WhiteSmoke Blog

Interview with the Director of Product Development

2011-09-06T23:28:00.000-07:00

New! WhiteSmoke 2011+ Version

The best way to really know about a company’s product is to ask the Director of Product Development herself what she has to say.

Ms. Laly Bar-Ilan is the Director of Product Development at WhiteSmoke, Inc. and there is absolutely nothing she doesn’t know about the WhiteSmoke products.

Ms. Laly Bar- Ilan, is there news of an upgrade coming out?

Yes! We are very excited about this. We’ve created an upgraded version of WhiteSmoke 2011, called WhiteSmoke 2011+, that’s quite impressive, if I may say so myself.

How would you describe the differences in this new upgrade?

We basically took the whole thing up a notch. The entire infrastructure has been upgraded, resulting in enhanced stability, faster performance, smoother installation process, and quite a few interface enhancements.

As a linguist and product development expert, how would you describe the challenges of creating a product as complex as WhiteSmoke 2011+?

Oh, where do I begin…? Well, I suppose you can say that the technology here is as complex as the human brain. WhiteSmoke “knows” how to correct and enhance texts because we “teach” it how the human mind works when it comes to writing. Basically it’s AI, or artificial intelligence, and natural language processing, also known as NLP.

Finally, do you have something you would like to say to the WhiteSmoke users reading this?

Yes, of course. I'd like to say how important it is to us to get your feedback regarding your experience with the WhiteSmoke products. We take our users' comments and opinions very seriously! So if you have anything you'd like to say or report, just send an email to support@whitesmoke.com and I will personally go over your email. I look forward to hearing from you!

So there you have it!

· Enhanced stability

· Faster performance

· Smoother installation process

· User interface enhancements

New! No More Mistakes on Facebook!

2011-08-29T04:04:00.000-07:00

WhiteSmoke now allows you to check your texts on Facebook!
The new WhiteSmoke app checks any text you write in your status bar and even when commenting!

So how do you get it?
Simply download the free trial version of WhiteSmoke 2011 and you'll get the Facebook app for FREE!
The Facebook app is not a trial so even after your WhiteSmoke 2011 expires, you can still enjoy the WhiteSmoke app for Facebook.
Get it now! http://www.whitesmoke.com/grammarchecklp4/?d=4&a=136&r=4796

Immigrants Work to Learn English

2011-08-22T00:29:00.000-07:00

As more and more immigrants flock to America from around the world, solutions must be found to help them integrate fully. Aside from the cultural adjustments, immigrants struggle to learn English. The English language has always been acknowledged as a difficult one to master. The complex grammar, vocabulary and endless rules are challenging for one unfamiliar with the intricacies of the language, even with a translator available.

There are many programs offered to help adult immigrants learn and improve their English. CtPost.com reported that numerous school districts in Connecticut offer evening classes to help parents assimilate better into American culture and day-to-day life in English. Many parents expressed that it is difficult for them that they can’t assist their children with homework and have trouble doing simple tasks such as grocery shopping. The schools offer classes, one-on-one English lessons with tutors and even a book club.

In Dover, they have a different approach to teaching adults English. The Dover Adult Learning Center, according to fosters.com, has hundreds of students who come to study a wide variety of topics including English, math, history, citizenship and GED preparation. Aside from regular classes and tutors, the DALC employs a peer-to-peer method of teaching. Students of one subject are the teachers of another. For example, while one woman helps an American learn French, the American in turn teaches her English medical terminology.

While these classes are wonderful to help immigrants fit in and become part of American society, they might also find technology helpful to build their confidence outside of class. With writing as the main method of communication, sending an email can be a daunting task for someone still struggling just to speak English. WhiteSmoke 2011 and the WhiteSmoke Translator are ideal tools for both immigrants and native speakers to make sure their writing is flawless. WhiteSmoke offers free English lessons. The WhiteSmoke Translator supports nine languages, so users can translate either full texts or individual words from their mother-tongues to English. The WhiteSmoke grammar-checker will make sure that they do not have any grammar or spelling mistakes, and it will even offer suggestions for improvement. With WhiteSmoke 2011 and the WhiteSmoke Translator, users can be confident in their writing without a tutor.

