Following are ProfNet’s Expert Alerts for Monday, July 18.

Via Expert Alerts, ProfNet members can alert reporters to experts and potential stories by showcasing the experts' knowledge on timely issues or trends. Reporters can contact experts via the contact information listed at the end of each alert.

For more information on Expert Alerts, please go to budurl.com/expertalerts

EXPERT ALERTS

1. Business: Growing Your Firm Through Core Values

2. Business: Mexican Businesses Expanding Despite Drug Wars

3. Business: Netflix Pricing Mistake?

4. Finance: U.S. Debt-Ceiling Debate

5. Real Estate: How to Save in a Buyer's Market

6. Technology: Federal Agencies Re-Examine Website Strategies

7. Workplace: Are Personality Tests Legal?

8. Workplace: When Does Dress-Code Enforcement Become Discrimination?

OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES

1. Tips for On-Camera Appearances

2. Top 10 Business Media Websites

3. Business Journalists' Social Media Use

4. Tips for Better Writing

********************

EXPERT ALERTS:

Via Expert Alerts, ProfNet members can alert reporters to experts who are available to discuss timely news topics. If you are interested in interviewing any of the experts, please see the contact info at the end of the alert. You can also find Expert Alerts online on ProfNet Connect at bit.ly/pncalerts

**1. BUSINESS: GROWING YOUR FIRM THROUGH CORE VALUES. Douglas Wolford, president of the investment advisory firm Convergent Wealth Advisors, can discuss the importance of an organization's core values and how they can help create a culture of growth and innovation: "Core values should be at the foundation of every business. It's essential to understand how to get employees to embrace them and integrate them into a company's daily operations." Wolford can provide sample core values, as well as ways to implement a firm-wide campaign. He is located in Washington, D.C. News Contact: Danielle DiPirro, Danielle.DiPirro@ConvergentWealth.com Phone: +1-301-284-1144

**2. BUSINESS: MEXICAN BUSINESSES EXPANDING DESPITE DRUG WARS. Manuel Rajunov of the Dallas office of Thompson & Knight: "Despite the continual threat of drug cartel violence, jobs in Northern Mexico's manufacturing sector continue to rise, fueled in part by growth in the auto, aviation and electronics industries. Even in cities such as Monterrey, which saw a sudden escalation in violent crime in the last few years, facilities have expanded or announced plans to open. Across Mexico, we're seeing companies adapt with new security measures and restart production, even with limited foreign investment. Given how central the American economy is to its welfare, Mexico could suffer if the recovery in the United States does not pick up speed. While trade with the United States hit a record last year of nearly $395 billion, much of the job and economic growth in Mexico appears to be coming from existing businesses expanding or restarting production lines that had been waylaid by local security concerns or the global recession." News Contact: Barry Pound, barry@androvett.com Phone: +1-800-559-4534

**3. BUSINESS: NETFLIX PRICING MISTAKE? Mark Stiving, Ph.D., author of "Impact Pricing" (September 2011), is a respected price strategist with more than 15 years of experience helping companies implement value-based pricing strategies to increase profits. He has worked with esteemed companies such as Cisco and Procter & Gamble: "Only time will tell if yesterday's Netflix price hike is a mistake or not, but this is certainly a great learning experience. From what I’ve read, it seems that Netflix's goal is to get more people to move to streaming only. However, the complaints with content and quality make it unlikely that they will replace DVDs completely. They created a plan to force customers to choose quickly. I believe Netflix will be pretty badly hurt by their decision and predict Netflix will change this policy soon." Stiving can speak to price increases, bundling, segmentation and costs. He is located in San Jose, Calif. News Contact: Jillian McTigue, jmctigue@entrepreneur.com Phone +1-949-622-5274 Website: pragmaticpricing.com

**4. FINANCE: U.S. DEBT-CEILING DEBATE: Scott Laue, financial advisor at Savant Capital Management, can discuss the Treasury Department’s concern that the debt limit must be raised by Aug. 2 or they will run out of cash to pay the government's bills: "The current debt limit is $14.3 trillion, but Congress does not want to increase the debt limit without an agreed-upon plan to reduce the $1.6 trillion annual deficit. The longer the political impasse continues, the more investors will worry and markets will get riled. Rating agencies are putting warnings out, other countries may take action and even the Fed is concerned. Everyone agrees that doing nothing about the debt ceiling is a very bad thing, and that a default should be avoided. The fact that everyone agrees, which does not happen very often, means that most likely both sides will come to their senses and get a deal done." Savant Capital Management is a fee-only wealth management firm headquartered in Rockford, Ill., that works with clients nationally. Laue is available for media interviews. News Contact: Michelle Polivka, mpolivka@pretc.net Phone: +1-815-489-3955

**5. REAL ESTATE: HOW TO SAVE IN A BUYER'S MARKET. Kelly O'Ryan, office manager of Coldwell Banker in Lexington, Mass.: "Save money with supply and demand. This buyer's market means that with a lot of comparables on the market, negotiating with the seller can be more fruitful for buyers. It's important to research all comps within a given neighborhood to be sure you are getting the fairest price. It also isn't out of the question for you to ask for pieces of furniture and appliances, within your offer. An experienced real estate agent can guide you through these negotiations, so you don't risk losing the house of your dreams during this stressful part of the process." News Contact: Lucia Scott, Lucia@exposeyourselfpr.com Phone: +1-617-797-9869

**6. TECHNOLOGY: FOUR KEY ISSUES AS FEDERAL AGENCIES RE-EXAMINE WEBSITE STRATEGIES AS PART OF OBAMA'S WASTE-CUTTING INITIATIVE. Joe Wykes, president of Percussion Software, a Web content-management-software provider, has deep experience working with federal agencies; including Health and Human Services, General Services Administration, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: "President Obama kicked off a federal waste-cutting initiative in June that included taking a hard look at federal-government websites as an area to target. Last week, CIO Vivek Kundra revealed there are over 24,000 '.gov' sites in existence. Reducing the overall number of sites will improve public access to government sites and services, enable more efficient management of the various data assets and cut costs of federal spending on maintaining these sites." Wykes can discuss the four key technology issues government agencies must consider as they re-examine their Web strategies. Wykes is based in Boston. News Contact: Kathy Wilson, kwilson@tieronepr.com Phone: +1-781-652-0499

