Spelling PLEASE!

[realcountrymusic]

Am I the only one noticing a LOT more careless spelling around here lately? Even in thread titles? I think everyone is so excited over Plamegate and the SCOTUS vacancy that y'all are posting without spell checking or re-reading. Sorry to be a nag about it, but I thought this deserved a front page post. We are sometimes sounding a little too much like . . . that other online community.

*Your* dog is barking and all *you're* doing is looking *through* the window and yelling about how he just *threw* up, and *to* think that's *two* times you called him *too* stupid to be a dog.

People see this board for the first time every day, including people in the MSM who might drift by here to find out what "the liberals" are talking about. Lots of people read this board (including freepers) who never post. Let's keep up appearances. It strengthens our message.

My TWO cents.

/rant

rcm

[sadiesworld]

1. Big deel.

The werst here is stil better then the best their.

[PuraVidaDreamin]

3. Don't you mean 'hear'?

IDIOT! my favorite line from Nap Dyn

[realcountrymusic]

10. Not lately

I've been a regular poster here for more than a year, and reading it longer. I also read FreeRepublic for the heartburn, and a lot of sites y'all probably check out too (Metafilter, Kos, TPM). It is my strong impression that the quality of posts and of discourse in general on DU has gone steadily downhill in recent months. More flaming, more meaningless "me too" posts, more snark, and a whole lot of just plain ignorant conspiracy theorizing. Stone me if you want for saying so, but I haven't gotten smarter. DU has gotten dumber, and I'm not the only one I know here who thinks so.

Frankly, lately you could mistake some DU threads for Freep threads except for the specific positions being defended.

I'm callin' it like I see it. There are a ton of smart, articulate people here. And spelling badly doesn't make you dumb. But it does make DU look less like a political force to be reckoned with by intelligent readers.

Flame away. I've said my bit. And the more you howl, the more I know I've touched a nerve.

rcm

[Name removed]

13. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Lochloosa]

93. ditto

[sendero]

96. I hear ya...

.... but what can be done, really? DU is a microcosm of society just like any other forum. I've spent way too much time on way too many forums and really, IMHO, DU is still ahead of the vast majority of them in terms of overall heat to light ratio and general intelligence of the participants.

In fact, I hang out here mostly because I've learned over the years that it's a lot better to hang with people smarter than yourself than the obverse. Some of it might rub off ya know :)

(But yes, if I ran the board I'd put a limit on the size of a signature :))

[PuraVidaDreamin]

14. Doesn't that mean that maybe....

just maybe... some of THEM are
coming over to OUR side?

either that or we've all been drunk keyboarding
edited for drunk keyboarding

[drthais]

35. about the spelling 'problem'

I don't know what anyone else makes of it,
but every time I see blatant mis-spelling
or phonetic spelling on this board
my first thought is that the poster
does not read a great deal

yes, I know some people are just 'bad spellers'
but people who read a lot generally absorb coorect spelling
especially of words that can be spelled several ways
(i.e., your you're, their they're etc)

not that it means anything one way or another
sure, it bothers me
but I'm also sure there are a lot of people that don't give
a rat's ass

just my thought on this...

[PuraVidaDreamin]

44. Just remember driving the keyboard while drunk is STILL legal

and there will be days that when we may feel like celebrating
or days in which we feel like commiserating. At this point in time folks, it is whatever helps you get through this raping of democracy. There is NO set way, we will all find our own ways, but
with the help of understanding folks from homes like DU. We are our own counseling session. Together we will get through it.

[realcountrymusic]

50. Drunken posting

while sometimes a bad idea (I posted this rant under the influence, though not of alcohol, so I can relate) is nonetheless excusable. No one gets hurt as long as you don't post while driving drunk. (I have a Palm Tungsten with wifi that allows me to do that, by the way, and I have posted to DU while in traffic!)

We can all spot the drunken posts and cut the winos some slack. But that can't be the excuse for the atrocious grammar and spelling on so many threads here lately.

rcm

[PuraVidaDreamin]

59. dig it, right on!

as I dwell further into the pinot

[LeahD]

80. Uh, make that "correct" not "coorect."

[MadisonProgressive]

153. coorect is not correct

:spank:

[Amonester]

154. Gotcha! ;-)

> people who read a lot generally absorb coorect spelling :+

Moi just kidding here. ;)

I must admit making a lot of mistakes myself (including grammar) but I guess it's part of the English language not being my natural language.

If one wants to really experience what I mean, can I suggest to try and make a post exclusively in French, for example? :)

Bottom line (IMHO) is: if you don't like a post, nobody forces anybody to read it (RE: skip it?).

Merci.

:hippie:



Edit: spelling

[tinfoilinfor2005]

176. Ummm, for those who don't have spell check (like me)...

I keep a 99 cent dictionary right on top of my desk. I seriously put more stock in a post that is literate, and I have to think that other people are reading my posts with the same thought in mind. IMHO.

[MsTryska]

177. "but people who read a lot generally absorb coorect spelling"

or perhaps many people can't type.


i know i can't.


and i read a LOT.


and i know a lot of big words.


but i can't type for shit.

so since i quoted your post above - let he who is without sin cast the first stone.....

[foreigncorrespondent]

57. Okay, I will bite!

Firstly let me just point these two things out to you:

It is "you all" not "y'all." And it's "calling" not callin'.

You are saying how peoples spelling makes DU look less political, yet you use spelling short cuts which doesn't exactly make one look intelligent.

You created a flame thread and for that, I question your motive.

[AlwaysQuestion]

60. A flame posting?

Now, that's interesting. I never thought of it as a flame posting. Guess what has me baffled is why his comment about spelling has raised the ire of so many. Could it be a generational thing? In my day--oh God, there she goes--spelling was considered important and bad spelling was considered very bad form and indicative of poor schooling.

