There are plenty of great diaries here. A lot of new ideas are passed around. It's a great place for learning, communicating with people whom you agree with and those with whom you disagree. However, sometimes the grammatical and spelling errors drive me crazy.
Spellcheck is your best friend. I'm an English major. I spell quite well. Even I use spell check. Any time you're unsure of the spelling, just make a quick little trip to you friendly spell check. You'll never again be embarassed by someone pointing out a spelling error. The problem here, though, is that if you tend to mix up words like 'massage' and 'message', spell check isn't much help. Use a dictionary. Use Wikipedia. If you think you're confused about the proper word to use, you probably are.
Grammar isn't quite as clear cut. I think there is actually a grammar check function on most computers, but DON'T use it. It was invented by computer geeks who have no feel for the soaring beauty of individual writing styles. Grammar check thinks every sentence should be a declarative sentence or a question. I'm not sure it comprehends commas, semi-colons and colons. Writing is about expressing oneself in a myriad of ways, thoughts flowing from individual brains with unique experiences and viewpoints. Computer programs just don't get it.
That being said, there are a few very basic rules to follow. They're so easy, if you've been confused, you won't be any more!
1)The difference between 'your' and 'you're'. Easy. 'Your' means it belongs to you. 'You're' is a contraction for you are.
2)The difference between 'it's' and 'its'. 'Its' means it belongs to it. 'It's' is a contraction for it is. Again, easy.
3)My personal pet peeve. Just because the number changes, the case does not. 'He and I are friends'. That's a nominative - the subject of the sentence. 'John gave him and me books'. That's objective - the object of the verb. The sentence is NOT 'John gave he and I books.' Just because there is more than one person with the 'and' does NOT change the case from objective to nominative.
4)Commas. Commas separate the parts of a thought. As in 'My dogs bark all day, even when there's nothing to bark at.' The whole sentence is about my dogs barking, with two separate components.
5)Colons and semi-colons. Don't use them. They're usually not necessary. However, if you feel you must, at least look up the rules for their use.
6)Periods. Periods end one sentence, or complete thought, before you move on to the next. Period.
Now, all you lovers of the English language, add anything I failed to mention. Trot out your pet peeves. Share your knowledge. English is easy and fun!