Is Modern Life Killing the Semi-Colon?

Coelecanth's correct sentence is a great example of when a semicolon is useful. Sure, one could use two sentences just as easily, but it makes the writing look more "choppy" and less connected. In his case you have two independently functioning clauses/sentences, but it's still really one combined thought.

I am somewhat pro-semicolon, but I'm even more pro-serial comma.

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Good explanation, and it makes sense when you break it down. That'd be a good one for the SAT's, but probably over the head of most highschoolers...that or I need to take another victory lap!

But, even if correcty used, the sentence is a good example of semicolon overkill to the point of losing your audience.

Overall, I'm not sure if a semicolon is relevant other than in literature. In business communication and real life communication, I find simple sentences I know my target can follow are the most effective.

A good thread discussion would be effective communication in email. I get emails from a young analyst who will highlight, use all caps, change font size and underline words to make a point. All in one paragraph. I also find it particularly unprofessional when the background is not white, but some cute pattern that turns my attention away from what is trying to be communicated so boldy.
 
VL makes an excellent point here regarding business communication. This is my area of expertise. I also work for an engineering and construction firm, so you writers and thinkers will understand my daily challenges.

I love this thread. It has been great so far. Coelecanth:
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You have just nailed everything that had been running through my brain.

One last thing:

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The business communication thing will in short order be explained away by the Blackberry phenomenon. Who can be expected to type in the Queen's English on such tiny keyboards whilst hurtling along the freeway at 80 mph (in a hybrid, of course)? -- how is that for some fun punctuation and a lack of capitalization?

I'll defer to my media guru, if only so that she will continue to take interviews while I duck back to the cooler.
 
Using an apostrophe to make a letter, number, or acronym plural is acceptable; it just depends on which valid standard you subscribe to.

Correct: "Mind your Ps and Qs."
Also correct: "Mind your P's and Q's."

Correct: "The judges gave the diver two 9's and two 8's."
Also correct: "The judges gave the diver two 9s and two 8s"
 
The only logical use of the apostrophe to form a plural that I can think of is after a lowercase letter. For example "mind your p's and q's". There is no need for apostrophes after numbers or capital letters (including acronyms).
 
Semicolons are useful; there is no better way to elaborate on a thought that was poorly expressed at the outset.
 
The semi-colon is my absolute favorite unit of punctuation.

I've always wanted to express that, but have never found the proper forum until now.
 
In the internet era, I think I've found myself lazily replacing the ";" with the "...", especially in informal communication (IMs, friendly emails).

I'm more likely to use a semicolon in formal communication, but still feel like a snob using it because I know most people will notice it. Don't know why.
 
Here's my current conundrum: The use of RSVP as a verb.

How?

"I RSVP'ed for the meeting..."
"I RSVP-ed for the meeting..." or
"I RSVPed for the meeting..."

Technically, I should say something else, such as, "I will/will not attend the meeting." But I think that an acronym like RSVP is generally acceptable much like ASAP or AWOL. Those two just don't have "verb" potential.

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