I guess that's not the case today. Actually, this might possibly be a good topic of discussion..........or maybe not. ;-)

[foreigncorrespondent]

61. In my day...

...it was considered rude to offer an opinion when an opinion isn't warranted, and that is exactly what the OP has done. Further down he slams DU for being DU. That is why I say this is nothing more than flame bait. And why I question his motives for doing it.

[realcountrymusic]

65. I have made my motives plain

<i> ...it was considered rude to offer an opinion when an opinion isn't warranted </i>

Excuse me? This is DU. Every single damn thread "offers and opinion." And who made you the judge of when an opinion is "warranted?"

Dang. Who's the schoolmarm now? And a pretentious writer to boot.

rcm

[foreigncorrespondent]

72. Well...

...I for one would like to know who made you the spelling cop for DU?

[realcountrymusic]

119. How am I being a cop?

I post a politely worded observation that spelling and grammar could use more care and attention, directed at no one poster in particular, and get jumped all over by snarky jerks like you.

Who made YOU the netiquette cop for DU? I missed the election. Pot, meet kettle.


rcm

[ellenfl]

137. "offers and opinion."? what was that about mis-spellings? eom

[realcountrymusic]

148. Like I said

I'm not perfect. Everyone makes typos. I wager I make a few as well. I never complained about typos. Straw man, meet kettle, meet pot.

rcm

[AlwaysQuestion]

69. Fair enough

At least you've given a reason for your assertion. Perhaps I'm naive in my doddering years (well, not quite!)but I never questioned his motives. Guess that's because I love words and hate seeing them mangled myself. I still tend to think it's a generational difference.

[emcguffie]

160. I think it's something to do with the electronic medium.

For some reason, perhaps because this is an almost immediate way of communicating, people feel like it's casual, as in casual speech, rather than more formal, as in a presentation or a formal letter. Just as in e-mails many people use very many shortcuts, because they need it to be quick, because they have 200 of them to wade through, although sometimes it is absolutely critical to compose an e-mail as though it were an important letter.

So when people get all excited, they start waving their hands around and speaking very informally. And that informality encourages them not to re-read carefully, and so such mistakes slide through.

I used to transcribe for a living, and I was very, very good at it. I know the difference among all those words, and sometimes I find myself making those mistakes. Typing automatically, you know? So it requires extra effort to make sure you don't do it, and in the heat of the moment, when excited, people want to communicate IMMEDIATELY.

So much as it bothers me to see someone say they are two tired to put on they're shoes, but their planning a party, and the dog is chasing it's tail, I try to restrain myself two.

[Pacifist Patriot]

174. I don't know.

Maybe it's the company we keep. I'm not doddering yet and I'm surrounded by associates who also hate to see the English language mangled.

[realcountrymusic]

64. Simple

The truth hurts. Obviously I'm touching some nerves. Mission accomplished!

rcm

[foreigncorrespondent]

74. What truth?

All I have seen in your words have been nothing more than attacks on people who haven't been lucky enough to have the education you have.

And what mission has this been? Obviously I was right on the money when I said it was a flame bait thread. Thank you for proving my point for me.

[Gemini Cat]

90. Yes, I agree.

Nothing but flame bait.

[Name removed]

62. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Daphne08]

83. I have to agree with you. Y'all or ya'll is not a misspelling.

It's a regional abbreviation and seems perfectly acceptable to me for a posting on a forum or message board.

As to your original post, I've also noticed many serious or careless misspellings lately (for example, the article "an" being confused with the conjunction "and" which is really quite elementary as far as usage is concerned).

I was an English teacher for 20 years so I do tend to notice these things more than the average reader might, but I've become quite mellow in my dotage (have accepted my quirky little "spelling and grammar" obsessions). I now attempt to look beyond any careless mistakes made by others since I'm just as likely to err these days. The mind does go, you know. :)

However, you do have a very valid point concerning new members, guests or strangers who come to this site. Many people will simply discount any pertinent message in a post if that post is filled with grammatical errors and misspellings.

Just my 2 cents, too.

[realcountrymusic]

63. And it "people's spelling"

Not "peoples." Sheesh.

<i> yet you use spelling short cuts which doesn't exactly make one look intelligent. </i>

Here, you commit another grammatical error, but it's complicated to explain. Figure it out. And don't argue grammar with a linguist unless you are drunk.

rcm

[foreigncorrespondent]

70. You know...

...you have bordered on personal attacks with many responses in this thread.

I don't give a shit about a simple typo I made. I type fast and will often make mistakes which I don't catch during my proof read prior to posting.

Sheesh, I am surprised you haven't told Aussies, Brits, or Canadians off for spelling centre instead of center, or metre instead of meter, or theatre instead of theater.

By the way, just because you have a PhD is something doesn't exactly mean you are a genius. However judging by your responses it does show your lack of human decency.

Have a nice long vacation, I won't miss you.

[Name removed]

91. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[realcountrymusic]

95. Correcting spelling and grammar

Isn't a personal attack. On the other hand, the response my perfectly reasonable OP generated (nyah nyah you're a schoolmarm) are.

And so was your original response.

This thread exemplifies the other great problem around here: lots of pots calling kettles black, or as some DUers would say, "hipocrasy" (the single most commonly misspelled word on DU, I suspect).

Pretty scary when you can't just gang up on someone, huh? Imagine that, someone who fights back.

rcm

[foreigncorrespondent]

103. In my book...

Now check out this fine colloquialism: bite me.

THAT is a personal attack! I don't need to check anything out. I am not a stupid person and understand the meaning behind it.

Dang. Who's the schoolmarm now? And a pretentious writer to boot.

THAT is yet another personal attack!

OK, I am bracing for the next wave of juvenile taunts

Yet another one!

It's lazy minds. And your post exemplifies the point

And again!

So much for your: Isn't a personal attack

You started a thread which is nothing more than flame bait. So don't start whining because people are actually standing up to you.

[realcountrymusic]

117. Pshaw

I did not start the flaming. But I didn't roll over and take it either. So apparently it's you and FC who can't take being stood up to. Quite clearly. You don't intimidate me in the slightest.

rcm

[foreigncorrespondent]

178. Gee...

...I thought you had a PhD. Better go back to school and learn some more.