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The Importance of English to the Spanish Economy

2011-06-19T02:58:00.001-07:00

Spain Increases English Lessons to Decrease Unemployment

Author: Katherine Belle

Spain Increases English Lessons to Decrease Unemployment

Spain currently has an unemployment rate of about 20%, which is twice as high as the European average. According to the New York Times, more and more Spaniards are searching for employment opportunities abroad. Unfortunately, many are experiencing difficulties due to poor foreign language skills, specifically their lack of knowledge of basic English. Many adults are returning to school to learn or improve their English or another foreign language.

While the current job seekers are having a hard time because of language barriers outside of Spain, education reforms are being made to ensure that future generations will not encounter such troubles. A third of Madrid's primary schools are bilingual, and by 2015 they are hoping at least half of the schools will be teaching more languages. In addition, more and more schools have begun employing English speaking teachers.

Spain has a long way to go because in addition to struggling with vocabulary and pronunciation, even the campaign has poor grammar. The campaign to promote bilingual education boasts the slogan "Yes, we want!". Richard Vaughan, owner of Vaughn Systems, an English teaching company, estimates that less than five percent of graduates of engineering, law or business have even a working knowledge of English.

A useful tool to help improve one's English is WhiteSmoke Software. WhiteSmoke works with hi-end technology based on both statistical algorithms and NLP, or Natural Language Processing. This allows the software to actually learn how the human mind works when it comes to writing and better understand how to correct your mistakes. In addition, WhiteSmoke 2011 includes a full-text translator that allows you to translate to 9 different languages and a multilingual dictionary that translates single words and gives you usage examples of every word you translate, allowing you to see how your translated word is used in a sentence. For those who want to improve their English, a Writing Review feature is available as well. The Writing Review gives you a detailed score of your original text with personalized improvement tips. WhiteSmoke 2011 with the WhiteSmoke Translator is a fantastic tool for those looking to improve their English.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/economics-articles/spain-increases-english-lessons-to-decrease-unemployment-4898319.html

About the Author

Learning Disabilities

2011-05-22T01:59:00.000-07:00

According to themoralliberal.com there are over ten million students in the United States with learning disabilities affecting their writing skills. Neil MacGregor, VP of Learner Development for WordQ+SpeakQ assistive software, explains that the growth of diagnosed learning disabilities is not because there are suddenly more children with disabilities, but because we have become more attuned to them. In the past if a child was falling behind, it was assumed that he was just lazy. Now we know that a child having trouble in school may have a learning disability.

MacGregor lists several factors that hinder the writing skills of students with learning disabilities. He thinks that right now it is accepted to teach to the students without disabilities and give special classes to the students who need help. MacGregor believes that the students with disabilities should be treated as part of the norm. He also says that multiple choice, true/false and fill-in-the-blank tests contribute to writing disabilities in that they do not encourage critical thinking or written expression. Furthermore, MacGregor believes that technology can contribute to the success of people with learning disabilities.

A useful tool that can help people with writing disabilities is WhiteSmoke 2011 with the WhiteSmoke Translator. WhiteSmoke can be used with nearly any text-based application. It checks the text for spelling, grammar and style mistakes. In addition to offering suggestions for improvement, WhiteSmoke shows where the writer most commonly errs.

The Quality of English

2011-03-16T06:05:00.001-07:00

In Robert Lane Greene’s new book, “You Are What You Speak”, he includes a chapter about the decline of proper grammar. He points out that language sticklers have been complaining about poor grammar since the first century. Language is always changing, and as such, grammar evolving. Greene notes a fascinating correlation between illiteracy and grammar. In the late 1800s, about one in five people were illiterate. Today, nearly everyone can read and there are more writers than ever before. It stands to reason that with more people reading and writing, there will be more mistakes. In our world of instant messaging and text-speak, it’s no surprise that there is a (continuing) decline in proper grammar.

