Strunk and White

The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White provided a lot of great tips and information. I never thought a whole book could be written on "style", but Strunk and White have proved me wrong by including every intricate detail, citing literary devices and their uses, "manners" of writing, etc. I felt as though sometimes their personal opinions and preferences were interjected, but I can't say that most of the time I didn't agree with them.
For example: Strunk and White say to "use orthodox spelling". I find this to speak to today's society whole-heartedly; on the internet we use shorthand and abbreviations all the time. This has an affect on whether or not a writer appears to be credible, and it is simply inappropriate for sophisticated, professional writing. Spelling words like (what the authors use) "through" as "thru" promotes lazy, quick, unrevised writing, and if I saw it in an essay or piece I actually paid for, I would be repulsed.
I often wish that writers would adhere to their rule of "omit[ting] needless words". I often read assigned works from my professors and fall asleep while doing so. I wish that authors would be concise and precise, and just cut to the point. It was greatly appreciated that they provided a good example by using something that is so commonly said: "the fact that". To take my own advice, this section had good information that I wish everyone would adhere to.
I did not agree with their tip of "avoid[ing] fancy words". I have been told countless times by my professors to use a thesaurus and find better words for what I am trying to say. I am always tempted by that "twenty dollar word" because it simply sounds better, a point which they later touch upon as well. I agree that whatever sound better to the ear should be used, as Strunk and White point out.
At the very end of the book, Strunk and White say to avoid inputting our opinions in our writing. I used to think so, until I got into my major courses and Eastern and more and more professors told me to put my own opinion in my paper, and even to use "I". I had always learned that was a big no-no, but it seems to be becoming more acceptable. I think this rule may be a bit outdated, as now I read essays and different writings where a very educated and professional author states his/her opinion. I am still getting used to this idea as well, but I am coming around to it.
I very much enjoyed the final few sentences of this book. It preached that we should be who we are and allow that to show in our writing, but to still follow standard speech and writing practices. I always hear about how many English majors there are at Eastern, and really all over the country. What irritates me the most is because people think it is an easy subject. Well, I have news, IT'S NOT. As Strunk and White say, writing proper English is not a "cinch" like many people assume. It is difficult. If it weren't, there would be no reason for the two of them to write an entire book on style. Every word has its place and every sentence its use, and it takes a great and talented writer to incorporate and properly use these rules and guidelines.