another hijacked thread!

[Planogirl]

It's a shame that the OP's original topic got lost in the need to correct someone's grammar. I know that the grammar error was amusing but the original topic could have been too.

 

[phorsenuf]

Why? Why does it really matter on a message board? It mattered in school, it would matter on a resume, or if you are writing a letter, but why does it matter on a message board? I'm typing on my iPod touch, it wouldn't take much error to misspell words. So I have to worry I'm going to be made fun of if I respond?

I just think it does. I am allowed to have an opinion aren't I? I just think the more lax people get just because it's a 'message board' or 'text', the more it becomes accepted and I would hate to see that happen because, again to me, it is paving the way for people to look illiterate. And for the record I never made fun of anyone.

I guess I just don't see why people can't use capitalization and punctuation. Is it really the difficult to hit an additional key?

 

[wintersnowwhite]

I just think it does. I am allowed to have an opinion aren't I? I just think the more lax people get just because it's a 'message board' or 'text', the more it becomes accepted and I would hate to see that happen because, again to me, it is paving the way for people to look illiterate. And for the record I never made fun of anyone.

I guess I just don't see why people can't use capitalization and punctuation. Is it really the difficult to hit an additional key?

Yes, ofcourse you are allowed to have your opinion. I was just asking why does it matter so much on a message board, that's all. In MY opinion grammer and spelling isn't a big deal on message boards, FB, text messages. Not that I go around trying to sound dumb.

I just don't think it's nice to go around correcting people for a mistake. Just because it's "someones" opinion (not you) that all spelling and grammer has to be perfect, does that give people a right to make fun of the person who made the mistake?

 

[sbell111]

But, it's incorrect.

Good grief! Why can't you people let it go?

 

[Imzadi]

Can I just point out that I've yet to hear EXACTLY what "The Rule" is? I've seen it mentioned in posts, but no description.

I'm ASSUMING it's quoting what you are talking about. Which the thread actually did, it just got hijacked really quick.

Here is the original thread:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1982917

Phorsenuf started the Rule. (See her tag.)

The rule is that you should quote the op if you are first to reply so that it is recorded just in case it is altered later.

Or, as in this case, deleted.

 

[Imzadi]

Yes, ofcourse you are aloud to have your opinion. I was just asking why does it matter so much on a message board, that's all. In MY opinion grammer and spelling isn't a big deal on message boards, FB, text messages. Not that I go around trying to sound dumb.

I just don't think it's nice to go around correcting people for a mistake. Just because it's "someones" opinion (not you) that all spelling and grammer has to be perfect, does that give people a right to make fun of the person who made the mistake?

Why? Why does it really matter on a message board? It mattered in school, it would matter on a resume, or if you are writing a letter, but why does it matter on a message board? I'm typing on my iPod touch, it wouldn't take much error to misspell words. So I have to worry I'm going to be made fun of if I respond?

It matters if you understand or know what the purpose of communication is about.

Communication has to deal with other people. It is a LOOP. It is not enough to just put out what YOU want it to look like, or change the usage of words, unless you do not care if what you say is understood. If so, then you can write in gibberish, hieroglyphics, bad punctuation & grammar, whatever, and it doesn't matter. You can also write in a private journal any way you want. That's not communication.

If you are on public message board, it is assumed you want people to read it and to respond. It is courtesy to write using standardized language, grammar, usage & spelling so people can understand (general) you. If you do it at work, at school, why wouldn't you do it for people on a message board? Do the humans there not count as much as at home, work or school? Do they not deserve the same courtesy of standardized language?

Speaking/writing isn't one directional. Speaker --> Listener Real communication is a LOOP. The Speaker needs to be understood, too. A Speaker/writer actually has the responsibility to check in with the Listener to make sure his info/intent are being received in the WAY he intends and means. Otherwise, what's the point of speaking/writing?

(General) You ever hear someone pontificating? He doesn't give a crap if people understand him. He just likes to hear the sound of his own voice. I think likewise for people who write in ways that aren't properly, grammatically readable.


