Tired of the Grammar Nazi.

[mechtech2]

I make typos and other errors.
And around here, we have a short window of time to fix them!

Some members around here are from other countries - I applaud their very usable English, even if it's imperfect!

Rarely I will comment on a poster's writing.
Sometimes, it is so egregious that it needs pointing out to them to step it up a notch.
Why? Because they expect decent and cogent answers, yet exclude themselves from any efforts in this direction.

BTW Shannow has very good points!^^

 

[andrewg]

I try and use proper english skills while posting on this site. But, I must admit that I am aware that I lack the ability to be 100% correct in punctuation. In school I stunk at it....and I still do. Give me a one on one conversation and I perform far better at communicating. I do notice on occasion that some folks on here are truly horrid at the written word....and this makes it very hard to understand them properly. My Dad always told me that the words and skills you use to communicate will either give you advantages if you have the ability......or place you in a marginal position of respect if you do it poorly.

 

[97tbird]

I correct grammar if the mistake is sorta funny , like when there was a post about being "board" vs. "bored", but I do notice almost all the mistakes others make.
but 95% of the time, I leave it be, because I know I make mistakes, too.

The main topic on this board (not bored - hehe) IS oil, and grammar may not be that critical, BUT when the mistakes are made on the "off topic" section, I don't think it's negative to correct someone in a non-aggressive, nice manner; I won't mind if someone corrects mine when I make a mistake.

 

[XS650]

Originally Posted By: ProfPS
I agree that correcting another's post for grammer and spelling does not help or encourage participation in this blog. BITOG has become a global site with contributions of many in which English is not their native language.


It's not the non-native English speakers who generally write the illiterate posts on BITOG. It's those in the bottom end of the home grown group that are the most incoherent.

Most of the non-native English speakers on BITOG write coherent English with spelling as good as the average American. I think that is because they are capable of forming and expressing coherent thoughts in their native languages.

 

[Mr Nice]

I read some resumes of different people we are looking to hire and they are filled with grammar and spelling errors.

 

[ekpolk]

Originally Posted By: Shannow
Popinski,
as a technical professional, I am increasingly becoming stuck with new professionals who cannot get even the simplest concept across in any comprehensible form.

The texting generation have eliminated spelling and grammar from their skills set.

Their one liner instant messaging has them in a mindset that standing behind someone who doesn't even know that you are there, and grunting "(I) need to go to Bankstown" implies content, relation to their employment activities, and indeed the implication that for the benefit of the above they need to go to Bankstown.

They can create a CFD model (that gives the wrong answer, and not know that it's wrong), and not be able to sketch even a guestimate of the system.

Communication needs at least a semi solid foundation.


Absolutely YES!!! At the end of the day, language is a technical device used to communicate information from one entity to another. If one is so unable to master their native language that their message starts to become obscured or lost through one's linguistic ineptitude, well then, those involved need to take a look at their language skills.

Beyond the basic technical questions of whether one can form an effective sentence or not, there are social and customary issues as well. In the most basic sense, using language sloppily and ineffectively shows a degree of disrespect for those who take the time to communicate properly.

All this said, I know where we are today, and we all have to deal with that. I only bring up such issues myself if the message is becoming grossly obscured by linguistic ineptitude, or if someone spells "Mobil" with an "e" on the end (as in "Mobile", which is a city in Alabama, not an oil...).

 

[yeti]

ekpolk -- good posts from you and shannow.have a good day.

 

[andyd]

I try to be as correct as I can when posting. That is the best way to get an intelligible reply and perhaps learn something. The internet is a place to meet people. I try to put my best foot forward. Bad grammar makes it hard to give an accurate response.

 

[Chris142]

I often have to really think about proper spelling or actully look the word up in a dictionary.

I also txt friends a lot and since I must hit a button 3 times to get a letter I want I often shorten it up. This may roll over onto my posts if I'm not paying attention.

 

[CROWNVIC4LIFE]

Why do we have same subject here twice...Isn't one dumb post on this subject enough.

 

[yeti]

to keep us peons confused.

 

[Seguino]

Last year I can not spell "english professor". Now I is one!

 

[CROWNVIC4LIFE]

Originally Posted By: yeti
to keep us peons confused.


I think you are correct.

 

[Gary Allan]

I thought we were supposed to be confused. Is there some reason to change?

 

[crinkles]

I apply the necessary strictness to my language use when being in a professional situation. but BITOG is not a professional situation so I am a fair bit relaxed about it all.
You don't talk to your boss like you do at home do you?

 

[GMorg]

I may just be getting old, but I need to have at least one space after a punctuation mark. I actually had a difficult time getting through hounddog's entry above. In addition, I also greatly appreciate the use of a capital letter at the beginning of a sentence. I actually find all-caps easier to read that all lower case.

 

[labman]

I am not proficient at typing or spelling. I do have spell check and the pride to produce presentable posts.

 

[Pablo]

Originally Posted By: crinkles
I apply the necessary strictness to my language use when being in a professional situation. but BITOG is not a professional situation so I am a fair bit relaxed about it all.
You don't talk to your boss like you do at home do you?


So are you saying you are just a hack here for us low life types?

We all have different levels depending on the audience, fully understood. I guess as long as we aren't dwelling in the basement....

 

[mcrn]

I have to say some things bother me. I take things typed out literally. So when people can not use the correct word such as there or their correctly it makes it harder to read. Too or to, here or hear are other examples. Like I said I read them as they are typed and take it literally. I guess I feel like most of us on here if not all of us are adults. And I do not feel like I am expecting too much. I do not always use grammar correctly such as Im im or I'm but you can still read the post quickly and read it smoothly. Oh and Mobile vs Mobil always gets me! Other than that Im not too picky but spell check is free and takes almost no effort to use.

 

[greenaccord02]

Originally Posted By: labman
I do have spell check and the pride to produce presentable posts.


With a healthy dose of alliteration, nonetheless!