Yet those who care about maintaining the quality of language have not given up. At Kishwaukee College in Malta, Illinois special classes are being offered for ESL students. They understand that stronger English skills will help their graduates find employment. It is especially important for adults to work on their English because children learn from their parents. According to Teresa Fort of ehow.com, perfect writing will only follow perfect speech. If parents speak with proper grammar, naturally children will pick up on this and do it themselves. This speech will then translate into proper grammar in writing.

WhiteSmoke Inc. also believes in the importance of providing the tools to help people learn and improve their English. Aside from the WhiteSmoke Translator, designed to encourage perfect English when used alongside the WhiteSmoke 2011 Grammar-Checker, the WhiteSmoke website offers free English lessons and tips. The WhiteSmoke Translator is great for native English-speakers, as well as for people who speak English as a second language.

Helping Immigrants Help Their Children

2011-03-14T06:17:00.000-07:00

For students who speak English as a second language, it can be difficult to keep up in school. They have to work harder to understand the content of their classes and homework, and what’s even more problematic is that they can’t get help from their parents. Parents who are not fluent in English find it challenging that they are not able to assist their children with their schoolwork due to lack of understanding.

The plight of these parents and their children has not gone unnoticed at Rosa Parks Elementary School in Portland, OR. Oregonlive.com reported a new program started by the school to solve the issue of the struggling ESL students at the root. Instead of merely doing their best with the kids and hoping to reach them, Rosa Parks Elementary has started providing evening classes for the parents. The classes are free, and the school provides complimentary babysitting to make the classes more accessible. The goals of this program are twofold. First of all, it gets parents more involved in their children’s education. Second, it builds the tools they need in order to be able to help their children succeed. The families come from all over the world, and there has been marked improvement in the children’s learning since the program’s inception last March.

An additional way to improve English is to look into online translation tools. Software such as WhiteSmoke Translator can contribute to significant improvement in spoken and written language. Aside from increasing proficiency in English, using translators can improve one’s confidence.

Grammar Day

2011-03-14T06:09:00.001-07:00

Every year on March 4, SPOGG, the Society for the Promotion of Good Grammar, marks National Grammar Day. It is unclear exactly what about grammar this day is meant to celebrate. It may focus on strict adherence to the guidelines of English grammar, or on ingenuity in grammar, such as the originality exhibited by Shakespeare in his flagrant creation of new words. In either case, National Grammar Day is about honoring the English language.

At WhiteSmoke Inc., National Grammar Day is an opportunity to emphasize the improvement of English Grammar. WhiteSmoke 2011 works with most text-based programs to correct spelling and grammar mistakes, as well as suggesting ways to develop style. More importantly, WhiteSmoke 2011 offers the WhiteSmoke Translator Tab, which is all about helping people who speak English as a second language (or need to translate from English to another language). If English is not one’s native language, it can be quite a challenge to master the complexities of English grammar. WhiteSmoke Translator supports full-text translations of nine languages to and from English. Once the text is translated, the user can scan it for grammatical and stylistic improvement suggestions using the Grammar-Checker.

While the WhiteSmoke Translator celebrates National Grammar Day by focusing on people learning English as a second language, Principal Barbra Wells of Hoover Elementary in Mason City, IA, choose to focus on children developing their English skills in school. Principal Wells told kimt.com that it is essential for kids to learn proper grammar, especially in a world where communication via text and instant message encourage poor English.

The Value of English, Even as a Second Language

2011-03-14T06:08:00.001-07:00

According to Wikipedia, a 2000 census shows that 251,388,301 Americans speak English and nearly 36 million of them speak it as a second language. Worldwide, there are approximately 400 million native English-speakers, and about another 200 million more who speak it as a second language.

