Venting

[Coggie]

Spelling

Well, while I appreciate the original theme for this forum it's pretty clear that it now has a broad basis. Frankly, I believe I can sometimes have a point to make but my spelling often leaves something to be desired.

I for one won't let my lack of ability prevent me from attempting to make a point.

Just a random related thought but I think DB's original post is in danger of being elitist.

Hell - did I spell that ok!

 

[Problem Child]

Re: I'm with you on most but spelling......

Great artists - great thinkers - they don't give a shit about rules - they break rules.

Intricate, tedious adhereation to spelling and grammar - waste time and thought.

One only needs to be understood.

Sparky, I have to disagree with you here. If someone generally has interesting things to say (like you, for instance) then I can forgive minor spelling and grammatical errors. I think "Hey, maybe he's not the greatest speller in the world, but he's got my attention, so I'll overlook the mistakes". The problem is that many of the people that don't give a shit about spelling (notice I didn't say couldn't spell) also have nothing meaningful to say. That's when it gets irritating. So yeah, if you're a great thinker, then you can bend the rules. If not, get a goddamn dictionary.

Originally posted by Todd
When someone pays me for my posting then I will consider worrying about my spelling and my grammar, until then people will just have to mutter thier way through my posts when they feel so inclined to read what i have to say.

Last time I checked this wasn't http://www.Enlish.101 it was http://www.literotica.com maybe I am mistaken.

Todd, here's a word of advice: In reference to what I wrote above, I don't consider you a great thinker. Don't get pissed, because I'm not one either. But if you take the time to look over your posts and get in the habit of catching misspelled words and glaring grammatical errors and correcting them, people will be a bit more open to accepting, or at least listening to what you have to say.

Dillinger- agree totally. People that qoute a two-hundred word post and type "ditto" underneath are doing nothing more than wasting bandwidth.

DarlingBri- thank you for this thread.

 

[DarlingBri]

Coggie...

Well, I hate to irritate anyone by quoting, especially quoting myself, but:

All I'm asking is that people recognise that their own thoughts are worthy of their very best efforts, and put in the extra bit of time to make that best effort.

I'm not asking for perfection, I'm asking for the best job people can reasonably do. It's respectful to yourself, and respectful to the people who are interested enough in what you have to say to slog through your posts.

For the fourth time, I'm only objecting as above.

I fail to understand how anyone could object to the above quoted statement. Certainly, I try to fight my elitist implulses. If that statement is, indeed, elitist, please show me how.

I'm always willing to revise my views in light of a good debate.

 

[Juspar Emvan]

Bri

Don't sweat it sweets. As someone to whom spelling doesn't come naturally, I often miss other peoples misspelled words, because I can see what they mean. But I know that if you are 'a speller' then the misteakes are glaring and get in the way. Thats not elitest, it's just life. If someone writes up a document, or creates a spreadsheet, any errors and ommissions stand out to me like flashing lights and I feel the need to fix them. I started out here giving you a bit of a ribbing, but even as a misspeller, I agree with your post - without reservation on the 5 other points (6 if you count the quote thing.)

 

[Coggie]

DB

in danger of being elitist

"In danger of" is not the same as "is".

I'm sure your post was merely thought provoking as mine was intended to be.

 

[CelestialBody]

 

[Coggie]

Re: Bri...found it

You're not the only one

http://www.literotica.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=17328

Hiya CB

Okay okay, it's just not my strong suit that's all.

I look much better in numbers )

 

[Ally C]

Re: DB

in danger of being elitist

"In danger of" is not the same as "is".

I'm sure your post was merely thought provoking as mine was intended to be.

It's strange the way some people assume that attention to punctuation, spelling and grammar (not 'grammer'!) verges on 'elitism'. If English is your first language then there must surely be a common denominator with regard to spelling, for example. I'm amazed at how many adults seem uncommonly inept with the written word. No, I'm not talking about 'you', if you think I am, you're being elitist.

The point about learning the structure of language through understanding verbs etc is very pertinent. I can't ever remember being given any such fundamental instruction, apart from when foreign languages were studied.