Speaker <--> Listener . If it isn't being received and understood in the way he intends, it IS the Speaker's responsibility to change/correct what he is saying so it is understood the way he intends.

<--> Listener . It's is not the fault of the Listener, if he can't understand or decipher it in the way the Speaker meant.


Lack of capitalization doesn't get to me much. I know many texters writing from their cell phones, without QWERTY keyboards don't use capitalization. Everyone makes typos now & then.

My big peeve is when people post and do not add paragraphs to what they write and it becomes one long, rambling block of writing that is 20 lines long. Again, if you (general you) want people to actually READ what you wrote and to respond to it, write it so it is actually easy to read.

 

[sbell111]

In the same vein, one must realize that by correcting others (and then arguing about it), they are making discussion of the thread's actual topic impossible.

 

[diznygirl]

When I am reading on a message board, I am also taking into account the poster's style as I'm reading. If they are trying to convey information but they have poor grammar/spelling/typos then I'm going to ignore the message. It doesn't have to be great, but it should be close.

So yes, I believe that even though message boards are informal, proper language should be used.

 

[Missy1961]

When I am reading on a message board, I am also taking into account the poster's style as I'm reading. If they are trying to convey information but they have poor grammar/spelling/typos then I'm going to ignore the message. It doesn't have to be great, but it should be close.

So yes, I believe that even though message boards are informal, proper language should be used.

That's what happens when I'm reading a post with lots of errors. The writer may have had a great point but because I can't understand it, I skip it. Are all of my posts perfect? I doubt it. I know I'm a lousy speller. But I'll try to read my post before I hit submit. And if I made an error like "manor" instead of manner or "another word" I'd like to be corrected so I don't make it again.

 

[leebee]

It matters if you understand or know what the purpose of communication is about.

Communication has to deal with other people. It is a LOOP. It is not enough to just put out what YOU want it to look like, or change the usage of words, unless you do not care if what you say is understood. If so, then you can write in gibberish, hieroglyphics, bad punctuation & grammar, whatever, and it doesn't matter. You can also write in a private journal any way you want. That's not communication.

If you are on public message board, it is assumed you want people to read it and to respond. It is courtesy to write using standardized language, grammar, usage & spelling so people can understand (general) you. If you do it at work, at school, why wouldn't you do it for people on a message board? Do the humans there not count as much as at home, work or school? Do they not deserve the same courtesy of standardized language?

Speaking/writing isn't one directional. Speaker --> Listener Real communication is a LOOP. The Speaker needs to be understood, too. A Speaker/writer actually has the responsibility to check in with the Listener to make sure his info/intent are being received in the WAY he intends and means. Otherwise, what's the point of speaking/writing?

(General) You ever hear someone pontificating? He doesn't give a crap if people understand him. He just likes to hear the sound of his own voice. I think likewise for people who write in ways that aren't properly, grammatically readable.


Speaker <--> Listener . If it isn't being received and understood in the way he intends, it IS the Speaker's responsibility to change/correct what he is saying so it is understood the way he intends.

<--> Listener . It's is not the fault of the Listener, if he can't understand or decipher it in the way the Speaker meant.

My big peeve is when people post and do not add paragraphs to what they write and it becomes one long, rambling block of writing that is 20 lines long. Again, if you (general you) want people to actually READ what you wrote and to respond to it, write it so it is actually easy to read.

Nicely said. Communication matters, so following the standard rules of grammar, spelling, etc., should matter if you want to be understood.

 

[sam_gordon]

That's what happens when I'm reading a post with lots of errors. The writer may have had a great point but because I can't understand it, I skip it. Are all of my posts perfect? I doubt it. I know I'm a lousy speller. But I'll try to read my post before I hit submit. And if I made an error like "manor" instead of manner or "another word" I'd like to be corrected so I don't make it again.

When I read posts with LOTS of errors, I just figure English isn't their first language.

Nicely said. Communication matters, so following the standard rules of grammar, spelling, etc., should matter if you want to be understood.

But as long as you're understood, doesn't that mean you've communicated?