With English as the most popular language of communication, and writing the main method of interaction, people who are less fluent in English stand to face many difficulties in the international world. Often times, first impressions are made by email as opposed to a face-to-face meeting. It’s so easy to make a simple, silly mistake when composing an email, even if you are completely fluent in English. Now imagine English is your second language. English grammar is complicated enough as it is, without having to worry about insecurities of second guessing your vocabulary and word choice. Fortunately, there are plenty of options to help people with their English.

There are always new technologies popping up to help people learn and improve English, both written and spoken. WhiteSmoke 2011, for example, offers the WhiteSmoke Translator, which supports 9 languages, as of this writing, in addition to a grammar, spelling and style checker. These things are especially helpful in a world where the main form of communication is writing.

It may be worthwhile for people who are learning English, or trying to improve, to invest in software such as WhiteSmoke Grammar Checker and WhiteSmoke Translator. Writing with fluent English has become a must, especially in the business world.

Checking Online Business Writing for Grammatical Errors May Help Encourage and Maintain Website Traffic

2011-03-09T06:05:00.000-08:00

Good grammar is one of the keys to writing convincing, successful business articles online, according to an article on PromotionWorld.com. Small business owners and internet marketers who hope to attract website traffic may heed the importance of proofreading to building readers' trust and confidence in their products or services.
A reader who notes a single grammatical issue is likely to have a strong negative response to the website overall. Writers may have a business partner or colleague point out grammar mistakes when they occur, reports the news source. These errors may prove extremely detrimental to the long-term online presence of a company.
Business writers may also aim for a more stylistic, personalized tone to avoid the feeling of a purely commercial site.
A recent New York Times (NYT) piece highlights some of the common grammatical errors adult writers may make, which can infiltrate professional communications. For instance, many individuals incorrectly use the word "however" as a conjunction to punctuate their sentences, creating an unclear run-on. Others may create inadvertent fragments by placing periods before dependent clauses, the NYT adds.
Running a simple grammar and spelling check may help business workers avoid other issues, including tense inconsistencies and pronoun errors, as they revise for clarity.

Combined Use of Translators May Help New English Writers

2011-03-09T05:57:00.000-08:00

In order to better translate Spanish texts to English, some individuals may use translators and dictionaries that are available online.
Recently, Dictionary.com launched an official Spanish site, which can be found at spanish.dictionary.com. The website will aid individuals who wish to translate their Spanish-to-English writings and double-check their texts for grammatical errors.
However, writers should note that using a combination of online translators may help ensure greater accuracy. A study published in the Journal of Documentation reviewed the comparative effectiveness of a few popular web-based translation tools.
The researchers created a typology of minor errors that each platform produced as they transferred texts from German and French to Spanish. A number of the found errors were lexical. Others were due to the inherent difficulty of the act of translation. At times, one translator was more reliable than another, depending on the languages they were handling.
The findings highlight how language technology can be continually refined to account for unexpected and unforeseen linguistic hurdles.
In short, writers should not depend on any one single translator to "perfectly" translate their work. Using a combination of translation tools may best help you improve your English writing and speaking. A range of dictionaries and translators, moreover, might help one gain a deeper understanding of the syntax of a new language.

Debate Arises Over Automated Grading of Student Essays

2011-03-09T05:47:00.000-08:00

According to USA Today, the Educational Testing Service (ETS) recently presented evidence suggesting that its computer testing program can grade freshman writing placement tests as well as human beings can. Their study examined tests that were taken at the New Jersey Institute of Technology.
The computer grading program, E-Rater, evaluated short essays that were completed in the SAT writing portion. The ETS found that the human grades and E-Rater grades corresponded strongly, according to the news source. Researcher Chaitanya Ramineni noted that "human scoring suffers from flaws."
Many companies and colleges use or plan to utilize the E-Rater tool to grade placement tests. Last November, for instance, Turnitin integrated E-Rater into its GradeMark tools to give students more detailed feedback, according to a report on eschoolnews.com.
However, Les Perelman, the director of MIT's writing across the curriculum program, has emerged as firm opposition to the automated grading tool. According to the news source, he feels the service punishes student creativity and encourages test-takers to use trite vocabulary over clear, concise language. For instance, because E-Rater examines the ratios of grammar and mechanical errors to the total number of words, longer essays - even poorly written ones - may score higher.
The answer most likely lies in between both solutions. Essay writers are best served by combining their own review of their work with an automated grammar and spelling check.