So apparently it's you and FC

Hate to tell you, but I am FC!

I'm not out to intimidate you. Lefties don't do that. I am standing up to you for what I see as someone who believes he is of higher caliber than the rest of us.

[mitchtv]

181. I'd better be quiet in this post

I can spell good, but I type for shit. Sorry to all: And I love shortcuts like "nite" and "Tho" . I know you will understand FC. I am smart but hand/eye is not the greatest.

[foreigncorrespondent]

183. Of course I understand, Mitch!

I will use short cuts myself. But I find it so ironic that this guy is putting the rest of us down, all the while using short cuts to do it. He is basically calling us lazy for our errors, yet he proves he is lazy himself.

Me thinks this guy needs to look into the mirror before starting flames.

[Lorien]

86. I agree

It makes me a bit uncomfortable at times. I'm at the point where I'm putting people on ignore not for their rudeness, but for their incomprehensible posts.These days it's becoming more and more difficult to find intelligent conversation in the real world and the media; sadly it seems to be fading from sites like DU as well.

[ChiciB1]

186. I Have O.C.D. And It Drives Me Up The Wall About This Subject....

BUT only when I'm the one who made the mistake. Sometimes I get in a hurry and inadvertently drop a needed word. When I look back on it, I cringe. But that's only because I'm self critical.

Hey people make mistakes, some don't know it, some aren't good at spelling and it can jangle a nerve. All I can say is, yes it would look more intelligent if every "t" got crossed and every "i" got dotted, but hey we ALL make a few "FOPAHS" from time to time.

I remember once, a LONG time ago, I used the word "irregardless" and got a lecture about it. There is no such word as irregardless, just as "going towards" is incorrect. Since it was pointed out to me in the manner that it was, I have NEVER forgotten it.

Imagine my surprise when I hear it coming out of the mouths of journalists or other intellectuals on T.V.????

I'm done now.

[alcibiades_mystery]

2. Isn't this more appropriate for the Schoolmarm Scolding Forum?

There's a 300 post thread on "it's" v. "its" down there. Just scroll down in the lobby. :eyes:

[realcountrymusic]

6. Insult me all ya want

I'm not raising the issue to be a smarty pants. I think DU, in a moment when lots of strangers might be checking us out for the first time, ought to look *its* best.

I'm as far from a fucking schoolmarm as they get, in case you don't know my poetry, to paraphrase Johnny Depp in *Dead Man.*

Kiss.

rcm

[alcibiades_mystery]

16. Fucking A...best foot fucking forward I say

You fucking sold me for fucking sure.

[stopwastingmymoney]

130. I agree

Misspellings and poor grammer distract the reader from the message.

We DO want to put our best foot forward when anyone could be looking,

You wouldn't send a letter to your boss or your best customer without proofreading, would you?

At the same time, this is a conversational medium, so I would also say that a casual, speaking style of writing is ok. We are not writing essays for English class, but we do have spell check easily available.

[Jane Austin]

8. OK, I used to be a schoolmarm, so I'll bite.

I second the OP's observation. For people who care about what they say, and that it reflect accurately what they mean, the right word - - spelled correctly - - is simply essential.

You may think me a snob, but when I repeatedly see "loose" when the writer means "lose" or "imply" for "infer" or "incredulous" for "not credible", etc., etc., etc. (or ect, ect, ect as some insist) . . . well, when I see those sixth-grade mistakes, I stop reading that post.

There are too many other posts here that are well-written and well-reasoned, to waste time on a post that the writer didn't take enough care with to make the meaning clear.

And whille I'm being irritable, it's "Oops, I made a mistake", not "Opps."

OK, back to reading. :)

[alcibiades_mystery]

15. It's also "while" and not "whille"

Not really sure what you said after that, having stopped reading and all...

[Jane Austin]

46. Touche' :)

But at least my typo was part of an example that said "Oops, I made a mistake".

I took the pups swimming tonight, and the old eyes are a little tired.

:)

[realcountrymusic]

23. Ah yes, incredulous

I saw that one tonight too, in a post title no less. Thanks for the moral support.

I am, by the way, a PhD linguist. And a fucking badass cowboy too. Profanity doesn't bug me at all, if you spell it right. Or is that write?

warm regards

rcm

[Jane Austin]

48. Snort!

Well, I ain't no PhD, but I did pay attention in grammar class. :)

It just bothers me that we're parsing and nit-picking everything being said about Plame, WMD and all the rest, and sometimes not paying a lick of attention to what we're saying and how we're saying it.

It's important, for instance, to say "Time Magazine" not "The New York TImes" when you mean the weekly rag, just to mention something I saw on DU tonight.

And typos don't count!

Ride 'em, Cowboy!

[realcountrymusic]

52. Muchas gracias Ms. Austin

Awesome handle, truly. I lived in Austin from 88-94 and loved it. Is that where you get the name?

rcm

[Jane Austin]

82. Bien sur.

We're actually outside of Elgin now, our big ol' house near the University having burned down in 2000; but our business, surviving parent, friends and more are in Austin.

The only people we even know in Elgin are our fellow members of the Bastrop Democratic Club, an active and smart group of enthusiasts that meets once a month and which is busy building good will and name I.D. here in Bastrop County.

[realcountrymusic]

97. I used to play

at a big old shabby dance hall near Elgin on a regularish basis, though it's been long enough that I don't remember exactly. Might have been in Coupland?

I know the area well, and envy you.

rcm

[Jane Austin]

157. So . . .

You're a Singin' Cowboy.

[Lex]

4. Your getting to worked up. n/t

[evlbstrd]

5. Aw, Mom. Not in front of all the guys, huh?

[zulchzulu]

7. Sew Troo

It gets too bee two much sum times.

[Cobalt Violet]

9. Could you please review *then* and *than* for me?

:think:

[alcibiades_mystery]

20. The Schoolmarm sez

Than is used for comparative statments:

Spelling issues are less important than content on internet forums.

