Ratty wrote on Aug 9, 2012, 10:35:
For a time I was careful to say "data are" in my emails and documentations. Then I decided it was so artificial and a bit pretentious I gave it up. When I come across that construct elsewhere I always find it a bit distracting and that shouldn't happen in things you write.

I also insist on saying "id is" (as in id software) rather than "id are" (or any corporation for that matter). I find that pretentious and distracting too. Plus I note even John Carmack says "id is."