Exposure to English Outside of Class can Help Non-Native Speakers Improve Their Writing

2011-03-09T05:42:00.000-08:00

Students who are new to the English language can improve their speaking and writing skills if they are exposed to the language outside of class. According to a study that was completed at Sweden's University of Gothenburg, this type of "extramural" learning is essential for developing one's understanding of an unfamiliar lexicon.
Researcher Eva Olsson looked at the written work of 37 Swedish students writing in English. Each 16-year-old participant documented their daily exposure to the language, whether through films or computer games.
She found that the students who had a lot of exposure to English outside of their classes felt confident using the language in conversation and writing. She noted that these students used "longer sentences and a more varied vocabulary than those with less extramural exposure."
Olsson also added that "if you view a pupil's linguistic register as a palette, those pupils with extensive exposure to English in their spare time appear to have a richer palette with more different shades."
Teachers who want to help their students improve English writing and speaking may consider encouraging such extramural contact.
Non-native speakers who are trying to improve their translations to English may want to note the importance of absorbing a new language through aural mediums. Moreover, they may eventually benefit from a reliable online translator, as international employers and schools may demand proficiency in English writing.

Mistranslations of Political Speeches Can Cause Rampant Confusion

2011-03-09T05:39:00.000-08:00

The dangers of mistranslation are evident in our daily intake of media, particularly in live-air political speeches made by state leaders, according to NPR. For instance, during Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's speech in February announcing his resignation, three different news sources - CNN, NPR, and Al-Jazeera all translated his words differently.
As a result, confusing reports that Mubarak would both step down immediately - but also stay in office until September - were received by English-speaking viewers. Other phrases were unclearly translated and difficult to understand.
Shortly thereafter, Vice President Suleiman stated that "President Hosni Mubarak has decided to step down from the office of president of the republic and has charged the high council of the armed forces to administer the affairs of the country," according to the BBC's official transcript.
These differences in translation are largely attributable to the varying backgrounds of translators. Some, according to Shuckran Kamal, senior Arabic translator at the State Department, are native speakers of English who have learned Arabic. However, their knowledge of the language "fails to meet the level of linguistic knowledge and sophistication required" for a proper translation, NPR reports.
Linguistics professor Khaled Huthaily noted to the outlet that human translation is often flawed, making the use of professional interpreters essential for sensitive diplomatic translations.
Online translators may also prove useful for transmitting sensitive and important texts from one language to another.

Careless Grammar and Spelling Mistakes Can Close Off One's Career Prospects

2011-03-09T05:32:00.000-08:00

Checking important business letters and e-mails for grammar and spelling errors can potentially help one get a job - and succeed in one's career.
Moreover, appearing careless in text that is sent to clients can reflect poorly on one's professional image. The Nashville Business Journal reports that a poorly edited e-mail can be construed as insulting, and can make readers question the writer's competency overall.
Being a careless grammar checker can also prove costly for one's career prospects. In one anecdote in a recent Forbes.com article, a prospective hire at Hearst Magazine completed a writing and editing test without proofreading her work. The headline of her sample press release read, "[Applicant's Name] Hired as Publicity Mganger of Heast Magazines." Though she was impressive in person, her sloppy proofreading may have proved costly, according to the news source.
Professionals should have others proofread their important letters and memos, if possible, Forbes.com reports. They may also set aside their first drafts and reread them with fresh eyes, and aloud, to note any mistakes that could be potentially embarrassing. They may ensure that they appear more capable and conscientious to their clients by completing a comprehensive grammar and spelling check of their writing.

