We at Snark Hunting have great respect for words and language. Indeed, we spend a lot of time in the safety of our offices writing and joking about the subjects.

Today though, we want to take a moment to shine the spotlight on Jill Carroll, a freelance reporter in Iraq, who is the latest journalist to be kidnapped there.

Unlike us, Jill does important work with words and language. Along with her family and colleagues, we hope for her safe return. Jill is someone doing vital and dangerous work, and she is also a friend.