[AntiGuv]

For starters, why don't you put a period after "problem" and capitalize the I in "it's"?

I don't understand why the semicolon gets no respect anymore; it's such a handy tool..

[Huck]

I don't understand why the semicolon gets no respect anymore; it's such a handy tool.

I was going to say the same thing. A semicolon is a great way to connect two independent but related clauses.

[Constantine XIII]

Semicolon polyps.

[elli1]

Another vote for semicolon. !!!;)!!!

[nuke rocketeer]

What! A semicolon is for punctuation? I thought its only use was for the eyes on a sideways smiley.

[Uncle Vlad]

Here's a wonderful book, which everyone should read:

Woe Is I: The Grammarphobe's Guide to Better English in Plain English, Second Edition.

It's painfully witty and serves as a useful guide to grammar all at once.

[kitkat]

***I don't understand why the semicolon gets no respect anymore; it's such a handy tool..***

Probably because some pop-magazine editors tell writers not to use a semicolon. It confuses their brilliant readers.

[Gondring]

I got reprimanded at a job for using semicolons and the word "thrice" in a report. I was told they were "slang" items that weren't appropriate in a formal report. Also, my em dashes were replaced with hyphens.

<sigh>

I'm a big fan of both semicolons and em dashes, where appropriate. I'm no fan of PHBs who make things unreadable.

[Carolinamom]

I like your semicolon suggestion better than my suggested period between those closely related sentences. (Comma splices are a no-no.)