California Students Form a Grammar Club to Correct Mistakes on Public Signs

2011-03-09T05:10:00.000-08:00

National Grammar Day is March 4th, and writers, copy editors and linguisitic aficionados nationwide will be bolstering their coverage of common errors in writing, according to the nationalgrammarday.com website.
Students at a California-based university may soon have some light-hearted policing of their communication errors, as English majors and journal editors have formed a "Grammar Gang," reports Pepperdine-Graphic.com.
Using red pens and chalk, the club members correct mistakes on visible signs, posters and chalk messages found throughout the Malibu-based campus. They target common errors, including misplaced apostrophes and the exchange of "you're" for "your," the news source notes.
Group leader Courtney Rolando was prompted to found the club after seeing an egregious lack of punctuation on a sorority banner.
According to their mission statement, the Grammar Gang is "dedicated to serving the students by correcting every misspelling, missing comma, incorrect use of punctuation, improper article use, and any other grammar issues that may occur on public displays."
Though formed in a playful spirit, the organization's emphasis on carefully editing one's communication is important. Individuals may want to heed the importance of grammar and spelling checks to be able to communicate as clearly as possible.

Bad Spelling and Grammar Could Affect One's Dating Life

2011-03-09T05:02:00.000-08:00

Today's professionals lead a busy lifestyle that often leads little time to foster new personal relationships. As a result, a great deal of individuals have turned to online dating sites in an effort to maintain their social lives.
However, moving personal communication to an online medium has established a whole new set of dating laws. According to ADI News, these include running a grammar check before any emails are sent to potential companions.
The media outlet advises web-based daters to make sure that their spelling and grammar are perfect before they send any messages to prospective matches. Some individuals may perceive grammatically incorrect emails as a sign of low intelligence or lack of interest, which are generally repulsive characteristics in the eyes of many individuals.
Furthermore, Buzzle.com reports that the way individuals greet potential dates could impact their chances of getting a response. According to the website, members of online dating websites are more likely to respond to messages that begin with phrases other than "hi" and "hello."

What Can a Spelling or Grammar Error Cost You?

2011-03-03T03:08:00.000-08:00

You can never proof-read a written piece too many times before submission. English grammar rules are complicated enough without having to worry about simple misspellings. With writing being the main means of communication, grammar checking software such as WhiteSmoke's all-in-one writing solution can be a huge help to everyone from students and professors to doctors and professionals.

Errors in spelling or grammar can be costly. Aside from causing embarrassment, a misplaced comma or apostrophe can change the meaning of a sentence. Even the slightest mistake on a job application can cost a candidate his/her job. Several years ago, a lawyer lost $31,350 when the judge ruled that he should not be paid in full due to overabundant typos. It’s certainly worth taking the extra moment to read over your work, or even better to scan it with a grammar checker.

However, the importance of good grammar extends beyond just paper and pen. Since The King’s Speech has been at the forefront of award season, there have been several articles published on the significance of grammar and stuttering. The movie focuses on King George VI and his stuttering problem. Having a screenwriter with a stutter, it accurately portrays many of the symptoms and difficulties of stuttering. According to an article by Pam Belluck in the New York Times, research has shown that there is a connection between stuttering and the complexity of language. In a study conducted by Dr. Anne Smith of Purdue University, children with stutters responded normally to contextual errors in speech, but did not pick up on grammatical errors.

Whether written or spoken, language can be a very powerful thing. As they say, “the pen is mightier than the sword”. Inaccuracy can cost money, jobs and speech. A spelling and grammar check is always worth it.