I've recognised and admired a lot of excellent posts where all of the points described have been present. If it's on a 'serious' thread and I want to reply directly, I try to avoid recourse to pointing such errors out - as this takes away from the discussion in hand. Sometimes the nature of the typo is such that it would be a crime to let it go unnoticed, especially if it totally destroys the intended meaning of the author. Also, it's an unmissable chance to inject some humour, and if I don't dive in and do it, someone else will. It's not elitist to point such things out, and I don't think anyone here is ever in danger of being elitist. Some might 'say' they are better than you, but only you can decide if they are or not. Given that, 'elitism' starts from the position of those perceived as 'inferior' (in whatever context).

Boundaries in literacy skills do exist, but they are not insurmountable barriers. Elitism isn't an issue here with regard to the written word itself. So come on in - the written word is lovely!

 

[BrainyBeauty]

Re: Re: DB

I'm amazed at how many adults seem uncommonly inept with the written word.

Ally, honey, if you weren't a girl, I think I would be in love with you!

 

[R Nitelight]

Dillinger

I wish you'd add a 7th item.

People who quote the original first post in its entirety and then comment with one or two sentences. This is especially irritating when they do so in the very next post! I believe we are all capable of reading, otherwise we wouldn't be here. No need to repeat what we can all read ourselves.

Quoting makes sense when you want to address a particular point in a post or when you want to address each item one at a time.

Very annoying.

 

[Ally C]

Re: Dillinger

I wish you'd add a 7th item.

People who quote the original first post in its entirety and then comment with one or two sentences. This is especially irritating when they do so in the very next post! I believe we are all capable of reading, otherwise we wouldn't be here. No need to repeat what we can all read ourselves.

Quoting makes sense when you want to address a particular point in a post or when you want to address each item one at a time.

Very annoying.

Ditto

 

[BrainyBeauty]

Re: Re: Dillinger

I wish you'd add a 7th item.

People who quote the original first post in its entirety and then comment with one or two sentences. This is especially irritating when they do so in the very next post! I believe we are all capable of reading, otherwise we wouldn't be here. No need to repeat what we can all read ourselves.

Quoting makes sense when you want to address a particular point in a post or when you want to address each item one at a time.

Very annoying.

Ditto

Agree

 

[Ally C]

Re: Re: Re: Dillinger

I wish you'd add a 7th item.

People who quote the original first post in its entirety and then comment with one or two sentences. This is especially irritating when they do so in the very next post! I believe we are all capable of reading, otherwise we wouldn't be here. No need to repeat what we can all read ourselves.

Quoting makes sense when you want to address a particular point in a post or when you want to address each item one at a time.

Very annoying.

Ditto

Agree

What she said

 

[MinkSoul]

Re: Re: Re: Dillinger

I wish you'd add a 7th item.

People who quote the original first post in its entirety and then comment with one or two sentences. This is especially irritating when they do so in the very next post! I believe we are all capable of reading, otherwise we wouldn't be here. No need to repeat what we can all read ourselves.

Quoting makes sense when you want to address a particular point in a post or when you want to address each item one at a time.

Very annoying.

Ditto

Agree

yup...



can't stand that...

 

[Ally C]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Dillinger

I wish you'd add a 7th item.

People who quote the original first post in its entirety and then comment with one or two sentences. This is especially irritating when they do so in the very next post! I believe we are all capable of reading, otherwise we wouldn't be here. No need to repeat what we can all read ourselves.

Quoting makes sense when you want to address a particular point in a post or when you want to address each item one at a time.

Very annoying.

Ditto

Agree

yup...



can't stand that...

What is it with people who can't edit quotes anyway?

 

[Karmic]

I'm dyslexic
Can I beg darlingBri's forgiveness?
Afore I make these mistakes?

 

[KillerMuffin]

I imagine DB feels the same about spelling, punctuation, and grammar that I do. I don't expect nor require everyone to have perfect spelling, punctuation, and grammar. I do wish that everyone would at least put some effort into it. Don't use chat shorthand. If you type quickly and make a lot of errors, slow down a little bit and your errors will clean up somewhat on their own. It doesn't take any trouble to go through your post right after you've typed it and looking for any words that look "funny" to you. This means looking for words that came out like "pareatns" instead of "parents," not trying to decide if you spelled dysentry or pnuemonococcal correctly. Yes, typos happen and they are perfectly acceptable. Sheer carelessness merely displays a lack of respect for others who have to decipher what you've written and yourself for indicating that you have no respect for you language skills.