**7. WORKPLACE: ARE PERSONALITY TESTS LEGAL? Gavin Appleby is a shareholder at Littler Mendelson, the nation's largest employment and labor law firm representing management. More than 80 percent of midsize and large companies use personality assessments as a pre-employment, promotion or new-employee tool. Many employers, however, do not consider whether the tests they use are legally defensible. Appleby is available to speak about this topic and provide insight about what to look for when choosing these tests: "Employers use personality tests for a number of reasons. Problematically, many employers use tests that may be considered medical examinations under the Americans with Disabilities Act; these tests are not properly validated. It is important to know what one should look for when choosing these tests, so employers are sure to avoid any legal pitfalls." News Contact: Aimee Nicholls, Nicholls@formulapr.com Phone: +1-212-219-0321

**8. WORKPLACE: WHEN DOES DRESS-CODE ENFORCEMENT BECOME DISCRIMINATION? Margaret Hart Edwards is a shareholder at Littler Mendelson, the nation’s largest employment and labor law firm representing management. Employers have the right to implement dress-code policies and standards, but there are limits to the grooming requirements they can enforce in the name of upholding a company’s image. Managers should generally be prepared to make some accommodations with respect to clothing based upon religion or disability. Adjustments must be reasonable and not impose an undue hardship on the employer. Edwards is available to speak about the legal implications employers may face if they do not correctly implement dress-code policies: "Although creating and maintaining a dress code is a common employer practice, it is vital that businesses are knowledgeable of how to legally implement such rules to reduce claims of discrimination. Protocol should stress the concepts of professionalism and appropriateness to the specific business environment. This allows some latitude for discussion and the exercise of discretion by the employer." News Contact: Aimee Nicholls, Nicholls@formulapr.com Phone: +1-212-219-0321

OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES

Following are links to other news and resources we think you might find useful. If you have an item you think other reporters would be interested in and would like us to include in a future alert, please drop us a line at profnetalerts@prnewswire.com

**1. DEAR GRACIE: TIPS FOR HOW TO APPEAR ON CAMERA: Six communications experts share tips on making TV appearances: bit.ly/oZYSEl

**2. BTOB SELECTS 10 GREAT BIZ MEDIA WEBSITES: BtoB Executive Editor Sean Callahan presents the Top 10 business-related websites: bit.ly/nRRInD

**3. SABEW: SOCIAL MEDIA USE GROWS AMONG BIZ JOURNALISTS: SABEW Research Director Chris Roush discusses social media use in business reporting: bit.ly/nahRSe

**4. SEVEN TIPS FOR BETTER WRITING: ProfNet Director Maria Perez presents writing tips on Ragan's PR Daily: bit.ly/pCqiI9

What do the Cookie Diet, parenting struggles and Harry Potter have in common? They all made my list of favorite queries of this week:

Car Insurance for Pets. You know letting your pet drive doesn't sound like a good idea…

Discounts/Tricks for Parents of Teen Drivers to Cut Insurance Costs. Legally disown them.

Perspectives on "Career Students": Can College Be an Addiction? Math made me hit rock bottom.

Time to Think About Sending the Kids Back to School. Before you lose your mind and the house falls apart.

Celebrities: Where Are They Now? If you're wondering this, were they really a celebrity to begin with?

Cookie Diet. Yes, please.

Sex, Seniors and STDS. Maybe it's time for "the talk" with Grandma.

Dangers of Flirting. See the previous.

Gourmet Dog Treats in New York. "Pardon me, do you have any Grey Poupon?"

Healthiest Ways to Spend the Extra Hour When We Fall Back on Nov. 6. Sleeeeeeep

Gourmet Cheeses and Cheese Accessories. Cheeeeese

Parents Who Stay Home With Kids While Trying to Work. Key word: "trying"

What Happens if a Plane Crashes Into Your Neighborhood? Is this one of those "if a tree falls…" things?

Couples With Decorating Dilemmas. Not every room can be the man cave.

Harry Potter Franchise Concludes With Final Film: What's Next for Fans? Withdrawal.

The Future for Harry Potter Stars. Move over, Danny Bonaduce.

*Publication names have been omitted to protect the innocent.

What were some of your favorite queries this week? Did they make this list?

Each week, Dear Gracie answers questions from ProfNet Connect readers with advice from our network of more than 44,000 ProfNet experts. Has there been a question burning in your mind lately, something you've been wondering that none of your friends can answer? Please send it to grace.lavigne@prnewswire.com

Dear Gracie,

I'm doing my first TV appearance as an expert on a news show, and I'm a bit nervous. Any tips, advice?

Panicked Presenter

******

Dear Panicked Presenter,

Here is the advice from six communication experts found within the ProfNet Connect community:

Preparation

"Practice, practice, practice, and then practice again," says Rachel Weingarten, personal brand and style expert, and author of "Career and Corporate Cool" and "Hello Gorgeous! Beauty Products in America, '40s-'60s."

Try practicing out loud, in advance, says Karen Friedman, a former TV news reporter who now heads Karen Friedman Enterprises, which teaches people how to become powerful communicators. "Saying your words out loud will help you internalize your message and practice delivery. It will also help you recall key words and thoughts when you're actually on."

"Make up a list of your best stories, anecdotes and selling points ahead of time," continues Weingarten. "Don't try to offer up a completed list to your interviewer, but rather be comfortable enough with the details so that you don't fumble on the presentation."

Also, do your homework, says Weingarten. Study up on the show you'll be appearing on. Consider questions like: What colors are the set? Will the video shooting occur indoors or outdoors? How much time will be given to speak? How close or far is the camera? Considering questions like these will give you a better idea of how you'll look on film, says Weingarten.

Appearance

It's important to wear the right clothing, says Robb Leer, founder and president of Leer Communications, a media and communication consulting company. "Wear something comfortable and well-fitting, and dress conservative -- not crazy."

"The most important thing is to hold onto your own personal style," says Weingarten. If you dress for the hosts or the camera exclusively, you will likely be uncomfortable the entire time and end up so focused on your clothes that you will lose track of what's being asked of you, she says.

Keep it simple and professional looking, echoes Susan Tellem, partner in Tellem Worldwide; a public relations, social media and marketing communications firm. "Don't wear white or black, more than one pattern, small checks, large print, herringbone, stripes polka dots or loud colors. Instead, wear safe colors like dark blues, grays, earth tones or pastels, or wear colors that look good on you and blend well with the set."

"Dark colors absorb light, so they tend to look better on camera," explains fashion designer and personal stylist Kesi Case.

Tellem also recommends avoiding low-cut dresses or shirts, too much jewelry and seasonal clothing. She also advises that if you normally wear glasses, you should wear them for the interview. And bring an extra shirt or blouse, she adds, in case of spills or sweat.