Then is used to indicate chronological sequence, logical consequence, or conditionality:

I thought the initial post made a good point, then I remembered everything I know about language use in context, and promptly dismissed it.

If you spell correctly, then some people think you're smart, even if you ain't. (conditionality)

etc., ad nauseam.

[kestrel91316]

11. Seriously, .....................

it has gotten so bad lately, I am having trouble understanding what some people's posts mean. Try to look like intelligent, educated people so we aren't mistaken for THE OTHER.

[Lars39]

19. Not everyone who posts here claims English as their 1st language

[realcountrymusic]

25. Of course

And the irony is that those who don't often write clearer prose than those who do! Non-native English speakers who write well enough in English to participate in discussion forums like DU tend to be well educated.

No, the problems I am decrying are by and large and obviously associated with American-educated English-speakers.

And whoever made the quip about language in context, bear in mind that the context is in part shaped by language, and on a disembodied discussion board, it is MOSTLY shaped by language. That's why I call bullshit on all the bad spelling. We'll dumb this place down as surely as the MSM dumbs down public discourse or the public school system dumbs down education if we don't care or pay attention.

OK, I am bracing for the next wave of juvenile taunts. But I'm right.

rcm

[CTyankee]

102. You are so right

Last year I tutored English speaking Chinese visitors to our country. One was a visiting scholar from Beijing University to Yale Law School and his wife, another was a post-doc in the Chemistry Department at Yale. The others were spouses of Yale employees from China and they all had advanced degrees, working in science labs. Their English spelling was nearly perfect. It was conversational, American English idiomatic speaking that they wanted to improve (they watched "Sex and the City" regularly, which I thought was a smart move). They also wanted to become proficient enough in English to do well on the GRE (those of you who have taken this part of the GRE will know how difficult it is -- I have a Master's in Liberal Studies and found it a bit of a challenge).

My tutoring experience, to say the least, has taught me something (perhaps microcosmically) about the ascendancy of China as a world power.

[realcountrymusic]

24. Me too

I can't count the number of posts lately where I give up and say "whatever that meant."

rcm

[Jane Austin]

84. Ooh, Ooh, Ooh! (cue Horshack)

That's what I was trying to say, and you said it so much more crisply!

[jojo54]

12. I see your point rcm

although I did get a good laugh from the replies. We should project the image that we know better - lest the freeps think that we cruise the "internets" for the hell of it.

[murray hill farm]

17. lighten up!!

it may be an irritant to u...but this is not the place for the spelling police to be dealing with their own personal issues regarding proper spelling. i don't know about everyone else, but i sure am not here to impress freeper with my proper spelling ability..and i really hope u are not either. for you, i will do a spell check...and hope u feel a little better.

[realcountrymusic]

26. It's not just spelling

It's lazy minds. And your post exemplifies the point. It is not "my own personal issue." I am asserting -- and not one person has refuted -- that it is our *community's* issue. A lot of us laugh at Freepers for their poor spelling, logic, and grammar. And I am telling you that in my opinion, we are approaching their level. Which means, dear friend, that WE look stupid to other people. Presumably some of us participate in this forum for reasons other than mutual masturbation, and hope that our collective voice will have some resonance and power beyond our own circle. When post titles include words lile "treasoness" we cut the chances of that quite a bit.

rcm

[murray hill farm]

31. stupid is as stupid does....

and it really is not our job to try and not look stupid to others..that is not why we are here. it is not how u spell it...it is what u say and what u are about. if u are about spelling, then u go for it...and ya know, i am now wondering why i am spending even this much time on this...so i quit...and this time i wont do a spell check to make you feel better..ha!

[realcountrymusic]

33. Brilliant

Absolutely brilliant. ROFLMAO brilliant.

Never let me underestimate the stupidity of the internets. I'm going back to Metafilter now. Ciao.

rcm

[AlwaysQuestion]

18. Listen up, realcountry... has a point and you know it@

C'mon, guys, she has a point. Actually, I had quite a laugh the other day. Whilst (can't help it!) I was perusing the various threads on a primarily Canuck forum I happened onto one where some Canadians were pointing out the ignorance of some Americans and vice versa. Well, boys and girls, the spelling displayed by each side was atrocious and I was thinking that in their collective ignorance they weren't able to find the irony of their accusations.

So, yes, let's brush up on our spelling and try to do better.

I'm new here, so don't attack me. I can't stand pain.

[Lex]

22. My neighbor, who used to live in Canada, told me this story:

His Canadian friend was always bitching about how stupid Americans are about geography, but that Canadians know so much more about US geography.

Anyway, one day my neighbor and his friend were talking to some Americans up there on vacation. "Where are you from?" the Canadian asks to Americans.

"Oh, we're from Ohio," they reply.

The Canadian says in his best know-it-all voice, "We pronouce that 'Iowa' here in Canada."

LOL! My neighbor swears this is a true story and he was standing right there when his friend said this!

[AlwaysQuestion]

56. What?! A Canuck said that?

Why, that ignorant ninny.

Okay, here's one for you--first hand anecdote.

I once had a roommate from Raleigh, NC who early on in our rent sharing arrangement learned that I would be returning to Canada for a vacation. As I was making preparations to leave, she asked if I planned to go by ship or plane. Thinking that rather odd, I said wellll, I'm taking the plane, but if I had the time I'd prefer to drive. She looked at me with eyes a poppin' and then challengingly asked, "What do you mean, drive? You can't drive a car overseas." I then drew her a map but there was never a hint of......like......hmmm, maybe I should have known that as a matter of course. Still, we enjoyed some good times and god knows she was a bright gal in so many other ways.

[realcountrymusic]

28. Thanks AlwaysQ

I'm a he, not a she, but the preferred option when you aren't sure is "s/he" ( or "his/her").

