For Jeff: Said I or I said?

Jeff King asked: When should I use Jeff said or said Jeff? I use Jeff said when adding an adverb after, like so. "I am right" Jeff said reassuringly. And when I am not I use this “I am right” said Jeff. Does it matter either way? Is there a rule of thumb to follow?

Jeff, I have no idea. Fortunately, there's at least one wonderful copy editor who follows this blog who might chime in.

However, here's what I do. Generally, I use XXX said (and, yes, I use saidisms if I think they work better). For some reason, it generally works for me better. However, there are times when it doesn't, when it doesn't flow right.

To date, this has often corresponded to times when someone is speaking a bit more formally or, if someone consistently speaks formally, I might make it the norm for that particular characters. It feels more traditional to me, a little more distanced.

But I don't do it consciously, I don't think, and I don't know about a hard and fast rule.

Anyone else have some input on this?

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Call for Questions

OK, I know I haven't answered Shakespeare and I haven't sung yet for JD. But I'm writing a post anyway, a short one.

See, Shakespeare's question is a good one and, truth told, I'm not sure what the answer is. By the time I've figured out what methods are most effective for building traffic, assuming I ever figure that out, she'll be bored or putting her kids through college or something. So, if anyone's got some advice I can compile for Shakespeare, that would be great.

(And, Shakespeare, I know I owe your novel chapters a read. For those that missed it, my sister, Shakespeare, novel chapters made it as one of the 500 quarterfinalists for Amazon.com's breakthrough novel contest, so do check it out! Unfortunately, there's only until April 15th, so hurry! I'll do the same!)

Anyway, I'm looking for feedback for Shakespeare, like the hints judemiller got for her question on putting a picture in the middle of a post.

I'm also looking for some more good questions. I've had several humdingers, several thought provoking questions, several that really made me do some research. So, what else do you want to know? Want to know more about the human spaceflight programs? More about what to do in a social situation? Want a tarot reading? It's what I'm here for.

Let me have it.

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Placeholders

OK, I know I owe Shakespeare the second have of her question on getting a blog more visibility (as if we all didn't want that). And I owe JD a rendition of "What a Feeling" from Flashdance. Relax Max said he'd be back with a question, though I don't think he has yet.

judemiller wanted to know how to put a picture in the middle of the post. I have no idea, but that's on my list to find out.

For those who have dropped or contacted via the blogcatalog or any other method, I will return your drops and contacts. I'm just falling behind at the moment. I have an explanation up at Rocket Scientist. With any luck, I can go back to schedule and catch up with my favorite folks and blogs later this weekend.

You know I love you guys!

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