Once and For All: "stationery" vs. "stationary"

stationery: (n) a wide gamut of materials: paper and office supplies, writing implements, greeting cards, etc.; writing materials

stationary: (adj) standing still; not moving. having a fixed position; not movable. established in one place; not itinerant or migratory. remaining in the same condition or state; not changing:

See how these two are different? One refers to writing/paper materials used in correspondence, and one describes something that is unmoving.

Here's what's sad:

1. I can't compromise and type "stationary" as an alternate description of my etsy items; but I know I'm missing out on sales because of customers' misspellings.

2. google "stationary" and it will yield stationery results. pity. I supposed this is only fair to those who are unclear. But when I see actual etsy shops and other online sites that describe their wares as "stationary," it just gets under my skin.

I don't mind so much when the everyman/not-self-proclaimed-stationery-lover misspells it; but when people who SELL the stuff do...aw man.


[Bird & Banner, via oh so beautiful paper]