<grin>

rcm

[AlwaysQuestion]

34. Too funny

You're right, of course. I'll make a point of using s/he in the future. It's clear by my mistake that I was showing a bias--and I was. I've never thought of men as being particularly good spellers, but obviously you are one of the few exceptions. Still, I'll be checking your submissions here looking for any slip-ups, so watch it, guy! ;)

[realcountrymusic]

37. No harm done

but for all you who think I'm a schoolmarm, I just stubbed out my cigarette on my cowboy boot, and am now going to belch.

rcm

[AlwaysQuestion]

42. Don't you dare!

There're only two things worse than bad spelling--and that's smoking and belching. Now look what you've done. You've exchanged good spelling for anti-social behaviour. Now, if you tell me you spit too, I'll hit you with my cane. :spank:

[realcountrymusic]

53. I had better duck

I do enjoy a good plug and a spit when smoking isn't appropriate, it's true.

My theory is if you're going to be antisocial, then you'd better spell right.

Seriously, I have NEVER carped about spelling in any individual's post on this board in nearly 1000 posts. I have held my fire, bitten my tongue, and let it roll off me. Somehow, tonight I just cracked. It was "treasoness" that put me over the edge. I thought for a moment I was reading Freerepublic. I truly did.

And just to explain, MetaFilter's jrun server has been down all night, or I wouldn't be botherin' y'all so much.

rcm

[realcountrymusic]

54. deleted double post

self-deleted

[liberaltrucker]

29. Welcome to DU

:hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi:

[AlwaysQuestion]

39. Good to be here

Thanks, ...trucker! Seems there's a welcoming committee operating on this board. Funny, but all one needs is a few welcomes to really feel at home. Nice touch. I like it!

[Jane Austin]

87. Welcome to DU, Always Question!

Hope your great country keeps pumping out the funniest comedians in the world.

[tsuki]

21. There are some who have a problem with this. I spell check, but if the

word is spelled correctly, it passes. I can do math great, but I have a real problem with words. I tend to transpose, or just jumble them up altogether. Sorry, kaint hep it.

[Jane Austin]

88. I transpose, too, especially before coffee or after liquor.

Those times I tend to write in homonyms.

Makes for humbling reading once it's posted.

[CrispyQ]

185. "before coffee or after liquor"

:rofl:

[global1]

27. I Guess RCM You're Like GW * And Don't Make Mistakes.....

I can see both sides to this discussion - but what gets me is that - everyone is entitled to their opinion. Not everyone, however, is a spelling champ or english major. This is called the Democratic Underground - and I don't think it is only for Honor Students. I'm interested in what my fellow DU'ers have to say - whether they say or spell it right. I don't give a damn what the Freepers or the MSM think of me or my fellows as they (Freepers and MSM don't give a damn about me).

So I'm posting this to make sure we don't inhibit any of our fellow DU'ers and intimidate them. I don't want anyone to stop posting because we're going to be grading them on their posts. I want to hear what my colleagues have to say.

Thank You

[realcountrymusic]

30. Oh come on

Never did I say I was perfect, and I don't claim to be. Note my post count. I've made plenty of errors.

The analogy to Bush is more apt than you think. How many of us make fun of Chimpy for his mangled grammar, unintentionally self-contradictory logic, and general inarticulateness? If the criticism fits the Boy King, it fits the critic.

I swear the responses to this thread make the point better than my original post. This place is going down the crapper. Puerile, redundant, stale and derivative humor, lack of insight, analytic force, or rhetorical power . . . oh never fucking mind.

rcm

[thebigidea]

38. if its getting so awful, why get finicky about typos?

Find a better board, with exacting standards.

[realcountrymusic]

41. Oh I have

Several, in fact. And it isn't just typos. The general level of discourse at DU has been in a tailspin for a couple of months. It was *never* as good as Kos or Metafilter in the ratio of intelligent participants to morons, but made up for it by being more feisty and engaged.

You know I am right. But it's cool to be (or act) stupid in America now, even for progressives I guess.

What a great country!

rcm

[realcountrymusic]

47. And you mean "if IT'S getting so awful"

You remember 6th grade right? "It's" has an apostrophe. It's a contraction of "it is" and not to be confused with the possessive form "its" (no apostrophe) as in "every dog has its day."

In a jury trial, all I'd have to say is "I rest my case." Or . . . ROFLMAO.

rcm

edited to add quotation marks around "it's" in the second sentence, since I am referring to the lexical token and not using the word as the subject and verb of a sentence.

[AlwaysQuestion]

45. Couldn't resist

Last sentence - error - bet you can spot - The temptation was just too great. Never mind, you'll have plenty of time to catch my errors, as sometimes I get carried away with words and commit a malapropism. Actually, if one is into words it can be great sport, but if one is not, our type can be seen as a royal pain.

[PsycheCC]

92. Absolutely Right, Global 1

"So I'm posting this to make sure we don't inhibit any of our fellow DU'ers and intimidate them. I don't want anyone to stop posting because we're going to be grading them on their posts. I want to hear what my colleagues have to say." Exactly. The OP struck me as intentionally intimidating, as do a number of rcm's posts.

As a former English teacher, I note many spelling errors everywhere in my daily life. I don't like seeing them, but offering correction isn't always appropriate. One has to consider whether people will be receptive to the correction. I think a nicely worded request to just pay a bit more attention to spell checking would have been enough. The rest of the rant just alienates people.

[realcountrymusic]

98. Nicely worded? Begging your damn pardon . . .

I think a nicely worded request to just pay a bit more attention to spell checking would have been enough

I beg your pardon? What is not "nicely worded" about my original post? Did you even read it? Another darn problem around here is people who comment on threads without reading up the thread at all, just taking for granted the representation they get from some third-hand comment. You tell me what the heck is rude or not "nicely worded" about the following, repeated for those too lazy to scroll past all the "Kick" and "I am so important I get to post a giant JPG at the bottom of every post I write" real estate:

And I self-quote:

Am I the only one noticing a LOT more careless spelling around here lately? Even in thread titles? I think everyone is so excited over Plamegate and the SCOTUS vacancy that y'all are posting without spell checking or re-reading. Sorry to be a nag about it, but I thought this deserved a front page post. We are sometimes sounding a little too much like . . . that other online community.

