The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #147254   Message #3415975
Posted By: HuwG
07-Oct-12 - 03:54 PM
Thread Name: BS: Grumpy about Spelling Errors
Subject: RE: BS: Grumpy about Spelling Errors
I recently had to send a form to the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority, in Britain).

The luddites there forced me to download and print a seven-page PDF file, fill it in with black ink and post it to them. Why it is infeasible to fill it in and submit it online, I don't know, but that's by the by.

One section said correctly, "GP's name". Adjacent to it was another section, which said "Consultants name". Did anyone proof-read this form before making it available for download?

In my parents' day, public bodies were notorious for picking up minor solecisms in forms submitted to them, and sending them back to the person or organisation who had sent it and demand that they correct it before it could be accepted e.g. "Please insert a comma between the first and second items in the list of articles to which this form applies". I am very tempted indeed to send my form to the DVLA unsigned and undated, with a covering note requesting them to insert the necessary apostrophe before I am prepared to submit it. Unfortunately, they could claim that by doing so, I am failing to notify them of a medical condition as required by law, and fine me £1,000, so they rather have the initiative.