While I try to be proper, I'm not going to stress over every nuance in my post. I *DO* know the difference though between:
they're, there, their
lose, loose
Another Word, In Other Words

I've never understood when to properly use an apostrophe (unless it's a contraction... Suzie's going to the mall), and often end a sentence on a preposition.

 

[wintersnowwhite]

When I read posts with LOTS of errors, I just figure English isn't their first language.:

Or they could have a learning disability. Either way, I think it's Silly (to put it nicely ) to point out and go on to make fun of a poster who made one mistake.

 

[focusondisney]

Thanks. I missed it. Page 2, and 25 posts into the thread is not great placement of The Rule. But, I'm glad someone did it.

Exactly what I was thinking! As I kept reading, all I could think of was: "why has noone followed the new rule? "Post 25! Finally!"

Thank you mdsoccer mom!

 

[FlightlessDuck]

Take zis tread to cooba!

 

[duffy]

Or they could have a learning disability. Either way, I think it's Silly (to put it nicely ) to point out and go on to make fun of a poster who made one mistake.

Pointing out a mistake can be a kindness, like someone pointing out that you've got toilet paper trailing from your shoe. I know if I'm dragging 4 feet of t.p. behind me, I'd like to be told so that I can quickly fix it.

Pointing it out doesn't automatically mean you're also making fun of the person who made the mistake. If the person who made the mistake is overly sensitive, they may take it that way, though.

 

[duffy]

It matters if you understand or know what the purpose of communication is about.

Communication has to deal with other people. It is a LOOP. It is not enough to just put out what YOU want it to look like, or change the usage of words, unless you do not care if what you say is understood. If so, then you can write in gibberish, hieroglyphics, bad punctuation & grammar, whatever, and it doesn't matter. You can also write in a private journal any way you want. That's not communication.

If you are on public message board, it is assumed you want people to read it and to respond. It is courtesy to write using standardized language, grammar, usage & spelling so people can understand (general) you. If you do it at work, at school, why wouldn't you do it for people on a message board? Do the humans there not count as much as at home, work or school? Do they not deserve the same courtesy of standardized language?

Speaking/writing isn't one directional. Speaker --> Listener Real communication is a LOOP. The Speaker needs to be understood, too. A Speaker/writer actually has the responsibility to check in with the Listener to make sure his info/intent are being received in the WAY he intends and means. Otherwise, what's the point of speaking/writing?

(General) You ever hear someone pontificating? He doesn't give a crap if people understand him. He just likes to hear the sound of his own voice. I think likewise for people who write in ways that aren't properly, grammatically readable.


Speaker <--> Listener . If it isn't being received and understood in the way he intends, it IS the Speaker's responsibility to change/correct what he is saying so it is understood the way he intends.

<--> Listener . It's is not the fault of the Listener, if he can't understand or decipher it in the way the Speaker meant.


Lack of capitalization doesn't get to me much. I know many texters writing from their cell phones, without QWERTY keyboards don't use capitalization. Everyone makes typos now & then.

My big peeve is when people post and do not add paragraphs to what they write and it becomes one long, rambling block of writing that is 20 lines long. Again, if you (general you) want people to actually READ what you wrote and to respond to it, write it so it is actually easy to read.

Hear, hear.

 

[diznygirl]

Pointing out a mistake can be a kindness, like someone pointing out that you've got toilet paper trailing from your shoe. I know if I'm dragging 4 feet of t.p. behind me, I'd like to be told so that I can quickly fix it.

Pointing it out doesn't automatically mean you're also making fun of the person who made the mistake. If the person who made the mistake is overly sensitive, they may take it that way, though.

But what if you prefer toilet paper trailing from your shoe...

 

[sbell111]

How many times must someone point out the toilet paper before it stops being helpful and starts being rude?

 

[diznygirl]

How many times does a person need to be told they have toilet paper on their shoe before they do something about it?

 

[sbell111]

How many times does a person need to be told they have toilet paper on their shoe before they do something about it?

As far as I can tell, the poster hasn't repeated the poor word choice. Still, people cannot let it go.