I need a rule (simple if possible) to govern the use of the semicolon! Seems I am always misusing that damn thing in my writings.
Thanks
Quasi
Sorry, I’m not her, but here goes:
A semicolon is a weak period; use it anywhere you need to separate to complete thoughts but do not want the degree of separation provide by a period.
Like so.
:rolleyes:
Or, you can use it to separate two complete thoughts but do not want the degree of separation provided by a period.
Your choice, really.
I need a rule to govern the use of the semicolon; seems I am always misusing that damn thing in my writings.
I also have trouble using dashes. 
Quasi
You technically need a subject at the beginning of the second clause; it seems to be missing one. 
(Yes, the “it” can be understood as implied. But a semicolon is somewhat formal, and leaving the subject off like that looks a little casual to me.)
You can introduce a nice variation when the sentence after the semicolon begins w/ a word that would normally be followed by a comma. Clear as mud? Observe!
The camel spider hissed its war-cry and leapt for my face. However, I drilled it through the thorax with an amped-up laser pointer.
The camel spider hissed its war-cry and leapt for my face; however, I drilled it through the thorax with an amped-up laser pointer.
Finally, the semicolon can be used as a kind of übercomma if you’re constructing a list wherein some of the items contain commas.
I invited my mother, the Queen of England, my brother, Napoleon, and Dick Tracy.
( = I throw interesting parties.)
I invited my mother, the Queen of England; my brother, Napoleon; and Dick Tracy.
( = My family tree is unusual.)
I agree with Yersinia Pestis on the subject/formality thing; a semicolon is rather a formal mark of punctuation, so it’s use in casual writing usually comes across as out of place.
The second use, which came to my mind about 11:00 last night, is also common, but should be avoided when possible by rewriting the sentence.
What, you’ve heard me say that before?
Yah, that’s what I always do when I can’t decide if a sentence is correct. When in doubt, recast!
You rang?
Sorry I’m late, but I’ve been busy in meatspace. Go figure!
In answer to your question – what they said! Carry on.
Okay, Scarlett, you’re gonna have to explain that one! 
Does it have something to do with your copyediting, or have you been slaughtering cattle? 
To those of you who answered my question in Scarlett’s absence, my thanks; moreover, my profuse gratitude! (that still don’t look right, y’all!;))
Quasi
I presume “meatspace” = “real life”. I’m perhaps wrong but I seem to recall the phrase from William Gibson’s Neuromancer or the like.
ndorward is correct about the definition – it’s the complement of “cyberspace.” I forget where I picked it up, but I like the concept!