*Your* dog is barking and all *you're* doing is looking *through* the window and yelling about how he just *threw* up, and *to* think that's *two* times you called him *too* stupid to be a dog.

People see this board for the first time every day, including people in the MSM who might drift by here to find out what "the liberals" are talking about. Lots of people read this board (including freepers) who never post. Let's keep up appearances. It strengthens our message.

My TWO cents.




SO what, my dear schoolmarm friend with the etiquette manual, is NOT nicely worded about that? Utterly polite, constructive, friendly, and even offers a reason for my concern and a sample sentence to help people remember some of the most common errors.

With teachers like you, no wonder no one can write. You apparently can't read.

EOM

rcm

[PsycheCC]

106. You certainly may NOT have my pardon.

I read every word on this lengthy piece of flame, and this is your response to the second or third comment. You sure held your temper well rcm, as usual.

"I've been a regular poster here for more than a year, and reading it longer. I also read FreeRepublic for the heartburn, and a lot of sites y'all probably check out too (Metafilter, Kos, TPM). It is my strong impression that the quality of posts and of discourse in general on DU has gone steadily downhill in recent months. More flaming, more meaningless "me too" posts, more snark, and a whole lot of just plain ignorant conspiracy theorizing. Stone me if you want for saying so, but I haven't gotten smarter. DU has gotten dumber, and I'm not the only one I know here who thinks so.

Frankly, lately you could mistake some DU threads for Freep threads except for the specific positions being defended.

I'm callin' it like I see it. There are a ton of smart, articulate people here. And spelling badly doesn't make you dumb. But it does make DU look less like a political force to be reckoned with by intelligent readers.

Flame away. I've said my bit. And the more you howl, the more I know I've touched a nerve.

rcm"

I stand by every word of what I've said about you. You are OFTEN extremely rude. You like correct spelling. I like courtesy. So rail away, rcm.

[Name removed]

116. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[PsycheCC]

170. Not all of us are here to find the fame we didn't get writing music.

My posts have almost all been responses to others. Like most good teachers, I'm interested in furthering discussion, not dominating it.

And anyway, you deserve to get pounded when you're so rude. I don't know why you don't get it. It isn't like this is the first time you've been pounded for being a jerk on DU.

And... you say you don't care what I and others think, but you do. Our opinions make you crazy, as evidenced by your anger. Frankly, I think yer "loosing" it. Ever thought of therapy? No really, I'm serious. You should get to the bottom of all this anger. :hi: Bye now.

[seabeyond]

32. thru, lite nite site......ya ya ya

but my other words i spell correctly

[realcountrymusic]

36. That is different

Colloquial and convenience spelling is common practice and accepted as grammatical in online discussion. I have no problem with "nite" or "u" or acronyms.

Tragic night on DU. Truly. When I hit 1000 posts (might be on this thread at this rate) I am going to take a long vacation. And before you all start chanting "good riddance" and "don't let the door hit your ass," there, I've done it for you. That's how predictable DU has become. But watch, someone will say it anyway and think they are being clever and original.

I am laughing so hard that my significant other is staring at me across the room. Truly.

rcm

[seabeyond]

43. hey i agree with you for a couple different reasons

and this site kindly gave us a spelling check. i use it. firstly, i simply dont like the misspelling because i see too many people not even try to spell a word correctly, especially my 12 year old niece. drives me batty. then she would shrug when i bitch or tell me it is science or history, she doesnt need to know how to spell the words. but on this site, i especially do it, because so often a freeper will misspell due to lack of education., or like my niece because they just dont care. and we tease them horribly. lol lol. so there is not a chance i am going to emulate the other side.

not saying i am perfect and there are not times a misspelled word doesnt pop up in my posts. i just hope i am forgiven, wink

but no, i have no need to call you names, or tell you to leave (such silliness).

[realcountrymusic]

49. Well said

No one is insisting on perfection or persnickety details. But if one writes like a Freeper, then everything that anyone says around here about Freeper prose applies just as much to us.

It's a special day when a call to maintain standards is shouted down. Reminds me of modern politics, a little too much.

Keep it up with your niece. She'll want a job one day, and lose out to a kid from Bangalore who actually bothered to learn how to write the English language better than most American kids. Happens every day.

rcm

[darkism]

40. LOSE not LOOSE.

** lost the 2000 and 2004 elections, there for he is a LOSER. He knows how to LOSE.

The porn star who attended the GOP fundraiser is sexually LOOSE.

[skooooo]

123. thank you!!! All you "losers" out there...

....quit spelling it "loosers"!

[K8-EEE]

172. Lose/loose has got to be the most frequent misspelling

Or maybe just the one that bugs me the most. I would say that over half the internet population would like to LOOSE some weight. More often than not, in that context especially, it's spelled like that. That one really bugs me.

I tend to post really quickly just because I don't have too much access to the computer (one of the kids always wanting it) but I do try to go back and fix a typo if I see it later. My posts have always got that red "been edited" disclaimer!

[serryjw]

51. If you dont like my spelling

PUT ME ON IGNOR!

[realcountrymusic]

55. Done

kick

(This is an authorized facsimile of an all-too-typical mindless DU post.)

rcm

[Lorien]

85. No, you are not the only one who has noticed

sometimes I find the spelling so distracting in a post that the message loses it's impact. We all make mistakes, and that's why "check spelling" is such a handy little button. It only takes a few seconds to spell check a post. Well worth the time, IMO.

On edit: this was in response to the OP. As I said, we all make mistakes, lol!

[WillyT]

58. "If they give you ruled paper, write the other way." - e.e. cummings

aw... eleetism, such hollo eyevoree pair-a-pets

The Keyboardingly Correct... who woulda thunk it?

:evilfrown:

[realcountrymusic]

67. there's that stupid picture again

for what, the 20th time tonight I've had to wait for it to download?