Grammatically correct, handwritten thank-you notes can help jobseekers and business professionals

2011-02-22T04:24:00.000-08:00

Writing a handwritten thank-you note after an interview may seem like old-fashioned etiquette to some modern jobseekers. However, a neat, well-written letter may help jobseekers impress their interviewers.
Such notes help people both stay connected and be remembered, according to the Boston Globe. John Kralik, the author of 365 Thank Yous, found that many deeply appreciate receiving handwritten letters of appreciation.
The Globe notes that the daily use of electronic media makes for a more transient type of communication. Our interpersonal written exchanges are increasingly brusque and informal. Some individuals may feel an an emailed "Thank You" will suffice after an interview.
Taking the time to hand write a note, however, will help an applicant stand out from the crowd. Emails do not have the permanence of a handwritten letter, which can evoke the writer's presence, the newspaper notes. Notes are also not as easily "deleted" and may prove more memorable.
The trend of increased use of abbreviations and acronyms in English communication is of interest to many linguists, according to a recent report from The Associated Press. However, one should make sure such shorthand does not infiltrate one's letters. Running a grammar and spelling check on one's text will make for clean, thoughtful thank-you notes.

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Grammar and spelling errors common, but not unavoidable

2011-02-13T05:31:00.000-08:00

Individuals whose work requires them to communicate in a written form will, inevitably, make a mistake at some point. In fact, a 2004 study from the University Network of Nuclear Engineering reveals that error occurs in more than 60 percent of all human events.
There are several tools that that these professionals can use to ensure that their reputation is not tarnished by poor spelling and grammar. After all, making mistakes is, ultimately, an unavoidable part of the human experience.
In fact, some of the most proficient writers tend to miss simple mistakes because they place a great deal of care and trust in the quality of their work, according to a recent article in the Toronto Star.
Joseph T. Hallinan, a former writer for The Wall Street Journal, told the news source that writers and editors who have a great deal of skill and experience are likely to skim their work and that of others.
"We are blinded by the effects of habit and hubris and hobbled by a poor understanding of our own limitations. We don’t see all that we observe, and yet we sometimes 'see' things we don’t know we’ve seen," he added.

WhiteSmoke will ensure you never make a mistake when it comes to writing. Check it out!

New version of classic book sparks debate over the role of English grammar

2011-02-09T04:33:00.000-08:00

Last month, Publisher's Weekly reported that Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn will be edited for political correctness, and that a new version is slated to be released. The updated edition will replace the word "nigger" - which appears 219 times - with "slave" and eradicate all instances of the word "injun."
The move has sparked a great debate in the literary world. While some scholars support this attempt to bring the text into the context of modern times, others are saying that changing the prose detracts from Twain's original intention.
"It is important to emphasize the historical context and dialect used by Twain," Kate Smolick, an Ohio-based high school English teacher, told the Crescent-News.
"There's a lot of bad grammar, too. But the students are able to decipher all of these factors."
Others are expressing their opposition to the move in more sarcastic ways. For example, Bill White, a writer for The Morning Call, recently penned an article that suggested the book should be revised to include characters of all ethnic backgrounds and sexual preferences as to ensure that no people are excluded from the story.

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WhiteSmoke YouTube Contest

2011-01-12T03:31:00.000-08:00

Want to win great prizes? Then you’ve come to the right place!

We want YOU to send us a video of yourself telling us how much you like the WhiteSmoke products.

SEND YOUR VIDEO NOW!

Be creative – you can video yourself, a group of people, a dance, a song…. It’s all you!

Your video will be showcased on the WhiteSmoke channel where you will make sure your video gets the most views by the end of the contest. And if you’re a winner – we've got some great prizes for you!

1st Place - A beautiful Kodak PlaySport HD Video Camera! It's rugged, durable and pocketsize with an appetite for adventure. This very cool camera is specifically designed for people with active lifestyles, allowing you to capture full 1090p HD video - EVEN UNDERWATER - with just the touch of a button! The Kodak PlaySport Video Camera is waterproof up to 10 feet and features built-in software and a USB cable output so you can easily edit and share with your friends and family on YouTube and Facebook. Did we mention the amazing technology it features that makes sure your videos are sharper with vibrant colors and less blur? but WAIT - we're not done! You ALSO win a full, lifetime license of the WhiteSmoke 2011, Executive version, with the DVD - that alone is worth over $200!