"If you wear makeup, wear more than usual and have the makeup department at the studio do a touchup. Even if you don't normally wear makeup, visit the makeup department anyway, as you will always look better on TV with it on," Tellem says. "And men should get their bald heads or sweaty foreheads powdered," she adds.

Also, do a complete run-through of your entire look, from head to toe, ahead of time, says Weingarten. "Make sure your hair doesn't look like a helmet, your makeup doesn't run, and your clothing fits you well and comfortably."

Posture

"Keep an open body posture," says Robin H-C, behavior specialist and life coach, and author of "Thinking Your Way to Happy!" "There is a natural propensity to cross the arms and legs and protect the torso when nervous or under stress."

If your movements are open, then you'll appear approachable, says Friedman. "Using hand movements and gestures when you speak makes you more animated and interested to look at," she says. "But on TV, keep your hands out of the box -- meaning, keep them away from your shoulders up."

If you're sitting, then sit up straight, advises Leer. Don't slump at the shoulders, leaning slightly forward. "Sit on the front edge of a straight-back chair, not a chair that swivels," he instructs.

"Body language conveys you're in control of the conversation, so relax," adds Leer. "Or at least try."

Eye Contact

If there is no interviewer: "Keep steady eye contact, as if the person you are speaking to is standing right in front of you," says Friedman. "Think of the camera or your audience as one person and speak to that one person, not to the masses," she continues. "If there is a loud noise and you glance off to the side, people at home in front of their TV sets don't know something happened in the studio. All they see is someone who looks distracted or unfocused."

If there is an interviewer: "You're never wrong to look at the interviewer and not the camera," says Leer.

Delivery

"Pretend that the person in the back of the room or on the other side of the camera can't hear you very well," says Friedman. A microphone doesn't substitute energy, she says. "When you speak just a tad louder, you will sound more engaging."

But keep your tone and delivery conversational, says Leer. Use clarity and sincerity to convey conviction, he says. Don't get louder and louder.

Mentality

"The camera picks up your nerves, so the more confident you are, the better you will come across," says Case.

"Get out of your head!" says H-C. "Focus on the conversation with the host and do your best to silence the internal voice that is evaluating your appearance. Saying, 'I hope I don't mess this up' is setting your brain up to do exactly that. Try an affirmation: 'I am relaxed, informative and articulate during all media interviews,'" says H-C.

Also, remember to breathe, H-C continues. "When you're nervous and adrenaline kicks in, it can shut down the frontal lobe of the brain, our problem-solving area. Trust me -- you do not want to be interviewed without access to the frontal lobe."

Extra Tips:

"The camera is always on, so don't pick your teeth or comb your hair. Those images could later haunt you," says Leer.

If all else fails, says Weingarten, self-deprecation works. "People don't expect you to be as polished as the cast or crew of the show, so if you feel as though the interview or appearance has gotten away from you, stop stammering and feel free to make a joke about the fact that you're not Angelina Jolie, but need a minute or two to collect your thoughts."

"Though you want to look great and sound brilliant, at the end of the day, you are on TV to share a message," continues Weingarten. "Remind yourself of this prior to all interviews. It's not about you, rather, you are the medium for an important message."

And most importantly, have fun! "Don't take it too seriously and congratulate yourself for being brave. Many people would not even consider doing a live appearance," says H-C.

Good luck!

Gracie

Following are ProfNet’s Expert Alerts for Monday, July 11.

Via Expert Alerts, ProfNet members can alert reporters to experts and potential stories by showcasing the experts' knowledge on timely issues or trends. Reporters can contact experts via the contact information listed at the end of each alert.

For more information on Expert Alerts, please go to budurl.com/expertalerts

EXPERT ALERTS

1. Building: Maintain the Exterior of Your Home Well

2. Finance: Mortgage Rates: 2010 Versus 2011

3. Real Estate: Green Living Is Important to More and More Buyers

4. Real Estate: Pack Like a Professional

5. Workplace: Driving Employee Performance: How to Inspire Top Talent

OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES

1. Selecting Sources for Stories

2. Smartphone Security Tips

3. Media Blogs

4. PR Blogs

*********************

EXPERT ALERTS

Via Expert Alerts, ProfNet members can alert reporters to experts who are available to discuss timely news topics. If you are interested in interviewing any of the experts, please see the contact info at the end of the alert. You can also find Expert Alerts online on ProfNet Connect at bit.ly/pncalerts

**1. BUILDING: MAINTAIN THE EXTERIOR OF YOUR HOME WELL. Brian Kearney, owner of Neponset Valley Construction in Norwood, Mass.: "By keeping up with general home maintenance, you will convey a polished look that will deter break-ins. Make sure your property doesn't look uninhabited, hidden or neglected, because if it does, it can look like an easy target. Be sure to trim shrubs away from windows and doors that criminals can use to hide. If you choose not to have an electronic security system, just the presence of new doors and windows will convey that your home might be equipped with one. Install motion-detection lighting (these lights are not just for the front of your home, they should be present on all sides of the house). If wiring is already present, installation is simple and they only cost about $50 each." News Contact: Lucia Scott, Lucia@exposeyourselfpr.com Phone: +1-617-797-9869

**2. FINANCE: MORTGAGE RATES: 2010 VERSUS 2011. Chip Poli, CEO of Poli Mortgage Group, Inc. in Norwood, Mass.: "Interestingly enough, the interest rates are at a very similar place that they were a year ago. The key thing to understand is that rates change every day and there could be a pretty big difference week to week. As an example, according to HSH, the largest publisher of mortgage information, throughout 2010, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rates moved up and down quite a bit from a low of 4.69 percent to a high of 5.58 percent. In comparison, according to HSH, the average rate for a 30-year mortgage in the month of May 2011 was 4.92 percent. Every mortgage situation is unique, and rates vary by type and size of loan, as well as other factors like credit score and appraised value. Your mortgage professional can give you accurate quotes on your specific situation at any time." News Contact: Lucia Scott, Lucia@exposeyourselfpr.com Phone: +1-617-797-9869