"THUMBNAIL" -- look it up. You waste everyone's time who uses this board when you add a giant image to your .sig line. It was a powerful photo the first five times. At about 100 now, it just annoys.

Not to pick on you in particular. The use of huge inline .jpgs and even .pngs in signature lines here has become absurd. It abuses the bandwidth we all rely on. No wonder every tenth thread these days reads "is the server slow tonight?" or "having trouble getting on."

Just. Plain. Rude.

rcm

[Pirate Smile]

138. You are being rude. You just attack anyone over any little thing.

Yes, it is that picture again because it is in his sig line. He isn't posting it each time.

I really wish you would chill.

Yesterday, I'm sure there were more typo's because on a breaking news day people tend to post quickly. It was probably like that this morning also.

Some people actually may not have a PHd in anything and that doesn't make their opinion less worthy than yours.

People aren't perfect and probably could be more careful but I find the tone of this thread rather RUDE.

Go to the sites that you deem worthy of your time if DU isn't up to snuff.

[realcountrymusic]

146. Lather, rinse, repeat . . .

Yes, it is that picture again because it is in his sig line. He isn't posting it each time.

Learn a little something about networked computing. Every time someone puts a large file in his or her signature line, it has to be uploaded to the server, stored on the server, and downloaded by each client computer reading the thread every time the thread is loaded. This clogs the server and the network, and slows down every other use of the server, and thus it is a small inconvenience to every other user of DU. Add up a lot of small inconveniences and you have a large one.

Some people actually may not have a PHd in anything and that doesn't make their opinion less worthy than yours.

When did I ever say otherwise? Please be specific. I didn't say a single thing about opinions or their validity. I said "it would be a good thing if we all paid a little more attention to spelling and grammar when we posted our opinions," to paraphrase.

Yesterday, I'm sure there were more typo's because on a breaking news day people tend to post quickly. It was probably like that this morning also.

Learn to read. I said this in THE FIRST LINE of my original post. Glad you thought of it too.

4 posts to go. Y'all are almost rid of me.

rcm

[Pirate Smile]

150. Why? Are you leaving when you hit 1000?

[WillyT]

155. Funny... It Doesn't Take Anytime At All For Pix To Load On My PC !!!

And, ironically, the fact that it upsets you so, gives me genuine pleasure.

You're correct... I am one rude son-of-a-bitch!

Sorry about your bandwidth tho...

:hi::rofl::hi:

[Pirate Smile]

156. TURN OFF THE SIG LINES and IMAGES in your profile if you are on

dial up and it is a problem. Get off everybody else's ass and change your own options.

Willy T doesn't have to change his sig line just for you. You can make it so you don't see them.

[MadisonProgressive]

168. This statement is false!

"Learn a little something about networked computing. Every time someone puts a large file in his or her signature line, it has to be uploaded to the server, stored on the server, and downloaded by each client computer reading the thread every time the thread is loaded. This clogs the server and the network, and slows down every other use of the server, and thus it is a small inconvenience to every other user of DU. Add up a lot of small inconveniences and you have a large one."

You need to learn about 'networked computing' before opening your yaphole.

[realcountrymusic]

134. When you write poetry like e. e. cummings

Make sure to let me know. Then I'll take your opinions on English usage seriously.

rcm

[Rainscents]

66. Hey, I feel hurt!

Lot of Duer's are from other country and I thought we had big tent? I am not originally from this country and english and spelling is my worst enemy. I write exactly like the way I talk... with an accents!

[realcountrymusic]

68. No reason to feel hurt

I addressed this point specifically above, in detail. Obviously, if your native language is not English, you get a pass, though usually it works the other way, and the non-native-English-speakers here write better than some of the Anglophone ones. I do suspect you hammed it up quite a bit in that post to make the point, though.

I have nothing but immense respect for people who engage in public written debate in a language that is not their mother tongue. I said nothing to the contrary in the OP, or anywhere else.

Bad logic, however, knows no country.

rcm

[Rainscents]

73. Thanks for understanding!

:hi:

[snowbear]

75. Ah, Rainscents...

Just ignore the mean old puddytat

We love you and that's all that matters! :hug:

[Rainscents]

76. Thanks for the hug!

Here's one back to you! BTW... I love your puddytat! LOL


:hi: :hug:

[tandem5]

71. so if us folks spell real good...

and don't make no mistakes... we are like cool?

[AlwaysQuestion]

78. Nope

Uncool

Okay, you're teasin', right?

(As an aside, I disagree with a previous poster who criticized a last letter being removed from words. I would say that it's not a problem if the obligatory apostrophe is correctly positioned. It's all a matter of style and the shortening of words can be quite appropriate at times. But, I'll be the judge of suitability--of course!!);-)

[tandem5]

81. yo' ar' so righ'! nt

[Sapphocrat]

77. I pray this is a bad joke.

If not, then I am unable to decide whether I should be amused by or aghast at the stunning irony in your complaint.

People see this board for the first time every day, including people in the MSM who might drift by here to find out what "the liberals" are talking about. Lots of people read this board (including freepers) who never post. Let's keep up appearances. It strengthens our message.

If you are sincerely concerned about the image DU presents to The Dark Side (and why you are, I can't imagine), you might consider the fact that your words are a perfect example of the reason "the liberals" are branded "elitists."

Personally, I would rather slog through an ocean of misspellings and grammatical errors from a desperately illiterate poster who had something of value to contribute to the cause that brings us all here. Unfortunately, I have seen attitudes like yours actually discourage those without a fancy diploma from feeling comfortable enough to speak openly and without fear of ridicule.

Pardon me if I fail to fall to my knees in awe before your Ph.D. (the traditional abbreviation of which I prefer to the modern, "lazy" convention of "PhD" as in post 36); not all of us are so privileged. The only thing your degree tells me is that our universities are not offering courses in common courtesy.

You appear to be more concerned with image than substance. This in itself is highly ironic, since your example of a "fine colloquialism" is "bite me." Why should anyone care about your grasp of English when your use of the language is so consistently mean-spirited and rude?