This is an international board. Many of our friends don't speak the same english dialect or english is their second language. Taking a moment or two of effort to verify that your words and sentences are within the bounds of standard english gives them a better chance of understanding you.

 

[Coggie]

Ally C & KM

in danger of being elitist

Hi Ally & KM

Firstly I've considered your respective posts, I found them interesting and the points made are well taken. Also I'm not being elitist. I am however going to use the example of myself, objectively. <g>

With hindsight I was probably being harsh on DB (apology?) with my original comments because I am over sensitive to spelling problems. "Given that elitism starts from the position of those perceived as inferior", truth is, I perceive myself this way in this regard. I have always struggled to spell correctly and have on occasion been frustrated because I'm sure it detracts from the point I would try to make. I was protecting my self worth, seeking to maintain my confidence to post and that of others too whose input is none the less valuable.

Also it was interesting to note the education issue you mentioned. It led me to wonder if my inability to spell, even though I consider myself moderately intelligent, was because education here (UK) is lacking. Anyway, thank you for the way you made your point, I can now post with complete confidence and blame my teachers for any typos etc.!

Should I cc you on the replies to my letters of complaint? <g>

On another topic, in her post, KM mentioned the international nature of these boards and I am sometimes confused by seemingly everyday phrases passed between regulars here. To some degree I use US terminology in an effort to get my message across, it would be interesting to hear if anyone else adapts their posts in this way. Or does anyone, particularly newcomers, find this aspect intimidating?

I wonder how many people moderate their posts in order to get them readily understood by others from around the globe?

Just a thought or two. Long live humour and the written word.

[Edited by Coggie on 04-22-2001 at 05:34 AM]

 

[Coggie]

Opps typo!

Whoda funk it? <g>

 

[Ally C]

Coggie

Post received and understood! I'd never seek to undermine the confidence of you or anyone else. I appreciate you never said this, but confidence like charity and spelling, begins at home. Thanks for your honest reply; it's patently obvious that you do take yourself seriously and try to make an effort.

As for the "US terminology" you refer to, Lit is a predominantly American inhabited site, so I think most of us eventually end up adopting the conventions which exist here. It may be [US] English in origin, but most people who are conversant in more than one language would most likely have no problem acquiring the nuances and literary customs on display. Mind you, being conversant in one language ought to be enough of a starting point! Having said that, I don't personally see geographic location and associated writing style as an issue. There have been occasions when non-US posters have had to clarify themselves, funnily enough the most frequent occurrences to my mind are those between Britain and the US! Being from a country which has minimal representation on the BB in no way infers that your views are less worthy than others. Check out all of the disunited and discordant US voices here!

 

[Coggie]

Ally

It was good to swap notes.

For the record I'm not always so serious: I've just popped home to look around and I found loads of charity. Blow me though, the only spelling help I could find was in Word, apparently that used (US) English which is clearly of no use (ducking).

Thanks for the posts, take care.

 

[DarlingBri]

Re: Coggie

Having said that, I don't personally see geographic location and associated writing style as an issue.

No shit, Ally There are days I have to consult the Oracle at Lit to even begin to divine what you're on about <bg>

But thanks for an interesting post

Coggie, I like the variety of language used on the board. I think you'll find that those who have a true love affair with language want to see it bandied about in all it's infinite variety. Geographic, idiomatic, and everything in between.

If something is unclear, they'll want you to explain it. Many people here are curious. Interested. And mostly nice

As with any group of regulars anywhere, from pubs to bulletin boards, from Mods to Geeks, I guess there is a shorthand that develops. It's not a secret language, though, and you don't need a decoder ring.

Well, as far as I know. I usually can't figure it out either

 

[Ally C]

LOL

As with any group of regulars anywhere, from pubs to bulletin boards, from Mods to Geeks, I guess there is a shorthand that develops.

It's all Geek to me ...

 

[Ally C]

r,r,r,r,r,r

*and other seal noises*

Anyway, I forgot the 'r' in my last post.

 

[Orlanth]

I would read up on whats going on. But I don't give a rat's pink ass whats going down.