**3. REAL ESTATE: GREEN LIVING IS IMPORTANT TO MORE AND MORE BUYERS. Kerri Bonarrigo, residential sales director for Gordon's Woods in West Roxbury, Mass.: "From buyers looking to own an affordable home in the city to those looking for cutting-edge, environmentally friendly housing, we aim to set the standard for clean, green city living. With living green becoming more and more desirable to those looking to reduce their carbon footprint, we have looked to set ourselves apart from our competition by offering features that satisfy the environmentally conscious consumer. When planning our project, it was important to us to achieve Energy STAR certification, so each unit employs renewable resources that comply with new energy-conservation regulations, including energy-efficient appliances that pass on significant savings to homeowners." News Contact: Lucia Scott, Lucia@exposeyourselfpr.com Phone: +1-617-797-9869

**4. REAL ESTATE: PACK LIKE A PROFESSIONAL. Chobee Hoy, owner of Chobee Hoy Asssociates Real Estate, Inc. in Brookline, Mass.: "Make a packing supply list, and use recycled boxes when possible. You'll need packing and sealing tape, packing paper (old newspaper works great), bubble wrap, labels and plenty of markers. Get rid of unwanted items. There is no sense in packing and moving items that you no longer need or want. Before you start packing up your house, it's important to do a thorough cleanse of all unwanted items that will clog up your move. By donating clothes and lightly used household goods to local nonprofits, you will not only help the less fortunate in your community, but with the proper documentation, you can also write off your donations the next time you file your taxes." News Contact: Lucia Scott, Lucia@exposeyourselfpr.com Phone: +1-617-797-9869

**5. WORKPLACE: DRIVING EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE: HOW TO INSPIRE TOP TALENT. Douglas Wolford, president of the investment advisory firm Convergent Wealth Advisors, can discuss how to inspire a firm's top talent and how a firm can keep its most innovative and hard-working employees motivated: "There are numerous ways to recognize and reward employees for their work. And, just as importantly, it's essential to find ways to train employees to inspire others, as well as creating a work environment focused on teamwork and innovation." Wolford can explore these recognition, training and motivation techniques that will inspire any organization's top talent. He is located in Washington, D.C. News Contact: Danielle DiPirro, Danielle.DiPirro@ConvergentWealth.com Phone: +1-301-284-1144

OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES

Following are links to other news and resources we think you might find useful. If you have an item you think other reporters would be interested in and would like us to include in a future alert, please drop us a line at profnetalerts@prnewswire.com

**1. HOW I SELECT SOURCES FOR MY STORIES: Journalist Heidi Rafferty shares her process for selecting which experts she interviews and quotes: bit.ly/rbdmdv

**2. DEAR GRACIE: STAY SMART WITH SMARTPHONE SECURITY TIPS: Five IT experts share their tips for consumers concerned about the security of their smartphones: bit.ly/o89YQT

**3. TOP MEDIA/JOURNALISM BLOGS: ProfNet’s Evelyn Tipacti lists her favorite media-related blogs: bit.ly/lrDfVN

**4. MUST-READ PR BLOGS: The ProfNet editorial group lists their favorite PR-related blogs: bit.ly/qEcBYd

What do hot tubs, Harry Potter and planking have in common? They all made my list of favorite queries of this week:

Getting Ready for Hot-Tub/Spa Season. I've been ready!

Harry Potter's Influence on a Generation. "Yer a wizard, Harry."

Final Season TV: A Good Ending Is Hard to Find. Consider "Jersey Shore," please.

Reliving the Magic of Old-School Football. Bring back the leather helmets.

The Disappearance of Old-Fashioned Chores. You can play hoop-and-stick after you finish oiling the lamps.

Worst Excuses Cops Have Heard for Drivers *Not* Wearing Seatbelts. "I'll brace myself."

Stopping Loud Chewing. Listen up, cud chewers!

Hot Moms on Keeping Sex a Priority. Sure, let's make the day 10 minutes longer.

Planking: What Does It Mean? You get "board" easily.

*Publication names have been omitted to protect the innocent.

What were some of your favorite queries this week? Did they make this list?

Following are ProfNet’s Expert Alerts for Wednesday, July 6.

Via Expert Alerts, ProfNet members can alert reporters to experts and potential stories by showcasing the experts' knowledge on timely issues or trends. Reporters can contact experts via the contact information listed at the end of each alert.

For more information on Expert Alerts, please go to budurl.com/expertalerts

1. International: Modern-Day Slavery Remains a Problem in Middle East and North Africa

2. International: Social Media, Women's Rights and the Arab Spring

3. International: Women's Right to Drive in Saudi Arabia

**1. INTERNATIONAL: MODERN-DAY SLAVERY REMAINS A PROBLEM IN MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA. Nasser Weddady directs outreach for the Hands Across the Mideast Support Alliance (HAMSA). He is a native of Mauritania and grew up in Libya, traveling extensively through the Middle East. A long-time activist in the struggle to end slavery in his homeland, Weddady has organized conferences for young activists across the Middle East. The U.S. State Department recently released its "2011 Trafficking in Persons Report," which revealed that there are 27 million people worldwide who are victims of modern-day slavery. It included details of each country's compliance, or lack thereof, with internationally accepted rules and laws governing trafficking and forced labor: "Modern-day slavery remains a major problem in the Middle East and North Africa. Unfortunately, this phenomenon remains a taboo within civil society organizations, and the question to answer is: How is the goodwill of players like the U.S. and the EU translated into actual concrete plans in partnership with MENA civil society partners?" Weddady, located in Boston, has been published in a number of major news publications, including the International Herald Tribune, The Boston Globe and The Wall Street Journal. He has also appeared on a number of major TV news stations, including Fox, BBC World Service and Al-Jazeera. Fluent in five languages, Weddady has lectured at the United States Institute of Peace and in diverse interfaith settings. News Contact: Aimee Chiu, aimee@aicongress.org Phone: +1-202-595-3160

**2. INTERNATIONAL: SOCIAL MEDIA, WOMEN'S RIGHTS AND THE 'ARAB SPRING.' Dalia Ziada, who runs American Islamic Congress' office in Cairo, is a civil and women's rights activist representing a new generation of Arab thinking. She currently spearheads the "Fahem Haqi" or "Know My Rights" campaign in Egypt, which educates citizens about their rights, particularly with regard to voting, in a democracy: "The roots of democracy have begun to grow in the Middle East, most notably in Egypt. However, women are not being actively included in the democratic process -- and only half a democracy is not a democracy. Social media continues to play a role in the 'Arab spring,' and women are finding it a very useful tool for getting around the roadblocks -- old and new -- that they encounter." News Contact: Aimee Chiu, aimee@aicongress.org Phone: +1-202-595-3160

