Facebook grammar RULES!

Something was “affected” on the ABC Evening TV news last night (Tuesday, August 30, 2011).
“Affects” (“effects?”) of Hurricane Irene.
“Is that right?” I asked.
Around-and-around we went at the Mighty Mezz, “affect” or “effect.”
“I think it is,” my wife declared, who majored in English at the same college I attended.
“A hurricane would ‘affect’ things.
‘Effect’ usually has a ‘to’ in front of it.”
“The impression I always had,” I said; “was that ‘affect’ related to affecting personality traits.
That ‘effects’ (‘affects’) how I use the word.”
Years ago I had a similar discussion with a grammar authority at the Mighty Mezz, whose opinions I value, my trusted authority on grammar questions.
He attended the same college as me, fair Houghton College in western New York, although he graduated much later than me.
My wife concurred with him.
“A hurricane can ‘affect’ things.”
I was shocked — shocked and appalled (“uh-Pauled”).
He flew in the face of my impression “affect” related to affecting personality traits.
Cue sonorous blasts from all those who majored in English.
Of course this is no consequence to Facebookers.
What does it matter?
“Affect/effect;” they no what I meant (“mint”).
Proper grammar is for wusses.
Facebook grammar rules!

• The “Mighty Mezz” is the Canandaigua Daily-Messenger newspaper, from where I retired over five years ago. Best job I ever had — I worked there almost 10 years. (“Canandaigua” [“cannan-DAY-gwuh”] is a small city nearby where we live in Western NY. The city is also within a rural town called “Canandaigua.” The name is Indian, and means “Chosen Spot.” —It’s about 15 miles away.)