This is either the funniest, or saddest email I’ve received thus far in connection with my book. I’m having trouble deciding how to reply to such an asinine, hypercritical message so I’ve decided to leave it up to the court of public opinion.

Jason,

I was looking at your book on Amazon and clicked the link to http://www.principlesofbeautifulwebdesign.com/ . While I do like the message and techniques presented, I am amazed you include a misspelled word on a web site design example. I am also amazed no one reamed you in the reviews.

The possessive form of “it” is “its.” “It’s” is only used as a contraction for “it is.” Period. The error is under Imagery, end of the first line.

Check http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/it if you need a confirmation.

Also, under the “About the Author” section, the comma belongs inside the quotes. Pick up a newspaper or magazine and notice where a period or comma should be placed when at the end of a quote.

Sorry, but you lost a sale because of those blunders. Maybe if you fix them you won’t lose another. Pretty layouts and color choices are not the only things that make a beautiful web site.

Regards,
(Name Removed)

In this persons defense, I’m terrible at catching grammatical and spelling errors. My wife and the editors at Sitepoint can verify that. I’ve since fixed the two minor grammatical errors, but I’m curious how you think I should respond? Please leave out any expletives.

I’m really hoping this whole thing is just a payback joke for mass rick-rolling everyone I know on twitter. :) Regardless, it’s pretty classy.