**3. INTERNATIONAL: WOMEN'S RIGHT TO DRIVE IN SAUDI ARABIA. Zainab Al-Suwaij, executive director of the American Islamic Congress, is an expert on women's rights in the Middle East and can discuss the women's protest in Saudi Arabia for the right to drive: "Saudi Arabia ranks near the bottom worldwide for gender equality and is a place where women have virtually no political empowerment. The women there are taking what steps they can to empower themselves and hopefully create enough societal and political pressure to instigate broad and meaningful change, not just the basic right to drive a car." Saudi Arabia is the only country in the world that bans women from driving, although there is no official law against it and it is not representative of Islam, but rather a result of Salafist interpretation. Zainab was one of the few women to join the failed 1991 intifada uprising against Saddam Hussein. She fled Iraq and eventually became an American citizen. Following the shock of the September 11 terror attacks, Zainab left her teaching position at Yale to co-found the AIC. She has testified to Congress, lectured at Harvard and participated in interfaith events around the world. Profile: www.profnetconnect.com/zainab_al-suwaij&... News Contact: Aimee Chiu, aimee@aicongress.org Phone: +1-202-595-3160

Each week, Dear Gracie answers questions from ProfNet Connect readers with advice from our network of more than 44,000 ProfNet experts. Has there been a question burning in your mind lately, something you've been wondering that none of your friends can answer? Please send it to grace.lavigne@prnewswire.com

Dear Gracie,

I use my smartphone for everything, and I'm worried that I'm leaving myself vulnerable to hackers and viruses. What can I do to keep my smartphone safe? Is it the same as keeping a desktop safe?

Vulnerable to Viruses

************

Dear Vulnerable to Viruses,

Here are tips from five IT experts found within the ProfNet Connect community:

As smartphone capabilities are increasing exponentially, hackers are targeting these devices due to their less rigorous security features, says Mike Meikle, CEO of the Hawthorne Group, a boutique management and technology consulting firm.

"A couple of years ago, the worst thing that happened if your phone was lost or stolen was an inflated bill. Today, your phone contains a whole host of information, and you don’t have to lose the device to lose control of it. A careless click or two is all it takes," says David Meltzer, vice president of engineering for nCircle, a network security and compliance auditing firm. That's why you should take the time to become familiar with the security features of your phone and get into the habit of using them, he says.

Setting up Securely

1. Backup: Backup the data on your smartphone on a regular basis, says Derek Meister, a Geek Squad agent for Best Buy. "Determine how and when you'll sync your phone, and stick to your plan," he says.

2. Set up a Passcode: "Make sure it's easy to remember, but hard to guess," Meister says. "Most importantly, make sure that your phone is set to lock automatically in a reasonable time, so that if you do lose it, it will lock before someone else can find it and start using it."

A password also makes it more difficult for spyware to be remotely or directly installed onto your phone, says Robert Siciliano, McAfee consultant and identity-theft expert. The threat to your digital content doesn't require you to lose your device, continues Chris Hopen, CEO of HomePipe, a company specializing in digital content access and file sharing for the mobile community. "Recent news about malware apps on Android and the growing availability of remote data extraction devices underscores the need to protect your digital content, no matter where, or on what device, you access it," he says.

Furthermore, set up a password for accessing email and other personal data, says Randy Gross, CIO of CompTIA, the Computing Technology Industry Association, a nonprofit IT business trade group. There are also a range of applications for protecting confidential data, like credit card numbers or login credentials. One example is mSecure, which has a robust self-destruct feature should someone try to hack into data on the phone, Gross adds.

Also, wipe off your touch screen once in a while, says Meikle. Hackers are now using "Smudge Attacks" to access locked phones by guessing users' passwords based on the smudge prints left on the screen.

3. Enable Wipe Features: As long as you're backing up your data, says Meister, don't fear the auto-wipe settings on your phone. Most phones have this feature, which automatically deletes your data if too many incorrect passwords have been entered. Consider remote-wipe features for your phone too, he adds.

"If your phone is behaving oddly or you have some other reason to suspect that it contains spyware, reinstall the operating system, says Siciliano. "Consult your user manual or call your carrier’s customer service for step-by-step help with this process," he says.

Using Securely

1. Take Care With Public WiFi: "Although free WiFi hotspots may be faster than your mobile connection, avoid visiting sites that use sensitive data, like banking or shopping sites, while you're connected. Someone with malicious intent could be on the same network, says Meister.

2. Investigate Your Apps: "If you don't know the reputation of the app developer, take time to investigate it before you give in to an impulsive purchase," says Meltzer. "Read through privacy or data warnings when installing or running an app, and check out reviews before installing," says Meister. Both Android and iPhone App stores are vulnerable to hackers uploading malicious applications, adds Meikle.

"Also, look for apps with an automatic sign-out feature, says Hopen. "Apps that keep you signed in even upon exit are storing your passwords, and leaving access to your digital content open," he says. "Apps with an automatic log-out feature ensure that your content is protected, no matter where, or in whose hands, your phone resides," he continues.

3. Avoid Modding or Jailbreaking: Altering your smartphone's stock operating system might let you enable or add different features, but it's easier to keep up with automatic security and feature updates without the system modifications, Meister advises.

4. Stream, Rather Download and Sync: "Choose a service that allows you to stream, rather than download and sync, content to your device," says Hopen. This is especially important for documents and files containing confidential or proprietary information. Because streamed content never actually resides on your device, it is protected from data extraction or theft resulting from a lost device, and remains safe within the fortress of your remote storage, he says.

5. Think Like a Desktop: Apply your years of desktop experience to smartphone security, says Meister. "Be wary of unknown email attachments and links to suspicious websites," he says. Be alert for phishing scam emails, which work the same way on your smartphone as they do on your desktop, he adds.

"Use the same caution clicking on URLs, especially shortened URLs, that you use on your laptop or desktop," Melzter continues.

6. Consider Physical Threats: "Losing a mobile device today isn't just a pricey hassle, it leaves user's data laid bare, and users themselves open to liability and identity theft," says Hopen. "Mobile devices that are lost or stolen are more of a problem right now than viruses and hacking," Gross confirms.

"Keep your phone with you," says Siciliano. "Don't let it out of your sight and don't share it." You can access your data online from anywhere, or locate your missing phone and plot the location on a map, he adds. "If it's lost or stolen, SIM cards and phone calls can help get it back for you." Also, notify your wireless service provider immediately, says Gross.

Stay smart!

Image from MobilitySite.com

Following are ProfNet’s Expert Alerts for Tuesday, July 5.