2nd and 3rd Place - We hope you like books! $50 gift cards to Amazon with a free, lifetime license of WhiteSmoke 2011!

4th to 10th Place - Fourth to tenth place win a free 6 month license of WhiteSmoke 2011!

So here are the rules and guidelines...

No profanities and no nudity – you WILL be disqualified if you do not follow this golden rule.
The video must be about why you love, or are a fan of, or use WhiteSmoke’s products.
Your video can be up to about 5 minutes, but you might want to keep it between 2 and 3 minutes.
Remember to BE CREATIVE! You might get famous :)

Download the WhiteSmoke 2011 trial version here if you'd like to give it a go: Download Trial

Visit our website for more information on our products and services! WhiteSmoke Website

The contest has begun!

To apply, send your videos to contests@whitesmoke.com

You’ll receive an email that your video has been approved and then you just wait!

Once your video is uploaded to YouTube, you will be sent an email with a link to yours! Make sure to put contests@whitesmoke.com in your safe list in your email settings - you don't want to miss your link!

Spread the word, get your friends to watch, post it everywhere! Remember, you want to WIN!

Are you still here?

GET A MOVE ON!
SEND YOUR VIDEO NOW!

"WhiteSmoke Virus" - NOT a Virus!

2010-12-30T05:58:00.000-08:00

It appears that lately a lot of questions have been popping up regarding the "WhiteSmoke Virus" and "WhiteSmoke Translator Virus", so we're here to clear things up for you!

WhiteSmoke is a world-leading company for top-of-the-line English writing and translation solutions. Our newest product, WhiteSmoke 2011, includes the WhiteSmoke Translator and WhiteSmoke Writer in one "hybrid" product, providing the user with an easier and friendlier experience.

We at WhiteSmoke Inc. take this issue very seriously and are constantly working in collaboration with top antivirus companies to make sure that anything you dowload or purchase from us is perfect safe and does not harm your privacy in any way.

We hope you enjoy WhiteSmoke and the benefits of our grammar checkers, writing features, templates, dictionaries...etc. and, of course, the top of the line security that we provide, not only in the download process, but also when purchasing and signing up to our newsletters.

If you'd still like to remove WhiteSmoke Translator, WhiteSmoke Writer, or WhiteSmoke 2011 from your computer, simply go to [Start -All Programs - WhiteSmoke - Uninstall]. If you don't have the "uninstall" option, please let us know by sending an email to Support@WhiteSmoke.com and we will get back to you as soon as possible!

WhiteSmoke wishes you happy and secure writing.

Translator Review Program Guidelines

2010-12-23T03:22:00.000-08:00

Thank you for your interest in joining the WhiteSmoke Translator Review Program!

As part of our Translator Review Program we are granting licenses of our newest product, WhiteSmoke 2011, to professional translators.

WhiteSmoke 2011 is our new all-in-one, hybrid solution for English writing, combining full-text translation, dictionaries, grammar and spelling checkers, templates…and more. With sophisticated algorithms based on NLP (natural language processing) and AI (artificial intelligence), the software actually learns how the human brain works when it comes to writing.

Guidelines

Once your review is written, make sure to add the following links with their matching anchor texts:

· www.whitesmoke.com/spell-check.html (anchor text: spell check)

· http://www.whitesmoke.com/english-grammar (anchor text: English grammar)

· http://www.whitesmoke.com/grammar-checker (anchor text: grammar check)

We want your honest opinion - be it good or bad, but make sure your review is objective and has no profanities.

If you'd like to apply, send an email to review@whitesmokeinc.com with a short paragraph about yourself and the URL which will feature your review. Once approved, you will be sent a 1 week license in order to fully evaluate the software. Once your review is posted, we will extend your personal license - just because we're grateful!

We look forward to hearing from you!