I, like many writers, have been using (perhaps even overusing) the em dash for my entire career—I even know the keybord shortcut. Last week, my AD/ECD accused me of using ChatGPT because "only AI uses that."

I had to go back to dozens of decks and files I wrote before 2022 to prove myself, explained the keyboard shortcut, and explained the difference between a hyphen, en dash, and em dash. Then I pulled up this meme I shared on Facebook six years ago.

This is how I have to justify myself?

Post Photo
likefunnyuplifting
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

Oh meanwhile he regularly uses midjourney for storyboards, KVs, and mockups. Which is totally fine, it streamlines the work and gives us way better references for complex ideas. But the irony...

likefunny

Don’t ever feel the need to justify yourself. All writers use em dashes—we just like them. But as soon as you start justifying yourself it never ends.

like

That’s absolutely ridiculous. I LOVE the em dash—so much so, I’m using it here.

It’s like saying “only GPT spells correctly so you’re clearly using AI.” 🤦‍♂️

Your ECD is an effing moron and I hope the dummy sees this post.

like

i used to love flexing on my coworkers with an em dash; now it’s back to the comma life. 😔

funny

I never use them. Nothing against them, but I remember in college my very first English comp paper I got a super low grade for grammar and punctuation errors, mainly comma splices. It traumatize and have been using semicolons since.

like

*traumatized me

funny

Hemingway used them prolifically in correspondence to his editor, long before AI and ECDs

like

Your ECD needs to touch grass.

like

Oh fuck that.

Your boss heard someone repeat that on TikTok and believed it.

like

The irony.

How asinine. I'd just have laughed and wished them luck getting anything that good out if chatgpt.

Each to their own but I was always taught that good writing uses as little punctuation as possible.

em dash gang gonna come 4 u

funny

For f**k’s sake. I only started using em dashes because I had a Copywriter ECD who corrected my bad use of hyphens.

I’ve been em dashing for 15 years now.

you only used once in this post—don’t let them break your em dash spirit !!!

I overuse ‘…’ personally…

semicolons are for cowards. go full colon always.

Dash gang 4 life.

Don't ever forget, shit floats upward.

Related Posts

Anyone have any CIPP/US practice questions besides the 30 from the IAPP?

like

Actually starting to think I’ll be single forever. The apps go nowhere. How are you guys meeting people right now?

like

IF you use EPIC EMR, do you like it? How does it compare to prior ones that you have used?

like

Thoughts on Open AI? Do you really think AI is the game-changer they're hyping it up to be?

like

Hi folks,

Am planning to put a paper in November as am having 90 days of notice period so my last working day will be on January next year. as per current market and next year recession is it good to do this now?

Tech stack: java Fullstack developer

Please pour your suggestions

like

In a perfect world how much would you want to make a year to both pay off your loans and live a good life? I think I'd need to make upwards of $200k to pay off my loans, take care of my family and live a fulfilling life.

like

Need referral for CGI canada (does CGI Canada provide any work permit)

Would like to connect and learn more

I am an early stage career professional

like

If you've worked at multiple FAANG companies, what's your secret?

like

Did you ever have any issues with your family questioning what you do and saying it wasn't a "real job" ? They think being a social worker is fluffy and I should have just become an "actual doctor or psychiatrist"

helpful

Is Credit Suisse, Pune starting 100% work from office? Or is it hybrid?

Anybody from TCS and working at Qualcomm..

6/16 Thread (BC):

like

How many times have you felt that business/operations/"xyz" dept. folks are ruining the product by controlling what features need to be built rather than focusing on the problem statement.?

like

What’s the worst part about travel?

like

Hi guys,

Does anyone going to office in regular basis. I mean for India location. Is it mandatory to go to office?

like

Hi, offer coming through from AWS - is there scope for negotiation with them, or is the offer just the offer?

like

Additional Posts in Creatives

How can I help our UX/UI people and developers become more familiar with conceptual advertising? One Show books? Hey Whipple, Squeeze This?

likefunny

**This week** Stay safe everyone! (Yes I made this meme)

Post Photo
likefunny

I am on 5 projects right now all due within the next week-3 weeks. I feel like I’m drowning and might quit if I reach a breaking point, what should I do? Only work on the projects worth a shit? Blow off first round check ins to work on stuff that’s due?

like

A branding question. If FIFA stopped calling it the Women’s World Cup, would more of the world start treating it with as much reverence as the men’s World Cup, which is just called The FIFA World Cup?

likefunny

Moved over to a review system called 15Five. It allows you to review your manager. I gave my manager a terrible review. The catch is: they get to “anonymously” see your reviews. Bad move?

like

I Have a HR scheduled meeting, in the morning. Is that Sus?

like

Does anybody know which are the best in-house agencies to work for? Thanks!

like

In person panel event - how Brands and Creators Win Together on TikTok. Let’s get together! DM @linkagency.official on IG if you would like to join

Post Photo
likefunny

What’s your take on a job listing that states “From $xx,xxx”

The particular job I’m looking at has this on the listing and I’m curious as to what their budget actually is. Do I assume a range?

They’re seeking someone with 5-8 years experience. I have the latter (8 almost 9)

How would I approach this when asked without pricing myself out of the position? Especially if they’re not willing to be upfront (assuming here) how much they’d want to offer me in particular.

like

Living outside of NYC and remote interviewing for a job, landing an offer, then relocating to NYC -> anyone ever done this?

like

Has any creative here ever tried to make the leap to leave advertising and be a film maker, photographer, illustrator, etc.?? I’m so tired of ad agencies and how draining the “creative” can be. Happiness is more important than a nice paycheck for me. Any inspiration success stories advice would be so helpful right now...

likefunny

FCB Health Chicago - What’s it like?

like

Are Creative Directors rich?

likefunny

Kind of wanna move to Europe, where do I find an awesome job europeople? CD.

like

Anyone wanna give me constructive criticism on my portfolio? 😪

Did Peloton really un-ironically put “Man’s Not Hot” in a commercial in the year 2022?

like

If you could work at an agency for the rest of your career, would you do it? Or do you see being a professional creative as a means to another career altogether?

like

I love living in NYC. Unfortunately, I haven’t found the kind of job I want here. Can someone suggest me other states where creative agencies are actually hiring?

likesmart

What makes a bro?

likefunny

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal