typos. I understand that some people don't really get the fact they represent themselves and their organization every time they post with that signature line, or that embedded pitch. It's like public speakers who read directly from their notes - it's not necessarily what they're saying that is off-putting, it's how they say it.

I see this so much, sometimes from professional women trying to make a good impression, sometimes from the work-at-homer trying to impress upon the audience how very important something is. But at least for me it raises all kinds of red flags about the kind of people with whom I'd be working and their general attention to detail.

Please, take a moment to spell and grammar check your blogs, posts, answers, etc. If you're not a great writer, that's fine. Most community colleges/centers have programs to help you improve your skills and there are some fabulous online programs to guide you. Just always remember, every time you post something it becomes part of your online reputation, and like anything else it's sometimes what you don't say that makes the most lasting impression.