Are Forum Members Sometimes Too Critical Of Writing?

[ray23]

I have noticed since becoming a member that many times posters are ridiculed , because of thier sentence structure spelling coma's Ect.

I've been nailed a few times myself, I take it with a grain of salt, my spelling is horrible and I don't really type. So no new news for me.

But I wonder how mnay times the meaning of the post is overlooked so that a posters writng capabilities can be critiqued.

Is ones writing skills truly that reflective of his intelligence ?

Or is that more a measure of a persons education?

Is the an easy way to make fun of another, simply because you don't agree with thier postion in a subject, thereby making your self superior.

Hey I don't even pretend to know the answers to these questions, I do know one thing anyone who can communicate thier thoughts in a foreiegn language, I have a lot of respect for. I can't do it.

The main thing to me is do I understand what they are trying to say, if they have communicated then that is good enough for me.

Sorry guys a slow day around the Casa

[the gent]

The title should read ....... TOO critical.......

[rcm]

The title should read ....... TOO critical.......

.......

[GuestHouse]

It's usually a sign that the person making the criticism is unable to come up with a counter argument. In a last ditch attempt to appear clever they tackle the English.

[Donz]

i cant spell for shit and i dont really give a shit if someone critisizes me

[Morden]

I can't say that I've noticed a great amount of such criticism compared with the number of opportunities for it. Probably, everyone makes grammatical and spelling mistakes from time to time but, if we want to be understood properly and show due consideration to the reader, we should try our best to be accurate. The written word is all that we have on this forum so, if we get it wrong, we can expect to be misunderstood. For my part, I tend not to pick up others for their mistakes because they may be the result of poor education or some other personal issue. I inevitably make mistakes myself so I won't use my time to criticise others for doing so. It may also be that English is not the author's first language and in this instance the rest of us should support and understand him or her. Also, open criticism of spelling and grammar is likely to annoy the author, diverting attention from the subject matter.

However, there are also signs of laziness and discourtesy that indicate a lack of respect for the reader. They may also indicate that the author's own thoughts about what he or she is writing are unclear. For instance:

1. Basic typographical errors that could be picked up if the author took the trouble to check his work before posting. If someone doesn't think that what he wrote is worth checking, why should I think that it's worth reading?

2. Ambiguous statements, sometimes a sign of muddled thinking.

3. Swearing. It still offends many people and I usually assume that it is used as a means of compensating for a poor vocabulary.

4. Overuse of smilies.

English is a very rich language that can help us express the most subtle of feelings and thoughts. There is no merit in accuracy for it's own sake but it helps us to express ourselves clearly and accurately and therein lies the merit of correct grammar and spelling. On the other hand, there is no merit in attacking the shortcomings of others whilst ignoring what they are trying to say.

Edited March 11, 2006 by Morden

[edd]

i cant spell for shit and i dont really give a shit if someone critisizes me

I have had the spelling police after me, it is usually after a night out.

[Crossy]

It doesn't worry me too much, typong and spellung errors are a fact of life on fora like this one

BUT

Incorrect use of "two, to and too", "there, their and they're" and "weather and whether" REALLY grate

The above obviously applies to native English speakers, it is usually apparent when the poster is not a native speaker and allowances can be made.

OK, gripe over

[Maestro]

The main thing to me is do I understand what they are trying to say

I agree with you, but there is the occasional post that I fail to understand. However, this is probably my fault because, having learnt English as a foreign language, I find it more difficult to guess the meaning of an incorrectly written sentence than a native speaker would.

For the rest, I agree with the sentiments expressed by Morden.

--------------

Maestro

[robitusson]

Ect.

etc. not Ect. and it's "too critical" not "To Critical"!! Sheesh!

[Thaising]

A picture worth a thousand word, need not spelling. How farang fell love with a girl in LOS in the begining. Hand signs that it.

[Tywais]

I'm very critical of my own writing and usually verify my grammar/spelling before posting. However, others I have no problem with due to the diversity of posters here including (especially) non-native English speakers.

Sometimes I will go as far as to put a word I'm not certain about into a spelling checker first. I suspect this is due to the fact that I'm the sole proof reader of manuscripts for publications at the lab and has just crept into my daily writing. The least enjoyable task I must say.

I suspect now I will be critiqued on every word/sentence.

[HarryHerb]

Standing ovation for Morden: an exemplary post.

My personal gripe is apostrophes - particularly in words like coma's (sorry, that made me wince).

However, you are perfectly right that I can infer you are talking about commas and not something belonging to a vegetative state. So what the hel_l, typo away, I certainly won't criticise - it's all part of the charm of Thai Visa.

I suspect now I will be critiqued on every word/sentence.

Nonsense, Tywais, beautifully enunciated.

Incorrect use of "two, to and too", "there, their and they're" and "weather and whether" REALLY grate sad.gif

Don't you mean great ?

[Crossy]

Incorrect use of "two, to and too", "there, their and they're" and "weather and whether" REALLY grate sad.gif

Don't you mean great ?

