Interesting post. I've had quite a few of these things on my mind recently, because I find cultural references and use of language a real stumbling block when I try to write anything. Part of it is because I'm a bit of a stickler for details, and the moment I realise I truly don't know what I'm talking about I immediately get stuck. And I get stuck a lot.

As a reader, I find that whenever I come across dodgy facts of any kind it really throws me. It feels a bit like discovering someone's lying to you. OK, that's a bit strong, but the way it gets me is like here I am, you're telling me something and I am listening, I believe you. You've created a little world I can see in my head, your story is playing in front of me like a film. Then you chuck in something that is out of place, out of time or out of character. Really offputting.

In that sense, I agree with sageness in that cultural references can be an issue for anyone - even the best writers can get caught out by the little things, believe me - it's just that to people like us they can appear more daunting because we live so far away. I am actually surprised when things sort of match, because I'm always expecting stuff to be different all over the place.

And yes, I agree with you, research is key and so are good betas. Thank you for posting this, it really made me think.