I am speaking about the typing errors, not the poster's opinion, who as I said was posting a fellow forum participant and not as a mod.

My personal opinion -- in a written medium, operating under the assumption that one wishes to be understood and understandable here, it is simply in one's own best interests to ensure that his/her communications are as clear and coherent as possible. It's not my job to translate anyone else's failed attempts at the English language. This is a place for people to meet and get to know each other, not to do cryptograms.

Sorry if that offends anyone, but that's just the way I see it.

All fine and good if you possess the knowledge, but no one should be subject to ridicule, insults and jokes because of their ignorance. If you are knowledgable, spread the knowledge constructively. If you are not willing to do that, then what right have you to judge?

Aside from the the folks who are challenged by spelling, grammar and punctuation, the writing of styles of some folks demonstrates their true persona, who they are, therefore altering it to meet spell check requirements also alters how they present themselves and in essence is a lie.

i'll agree with that. there are a few people i neglected to write back because i think you should put more effort into an email than you do a phone text

We're just going to have to agree to disagree on this one. The term you used -- "ignorance" -- carries the clue to the solution to the problem. Those who remain willfully ignorant of basic reading and writing skills are GOING to be ridiculed, whether any of us believes it's appropriate or not. It behooves a reasonable person to prepare himself/herself to participate in any endeavor, by making use of the proper tools. If you can't swim, it's inadvisable to jump into the center of the ocean without some sort of floatation device.

As for disseminating the knowledge constructively -- those of us who CAN write properly, do spread the knowledge, with every post we make. It does no good. You can't motivate someone to learn if they have no wish to improve themselves.

Again, I don't see it as my problem. I've done everything I can to ensure that what I write is clear and comprehensible. I'm not responsible for what other people choose to do or not do. By the same token, I believe simple courtesy and consideration (let alone the desire and/or need to want to be understood) would compel someone to, at the very least, make an honest attempt to try to communicate properly and effectively.

I'm not talking about simple typos; we all make them. I'm talking about the kind of writing best exemplified by AaronzDad's thread "one GLORIOUS profile." I'm sorry, but I find that sort of writing both humorous and pathetic at the same time. You don't have to agree with me; that's fine, everybody has the right to their own opinion.

We will have to agree to disagree...

According to the site rules, everyone is entitled to their opinion, up and until the opinion becomes attacking/insulting.

The thing is, I have seen posts that I honestly could not decipher. Is it considered insulting to ask the poster to translate? I have seen words used that were not in any way a typo, and when I asked what they meant, I was told to stop being critical. Why am I critical because I can't understand what you are trying to say?

This is all about communication. If you truly want to communicate, you will make every effort to do so in a way that people will understand.

But this is not secret knowledge. Every kid who has gotten past 4th grade should have a basic knowledge of spelling, grammar, and punctuation, There is no excuse, in my opinion.

True dat

I think most folks do within their capabilities or desire to do so. It's not up to any of us to impose our own standards on anyone else, and especially not in an insulting, attacking, belittling or embarrassing fashion.

But these are not MY standards. They are Standard Modern Usage, taught in every school in the nation. I understand if English is not someone's first language, but honestly!

No amount of excellent spelling, outstanding grammar or correct use of punctuation can compensate for deficient thinking and vice versa.

You're making assumptions about the capabiliies/disabilities of folks here and even their desire to use proper language skills. Certainly, you are entitled to your opinion, what you are not entitled to do here in the forums is impose it in an insulting, belittling, embarrasing manner.

All fine and good if you possess the knowledge, but no one should be subject to ridicule, insults and jokes because of their ignorance. If you are knowledgable, spread the knowledge constructively. If you are not willing to do that, then what right have you to judge?


But this is not secret knowledge. Every kid who has gotten past 4th grade should have a basic knowledge of spelling, grammar, and punctuation, There is no excuse, in my opinion.


You're making assumptions about the capabiliies/disabilities of folks here and even their desire to use proper language skills. Certainly, you are entitled to your opinion, what you are not entitled to do here in the forums is impose it in an insulting, belittling, embarrasing manner.


Is that what I am doing?

for you lilbug

Thank you horseracer!!

I'll be happy to discuss this with you in private e-mail.

You're making assumptions about the capabiliies/disabilities of folks here and even their desire to use proper language skills. Certainly, you are entitled to your opinion, what you are not entitled to do here in the forums is impose it in an insulting, belittling, embarrasing manner.


Is that what I am doing?


I'll be happy to discuss this with you in private e-mail.


Ok thanks!