NO!!! I mean't GRATE which is why I wrote it

http://www.answers.com/topic/grate

To reduce to fragments, shreds, or powder by rubbing against an abrasive surface.

To cause to make a harsh grinding or rasping sound through friction: grated her teeth in anger.

To irritate or annoy persistently.

Archaic. To rub or wear away.

[Tywais]

Incorrect use of "two, to and too", "there, their and they're" and "weather and whether" REALLY grate sad.gif

Don't you mean great ?

NO!!! I mean't GRATE which is why I wrote it

You did that on purpose didn't you Crossy, just to see who you could catch?

[Crossy]

Incorrect use of "two, to and too", "there, their and they're" and "weather and whether" REALLY grate sad.gif

Don't you mean great ?

NO!!! I mean't GRATE which is why I wrote it

You did that on purpose didn't you Crossy, just to see who you could catch?

ABSOLUTELY

[ray23]

The title should read ....... TOO critical.......

No two critical

Actually I was trying the gentle approach.

Sometimes I think we can take things to serial in life.

Truthfully at least in my approach and enjoyment of the forum I really like the exchange of ideas and experiences, I don't really care if things are spelled correctly if I can understand the thought.

Eveyone must have had a slow day going based on the response

[AlexLah]

Hi,

Yep my english was very good, written as well as verbal when on high school.

But then I started travelling to different countries where mine and their language was not native English. I am doing this for twelve years now and my knowledge of written and spoken English is for sure very bad as a result.

Those people on fora like this (for example), that make comments on grammar and writing style are called: Ant######ers, at least in my homecountry.

Sorry for spelling and grammar mistakes,

Kind regards

Alex

[britmaveric]

We all make mistakes and I'll be first to admit, that I don't proof what I write. So its easy to see mistakes, sometimes I catch it and edit it immediately, other times I don't and its here forever. I think as long as the meaning is clear thenno worries.

[LoveDaBlues]

Incorrect use of "two, to and too", "there, their and they're" and "weather and whether" REALLY grate sad.gif

Don't you mean great ?

NO!!! I mean't GRATE which is why I wrote it

http://www.answers.com/topic/grate

To reduce to fragments, shreds, or powder by rubbing against an abrasive surface.

To cause to make a harsh grinding or rasping sound through friction: grated her teeth in anger.

To irritate or annoy persistently.

Archaic. To rub or wear away.

No such word as: mean't

[Crossy]

We all make mistakes and I'll be first to admit, that I don't proof what I write. So its easy to see mistakes, sometimes I catch it and edit it immediately, other times I don't and its here forever. I think as long as the meaning is clear thenno worries.

Deliberate Brit?

I really do agree.

Bad timing for the OP, just spent today (which should be a day off) fettling technical documents written in English by Thai staff and 'corrected' in English by Japanese staff. The result which I have to untangle is just.... arrrrrgh... words fail me.

No such word as: mean't

Well spotted that man (or did you look it up)

You win a Blue Peter Badge, or maybe you'd like a Crackerjack Pencil.

[LoveDaBlues]

I've noticed a lot of people post in a fashion I think is a mistake. I'm about 90% sure I'm right; English majors please correct me if I'm wrong.

I believe this sentence (in red) is incorrect but a lot of TV posters use this form:

I heard that your going to Madrid in May.

Isn't this the correct form (in blue)?

I heard that you're going to Madrid in May.

A correct sentence using the word 'your' would be: Is that your dog? I see a vast majority of TV posters using the word 'your' incorrectly.

Humbly waiting for an education if I'm wrong.

[Crossy]

I've noticed a lot of people post in a fashion I think is a mistake. I'm about 90% sure I'm right; English majors please correct me if I'm wrong.

I believe this sentence (in red) is incorrect but a lot of TV posters use this form:

I heard that your going to Madrid in May.

Isn't this the correct form (in blue)?

I heard that you're going to Madrid in May.

A correct sentence using the word 'your' would be: Is that your dog? I see a vast majority of TV posters using the word 'your' incorrectly.

Humbly waiting for an education if I'm wrong.

You are 100% correct.

"you're" is a contraction of 'you are'

Edited March 11, 2006 by Crossy

[Tywais]

I've noticed a lot of people post in a fashion I think is a mistake. I'm about 90% sure I'm right; English majors please correct me if I'm wrong.

I believe this sentence (in red) is incorrect but a lot of TV posters use this form:

I heard that your going to Madrid in May.

Isn't this the correct form (in blue)?

I heard that you're going to Madrid in May.

A correct sentence using the word 'your' would be: Is that your dog? I see a vast majority of TV posters using the word 'your' incorrectly.

Humbly waiting for an education if I'm wrong.

You're correct. It's a contraction for you are.

In modern standard English, "you" serves as both the nominative and oblique case. The corresponding possessive adjective is "your", and the independent possessive pronoun is "yours".

Edited March 11, 2006 by tywais

[LoveDaBlues]

We all make mistakes and I'll be first to admit, that I don't proof what I write. So its easy to see mistakes, sometimes I catch it and edit it immediately, other times I don't and its here forever. I think as long as the meaning is clear thenno worries.