Via Expert Alerts, ProfNet members can alert reporters to experts and potential stories by showcasing the experts' knowledge on timely issues or trends. Reporters can contact experts via the contact information listed at the end of each alert.

For more information on Expert Alerts, please go to budurl.com/expertalerts

1. Building: Marketing Matters

2. Careers: Four Rules for Finding a Job in a Tough Market

3. Careers: Four-Step Plan for Job-Search Success Using the Web as a Resource

4. Careers: Job Opportunities Growing in the Criminal Justice Field

5. Careers: Job Seekers: Give Yourself a SWOT

6. Careers: Make a Wish List of Companies You Want to Work for

7. Careers: Make Friends With the Gatekeepers

8. Careers: Tips on How Technology Is Transforming the Job Hunt

9. Finance: Debt-to-Income Ratios

10. Technology: Secure ID/Access for Near-Field Communication (NFC)

11. Workplace: Paid Sick Leave for Service Workers in Connecticut

12. Workplace: Avoid Paying the Legal Price When Hiring Interns

**1. BUILDING: MARKETING MATTERS. Brian Kearney, owner of Neponset Valley Construction in Norwood, Mass.: "My business, like many others, has had a hard time due to the economy. However, we've been lucky to grow and maintain consistent business. I attribute this growth to both offering services at a fair price and always looking for ways to improve the services we offer, whether that means using superior products without passing along the increased cost to the clients or offering entirely new services, such as newly added Spray Foam roofing. I think our growth is also due in part to our focused and effective marketing plan, which includes the website overhaul. Many companies use marketing services simply as a lead-generation tool. While that is a component of our plan, something we do differently is use marketing as a way to inform and educate the public and our potential clients about our industry." News Contact: Lucia Scott, Lucia@ExposeYourselfPR.com Phone: +1-617-797-9869

**2. CAREERS: FOUR RULES FOR FINDING A JOB IN A TOUGH MARKET. Michele Drennen, director of career services at Brown Mackie College in Fort Mitchell, Ky.: "The saga of the American jobs predicament goes on. In an Economic News Release published in early June, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a slight rise in unemployment during May. While the nation achieved job gains in health care and business services, manufacturing remained unchanged, and local government employment declined. What does this mean for the American worker? The factory jobs went away. Many people who want to rejoin the workforce are now going back to school for career retraining. Some are the first ever in the family to graduate. Former factory workers are not the only ones in classrooms these days. People with master's and bachelor's degrees are not getting in employers' doors. They are looking to be retrained. Everybody’s walking a delicate tightrope. A glut of applicants applying for each posted position can take the wind out of a job seeker’s sail. But there are definite steps one can take toward landing a new position." News Contact: J. Stephen Dobbins, stdobbins@brownmackie.edu Phone: +1-513-830-2005

**3. CAREERS: FOUR-STEP PLAN FOR JOB-SEARCH SUCCESS USING THE WEB AS A RESOURCE. Kirsten Wright, director of career services at The Art Institute of Washington -- Northern Virginia, can provide tips on job search in Web 2.0: "Job seekers in today’s environment must ensure not only that their resume is updated with accurate information, but that the terminology and format used is current with what the desired industry expects. That means doing a little online research on sample resumes in that industry and/or job titles to ensure your resume is on target. A general resume and cover letter will be a helpful starting point, but should be customized for each job submission as hiring managers can spot a generic cover letter from a mile away." News Contact: Marcia Gomez, magomez@aii.edu Phone: +1-305-428-5676

**4. CAREERS: JOB OPPORTUNITIES GROWING IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE FIELD. Audrey Pasin, an attorney and full-time faculty member in the criminal justice program at Brown Mackie College in Greenville, S.C.: "Careers in criminal justice are many and varied, and continued growth is expected in the field. Growth among careers in law enforcement and investigation is reported at 22 percent, an above average gain, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The same published report projects 9 percent growth among probation officers and corrections personnel. This projection represents an average growth rate, but growth just the same. It’s important that college and university criminal justice programs are equipped to pursue employment in diverse areas of the criminal justice field. Graduates are exploring positions in both private and government sectors. In the current economic climate, law enforcement positions in most big cities are tough to get. They tend to look for people with a military background and prefer a candidate with a master’s degree." News Contact: J. Stephen Dobbins, stdobbins@brownmackie.edu Phone: +1-513-830-2005

**5. CAREERS: JOB SEEKERS: GIVE YOURSELF A SWOT. Chasity Trzop, director of career services at Brown Mackie College in Louisville, Ky.: "Have you ever given yourself a SWOT? No, it’s not a typo. With a SWOT analysis, you examine your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats along with internal and external factors that might affect your job search. Many organizations utilize a SWOT analysis to examine their business. A SWOT analysis can also help reduce the anxiety sometimes associated with finding a job. It’s a matter of confidence over competence, because most people know how to interview, but may not be confident in themselves. While the SWOT analysis creates anxiety during the process, it helps tremendously. It’s time for you to take a SWOT to see where you stand." News Contact: J. Stephen Dobbins, stdobbins@brownmackie.edu Phone: +1-513-830-2005

**6. CAREERS: MAKE A WISH LIST OF COMPANIES YOU WANT TO WORK FOR. Ed Hunter, vice president and director of career services for The Art Institute of Philadelphia can provide tips on job search in Web 2.0: "I always recommend job seekers to create a wish list of the Top 50 companies they would like to work for. Organization and keeping very accurate notes about these companies is key. The list should include the name, location, website address, any contacts you may have there and the human resources manager, as well as the manager of the department where you would like to work. What products or services do they offer? Do they have any positions available at this time? Would your skills and background match up?" News Contact: Marcia Gomez, magomez@aii.edu Phone: +1-305-428-5676

**7. CAREERS: MAKE FRIENDS WITH THE GATEKEEPERS. Bruce McCain, director of career services for The Art Institute of Tampa in Florida, can provide tips on job search in Web 2.0: "One of the many benefits of looking for a job in today’s environment is that the information necessary for success is truly at our fingertips. That said, it will require the investment of time to research and stand apart from the competition since other job seekers, that is, your competition, have the same information at their disposal. I always recommend befriending the gatekeeper. We all know that every organization has gatekeepers whose primary job is to ensure that their boss’ time is not wasted. I suggest identifying the gatekeepers and spending time, when possible, befriending them and enlisting them onto your cause. In today’s environment, this may mean befriending them on Facebook, Twitter or via email, but an in-person visit can often be very effective."  News Contact: Marcia Gomez, magomez@aii.edu Phone: +1-305-428-5676

