; (semicolon)
Semicolons were my stock in trade, until enough experience and feedback convinced me that shot, clipped sentences make for better prose. Erika Dreifus has a thrice-weekly newsletter, and in the current one she references an article by Adam O’Fallon Price on why semicolons can be a good thing. In the spirit of hearing all rational sides of an issue, here’s his piece. And while we’re there, let’s give The Oatmeal a soapbox of his own.