Deliberate Brit?

I really do agree.

Bad timing for the OP, just spent today (which should be a day off) fettling technical documents written in English by Thai staff and 'corrected' in English by Japanese staff. The result which I have to untangle is just.... arrrrrgh... words fail me.

No such word as: mean't

Well spotted that man (or did you look it up)

You win a Blue Peter Badge, or maybe you'd like a Crackerjack Pencil.

No....didn't look it up. My English skills have faded somewhat though. I took some sort of test way back in the 7th grade. My reading/writing skills were judged to be at college levels. As I get older I find I have a problem spelling words that should be a piece of cake.

Can I have a 'Snickers' bar instead?

ps - I'm a Science Major LOL

[Crossy]

We all make mistakes and I'll be first to admit, that I don't proof what I write. So its easy to see mistakes, sometimes I catch it and edit it immediately, other times I don't and its here forever. I think as long as the meaning is clear thenno worries.

Deliberate Brit?

I really do agree.

Bad timing for the OP, just spent today (which should be a day off) fettling technical documents written in English by Thai staff and 'corrected' in English by Japanese staff. The result which I have to untangle is just.... arrrrrgh... words fail me.

No such word as: mean't

Well spotted that man (or did you look it up)

You win a Blue Peter Badge, or maybe you'd like a Crackerjack Pencil.

No....didn't look it up. My English skills have faded somewhat though. I took some sort of test way back in the 7th grade. My reading/writing skills were judged to be at college levels. As I get older I find I have a problem spelling words that should be a piece of cake.

Can I have a 'Snickers' bar instead?

ps - I'm a Science Major LOL

You'll understand how I feel about having to sort those documents then.

I'm enjoying this thread, the "mean't" was NOT deliberate although I could have said it was.

On a slightly different tack, does anyone else notice their English vocabulary is going to pot through talking 'pidgin' to non-native speakers?? At least one native speaker has taken me to task for 'talking to them like a small dog'. I assume they meant "talking to them as if they were a small dog".

Or am I just going senile??

Edited March 11, 2006 by Crossy

[LoveDaBlues]

I've noticed a lot of people post in a fashion I think is a mistake. I'm about 90% sure I'm right; English majors please correct me if I'm wrong.

I believe this sentence (in red) is incorrect but a lot of TV posters use this form:

I heard that your going to Madrid in May.

Isn't this the correct form (in blue)?

I heard that you're going to Madrid in May.

A correct sentence using the word 'your' would be: Is that your dog? I see a vast majority of TV posters using the word 'your' incorrectly.

Humbly waiting for an education if I'm wrong.

You're correct. It's a contraction for you are.

In modern standard English, "you" serves as both the nominative and oblique case. The corresponding possessive adjective is "your", and the independent possessive pronoun is "yours".

Yea.....I knew it was a contraction. I thought maybe with the 'dumbing down' of the English language they were letting both forms slide.

[Crossy]

Yea.....I knew it was a contraction. I thought maybe with the 'dumbing down' of the English language they were letting both forms slide.

Then we get some bright spark using " UR ", arrrgh!!!!!!

[Tywais]

On a slightly different tack, does anyone else notice their English vocabulary is going to pot through talking 'pidgin' to non-native speakers?? At least one native speaker has taken me to task for 'talking to them like a small dog'.

Or am I just going senile??

The key is to speak to them as though they were a native English speaker. It may take a little more effort for it to sink in to them what you mean but it is more fair to them. I've started using more English with my technicians to give them exposure to "proper" English.

When I was working on my TEFL certificate the instructor made it very clear in the beginning to never modify your speech to suit the student (pidgeon English), that's what they will end up using.

[LoveDaBlues]

We all make mistakes and I'll be first to admit, that I don't proof what I write. So its easy to see mistakes, sometimes I catch it and edit it immediately, other times I don't and its here forever. I think as long as the meaning is clear thenno worries.

Deliberate Brit?

I really do agree.

Bad timing for the OP, just spent today (which should be a day off) fettling technical documents written in English by Thai staff and 'corrected' in English by Japanese staff. The result which I have to untangle is just.... arrrrrgh... words fail me.

No such word as: mean't

Well spotted that man (or did you look it up)

You win a Blue Peter Badge, or maybe you'd like a Crackerjack Pencil.

No....didn't look it up. My English skills have faded somewhat though. I took some sort of test way back in the 7th grade. My reading/writing skills were judged to be at college levels. As I get older I find I have a problem spelling words that should be a piece of cake.

Can I have a 'Snickers' bar instead?

ps - I'm a Science Major LOL

You'll understand how I feel about having to sort those documents then.

I'm enjoying this thread, the "mean't" was NOT deliberate although I could have said it was.

On a slightly different tack, does anyone else notice their English vocabulary is going to pot through talking 'pidgin' to non-native speakers?? At least one native speaker has taken me to task for 'talking to them like a small dog'. I assume they meant "talking to them as if they were a small dog".

Or am I just going senile??

I've caught myself talking 'pidgin' to the wife instead of using correct English. This doesn't help her.