**8. CAREERS: TIPS ON HOW TECHNOLOGY IS TRANSFORMING THE JOB HUNT. Debra Pierce, director of career services at Miami International University of Art & Design, can provide tips on job search in Web 2.0. She suggests being active online by incorporating all tools available in your job search, including social media: “According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 4.5 applicants for every available job opening as of the end of January. Limited job options, stiff competition and new technological advances require job seekers in today’s environment to step up their game in order to stand apart from the crowd. In today’s tech-savvy world, this includes not only updating your resume for accuracy and format, but also brushing up on research and organization skills as well." News Contact: Marcia Gomez, magomez@aii.edu Phone: +1-305-428-5676

**9. FINANCE: DEBT-TO-INCOME RATIOS. Chip Poli, CEO of Poli Mortgage Group, Inc., in Norwood, Mass.: "There are basically two debt-to-income ratios that are important in the qualification for a mortgage. They are referred to as the front-end ratio and the back-end ratio. The front-end ratio takes the principal, interest, taxes and insurance that you will pay on your monthly mortgage and divides that into your monthly gross income (for self-employed borrowers, net income is used). The back-end ratio takes the items mentioned in the front-end ratio and adds all your other mortgages and revolving monthly debt that you owe and divides that into your monthly income. Different banks are more exacting than others on ratios, therefore you should check with your mortgage professional to ensure your specific loan program is evaluated correctly with respect to what ratios are being used." News Contact: Lucia Scott, Lucia@ExposeYourselfPR.com Phone: +1-617-797-9869

**10. TECHNOLOGY: SECURE ID/ACCESS FOR NEAR-FIELD COMMUNICATION (NFC). Dr. Tam Hulusi, senior vice president of strategic innovation and intellectual property for HID Global, is an expert on bringing secure ID capabilities to NFC-enabled devices (i.e., mobile phones) and can discuss how NFC will impact our daily lives: "NFC-based access systems will enable a new era of more convenient and secure transactions, requiring simple, but protected, fully scalable and standards-based identity delivery systems that support a wide variety of identity products, from readers and cards to NFC-equipped mobile phones, that can each be registered as a 'trusted product' for secure provisioning anywhere in the world." In his position, Hulusi is developing the company's new Trusted Identify Platform. This platform, in concert with NFC-enabled devices, will turn smartphones into secure credentials and will allow mobile phones to offer access to office buildings, check-in and room entry at hotels, information about specific products while in a retail store, point-of-sale coupons and much more. He can also discuss contact-less secure credentials/identity access and systems. Hulusi is a graduate of Harvard Business School and holds a Ph.D. in physics. He is located in Irvine, Calif. News Contact: Stacey Paris-Bechtel, sparis@breakawaycom.com Phone: +1-585-598-3104 Twitter: @shparis Past Clip: bit.ly/lZQUuW

**11. WORKPLACE: PAID SICK LEAVE FOR SERVICE WORKERS IN CONNECTICUT. George O’Brien is a shareholder at Littler Mendelson, the nation’s largest employment and labor law firm representing management. Starting in January 2012, certain employers in Connecticut must provide five paid sick days per year to their service workers. From how employees use their paid sick days, to which employees are covered, businesses must be aware of the changes in the benefits afforded to these workers: “There are certain steps that employers affected by this law should take to make sure they are protecting themselves from legal implications. Revising employee handbooks and manuals to ensure they comply with the law is important, as well as preparing or obtaining notices for employee bulletin boards. Documents used for hiring need to also be revised, as these should clearly explain the circumstances in which an employee will be entitled to paid sick leave. Lastly, employers should train supervisors regarding documentation and record-keeping, as well as the new anti-retaliation provision.” O’Brien is located in New Haven, Conn. News Contact: Aimee Nicholls, Nicholls@formulapr.com Phone: +1-212-219-0321

**12. WORKPLACE: AVOID PAYING THE LEGAL PRICE WHEN HIRING INTERNS. Lee Schreter is a shareholder at Littler Mendelson, the nation’s largest employment and labor law firm representing management. Employers are expected to increase internship hiring by approximately 7 percent this year and they will likely hire more than half of these interns into full-time employment positions. With the summer months upon us, obtaining an internship is a top priority for many students. In addition, many Americans who have been in the workforce for years but may now be out of work are looking to internships to enhance their experience, even if they are unpaid. Schreter is available to speak about what employers should be aware of when hiring unpaid interns and the criteria that must be met: “According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there are standards for interns to work unpaid. It is important for employers to comply with the law because if requirements are not fulfilled, the intern may be considered an employee for federal and state wage/hour law purposes, and the employer may be liable for wages and overtime, as well as employment taxes.” Schreter is located in Atlanta. News Contact: Aimee Nicholls, Nicholls@formulapr.com Phone: +1-212-219-0321

Following are ProfNet’s Expert Alerts for Wednesday, June 29.

Via Expert Alerts, ProfNet members can alert reporters to experts and potential stories by showcasing the experts' knowledge on timely issues or trends. Reporters can contact experts via the contact information listed at the end of each alert.

For more information on Expert Alerts, please go to budurl.com/expertalerts

1. Government: ICE Crackdown Giving Businesses Pause

2. International: The 2011 Trafficking in Persons Report

3. Law: Uncertainty Remains After Public Nuisance Ruling

**1. GOVERNMENT: ICE CRACKDOWN GIVING BUSINESSES PAUSE. A.J. Irwin, director of investigations at Dallas' Yarbrough Strategic Advisors, worked with ICE and the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service for more than 25 years: "The Obama administration's recent workplace crackdown on illegal immigrants has many employers nervously awaiting the next round of promised ICE audits. However, it is a concern that can be corrected through diligence. When you are talking about workplace violations, the government has taken a strict view of the employer's responsibility in making sure all employees are verified to work in the United States. Any technical mistakes in the completion of the I-9 form expose the employer to additional scrutiny and liability. Egregious violators are going to be discovered by the wide net thrown out by ICE. But even for these companies, it is never too late to get assistance with federal rules and regulations, to show good faith and make corrections to comply with the law." News Contact: Rhonda Reddick, rhonda@androvett.com Phone: +1-800-559-4534

**2. INTERNATIONAL: THE 2011 TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS REPORT. Dr. Mark Rodgers, dean of the Graduate School of Social Work at Dominican University in River Forest, Ill., is an expert on human-trafficking prevention, education and intervention. He is the recipient of several research grants from the U.S. State Department investigating trafficking and sexual slavery of adults and children in Latvia: "Though the international drug trade is currently ahead of trafficking in profits, the CIA predicts that within five years, trafficking will surpass the drug trade worldwide. Law enforcement does not naturally talk to social services and vice versa, but they are both crucial in human-trafficking cases in helping the victims and getting longer sentences for traffickers. In Latvia, our biggest success came with prosecutors and judges, who became committed to sentencing traffickers appropriately, instead of the 30 to 90 days in jail they were giving them." Rodgers is a frequent presenter at international conferences on human-trafficking prevention and also the chair of the Global Commission for the Council on Social Work Education. He is available to discuss the findings of the 2011 Trafficking in Persons Report, as well as domestic and international initiatives to stop the trafficking in persons. News Contact: Tina Weinheimer, tweinheimer@dom.edu Phone: +1-708-524-6462

**3. LAW: UNCERTAINTY REMAINS AFTER PUBLIC NUISANCE RULING. Richard O. Faulk, Houston attorney and chair of the Litigation Group at Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP: "While the U.S. Supreme Court's recent decision in American Electric Power Company Inc. v. Connecticut is a victory for companies opposing the filing of public nuisance lawsuits to redress global climate change, it also leaves 'live and dangerous' issues outstanding. The court only decided the issue under federal law. That still leaves the lower courts to decide whether these same claims can still be tried under state nuisance laws or if they are preempted by federal statutes and regulations. These standard-less claims are equally flawed under state law, but industry must now fight to establish that point." News Contact: Rhonda Reddick, rhonda@androvett.com Phone: +1-800-559-4534

Each week, Dear Gracie answers questions from ProfNet Connect readers with advice from our network of more than 44,000 ProfNet experts. Has there been a question burning in your mind lately, something you've been wondering that none of your friends can answer? Please send it to grace.lavigne@prnewswire.com

Dear Gracie,

Should we place commas and periods inside or outside of quotation marks? I know the "correct" way (according to proofreaders, editors and communications professionals) is to always place them inside of quotation marks, but I've started seeing them appear with more frequency outside of quotation marks, in the same context as question marks or exclamation points. Wouldn't it be more logical to do just have one rule for all punctuation in this context? Is the rule changing because of social media, phones and computers? Do grammar rules really matter?

Curious Communicator

************

Dear Curious Communicator:

Here are the opinions of four grammar experts found within the ProfNet Connect community:

Punctuation confusion probably arises from global communication, says Bonnie Egan, longtime editor, ghostwriter and collaborator on fiction and nonfiction books; past writing teacher at New York City's Comptroller's Office; and writer of "Cooking for One," a weekly online column. In both British and American grammar, question marks and exclamation points appear inside or outside of quotation marks depending on the context. For example:

• Have you read "Pride and Prejudice"? (interrogative, outside of quotation mark)
• My mom said, "Have you read that book?" (declarative, inside of quotation mark)

While British grammar applies this same rule of context to periods and commas (sometimes inside of quotation marks, sometimes outside), American grammar always puts periods and commas inside of quotation marks. For example:

• British style: I read "Pride and Prejudice".
• American style: I read "Pride and Prejudice."

"As an American," says Egan, "periods and commas inside of quotation marks is what looks right to me, but to the many writers all over the world who learned grammar the British way, outside of the quotation marks looks 'correct.'"

So if grammar rules can differ by region, does that mean they are arbitrary? "Yes, it's all arbitrary and customary," says Linda Henman, author of "Landing in the Executive Chair" and two other books, and past English teacher from grade 3 to graduate school. "Why does 'couch' mean the same thing as 'sofa'?" she asks. "Language is an arbitrary mixture of symbols that help us communicate and keep track of things. We no longer use words like 'divan' or 'settee' for this type of furniture," she says. "So language changes."

Carol Meerschaert, director of marketing and communications at Healthcare Businesswoman's Association, concurs: "The ultimate purpose of grammar is communication well-received, so expect change as society changes. As long as putting the punctuation inside or outside of the quotation marks offers clear meaning, tradition may go the wayside."

However, Henman points out that while specific language symbols like words or punctuation marks are trivial details of communication, obeying grammar rules is not useless because every word and non-word symbol that we choose to use says something about our credibility. "If I choose to follow conventional rules of grammar, it says two things about me," she says, "One, that I know the rules, and two, that I choose to follow them."

Grammar also helps us make our thoughts clear, continues Henman. "The placement of the question mark lets the reader know which part of the sentence we intend as a question. Just as we have agreed on spelling for our symbols, we have agreed on the traffic signals in the sentence."

Joan Bosisio, group vice president at Stern + Associates, a PR, marketing and digital communications agency, who held an agency-wide grammar boot camp; provides us with an example of punctuation's necessity to communicating clearly:

• Let's eat, Grandma!
• Let's eat Grandma!

"Surely grammar is important to Grandma," Bosisio jokes. But her point is clear: "It isn't just about following the rules," she says. "Grammar forms the context and ensures we accurately indicate intent, not to mention demonstrate polish and education. Grammar is the logic of speech, and to use correct, established, accepted grammar is to communicate in the way that's most likely to be understood."

However, while Bosisio believes in following the basic rules of grammar, she also believes that what we communicate should sound or look good. For example, it's well-known that sentences shouldn't end with a preposition, but Bosisio gives us an example where this isn't true:

• Dismissing grammar is nonsense I won’t put up with. (against the rule, but understandable)
• Dismissing grammar is nonsense up with which I will not put. (follows the rule, but sounds bad and the meaning is not clear)

This is why author Joan Didion said, "Grammar is a piano I play by ear," says Bosisio.

Bosisio believes our grammar has been affected by computer, phone and social media usage, mainly due to the proliferation of text messaging and social media, along with the speed of these communication methods. She also believes that the lack of focus on grammar in school curriculums has negatively impacted grammar in the U.S.

On the other hand, Henman doesn't see social media as the root of the problem: "It's the lack of other writing," she says, but still agreeing with Bosisio that students don't learn about grammar rules. "Most students do no other writing other than emails and text messaging. Therefore, they receive no feedback about correct and incorrect usage," she continues. "The shortcuts of the social media, in and of themselves, don't cause the problem -- we are all flexible enough to use shorthand some of the time. The trouble is that these kids have no repertoire for other situations."

So basically, grammar is important if you want to sound credible and communicate clearly, but if you're just texting with your friends, the consequences of misplacing a punctuation mark will probably not be severe (although they might be for Grandma).

Gracie

courtesy of Glarkware.com