You worry about your own image, and leave the rest of us to communicate in a productive, supportive manner; perhaps then few will tell you not to let the door hit you in the ass on your way out.

Until then, I for one am looking forward to your "long vacation" even more than you are.

P.S. If you're going to complain about spelling and grammar, will you at least try to live up to your own standards where punctuation is concerned? As far as I know, The Chicago Manual of Style has not declared that asterisks (**) may be substituted for quotation marks ("").

P.P.S. This post was not spellchecked. If you find errors in it, I really don't give a shit.

[Name removed]

99. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Name removed]

105. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Name removed]

121. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[MadisonProgressive]

171. I just put an alert out on your ass

Don't be surprised if others do the same. You are the rudest SOB short of a freeper that I've seen on DU. Are you a freeper?

[marions ghost]

182. thanx Sapphocrat

:applause:

Ditto: "leave the rest of us to communicate in a productive, supportive manner..." I'm a writer and love good writing as much as anybody, but I do not believe that image is more important than substance. There's a lot of very pretty writing that says nothing at all.

So here we are, on this day when people are being attacked on subways in London, being attacked on a message board for occasional BAD SPELLING ?!? I'm taking this as the OP's idea of a sick joke.

[paineinthearse]

79. "...the MSM who might drift by..."

While we're ranting, many prefer to use "corporate media" instead of "MSM."

[Piperay]

89. Some people who post here

may not have had the benefit of higher education but that doesn't make what they have to say any less important and they don't deserve to be put down cause they aren't English majors. x( :argh:

[Name removed]

100. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Piperay]

190. Well even 'tree stumps'

have feelings, gee. :(

[greenbriar]

94. hooo gives a shiet

geez

[realcountrymusic]

101. OK, so I just heard the news

I logged onto this thread before reading the morning news. Pardon me if it seems crass to to post more on spelling when people are dying in London. Mea culpa.

rcm

[rhett o rick]

104. We are better than the Freepers because we have principals (sp)

Not because we can spell.

[BikeWriter]

107. I noticed the same thing. We are better than that.

[WePurrsevere]

108. Dyslexia, Disabled, Internationals & Ode To a Spell Checker

First of all... spell checkers are not perfect nor will they correct grammar. ;)

Ode to the Spell Checker

Eye halve a spelling check her
It came with my pea sea
It plainly marques four my revue
Miss steaks eye kin knot sea?

Eye have run this poem threw it
I am shore your pleased two no
Its letter perfect awl the weigh
My check her tolled me sew.

My husband has a very high IQ but because he's dyslexic he has never been able to spell worth a darn. It's because of this that he won't post on this particular board. In lurking he's seen so many spelling net cops correcting others and making fun of the Freepers spelling that he doesn't want to be taken as "stupid" and become a target. It's truly too bad too because he's a very intelligent person (an X-Republican) who could positively contribute to this board.

Some disabled have problems with their thoughts amd words coming out smoothly as well. I know with the MS I will sometimes type up something, run it through the spell checker, proof read it and post it only to find that when I go back to it later I've had a bit of a brain fart and skipped words that I know were there in my head when I was typing.

I've also noticed many here who can't spell well or have improper English grammar seem to be folks for whom English is a second language and possibly a recent accomplishment.

Most folks here seem to be rather bright and, more importantly to me at least, they truly care about this country and want to help make it better. I always thought that the Democratic Party was the party for the oppressed, of tolerance, of the everyday average folks and not just those who have super high IQs, always clear heads, extensive education and vocabulary's and lots of fancy letters after their names.

Everyone makes mistakes now and then and it seems to me that there are so many other and much more important issues that we need to work together on.

[PsycheCC]

111. Well said, We.

[WePurrsevere]

188. Thank you :-) eom

[realcountrymusic]

118. I have dyslexia

It doesn't keep me from spelling correctly.

rcm

[WePurrsevere]

187. That's great :-) IME dyslexia effects in varying degrees & different ways

I've known a few that were similar to my husband and some that could manage well. It's great that you're the later. :)

[TankLV]

109. When peeple are emoshional, they could give a flying crap about speling.

FYI

[quiet.american]

110. Spelling has joined religion and politics as the great taboo

Sometime in the last ten, twenty (?) years, it looks like spelling has joined religion and politics as one of the things one just shouldn't bring up if one would rather not engage in a street brawl.

Invariably, no matter the subject of the discussion board, someone on the board will bring up spelling and grammar and get generally creamed for it.

[Name removed]

129. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[nickinSTL]

112. Lose vs. loose

I know some have claimed that those who use loose here instead of lose are trying to make some point, but I find it terribly annoying, and it doesn't make a point, it just makes the poster seem uneducated.

[ElectroPrincess]

113. Ya, U sew write mahn

TEASING! :hi:

[yellowcanine]

114. Ban posters guilty of mispelling! Err...Never mind.

[notadmblnd]

115. well color me guilty...

I have to admit that in the race to get my thoughts down and post, I sometimes fat finger the keyboard and forget to run spell check. But I honestly don't think it is because DU'ers are uneducated or bad spellers.

I don't complain about it because I know that all humans are fallible and capable of making mistakes. If I were to complain,, I certainly make sure I wasn't guilty of making the same kind of mistakes first.


BTW.. where do I find the word y'all in the dictionary? See what I mean? Is that mistake because you are a bad speller.. or just to lazy to write the words "you all"?

[Jo March]

120. And you reap what you "sow" not what you "sew"

That's a pet peeve of mine.

[skooooo]

122. Loose vs. Lose

"Loose" = not tight

"Lose" = to not win


Let's get this right people!!! No need to present yourself as so illiterate!!!!

[Name removed]

125. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[skooooo]

128. Call me an "elitist" then...

...now I did post a bit in gest, although gross spelling errors do get on my nerves from time to time. If demonstrating that you've made it above a 5th grade education is "elitist", color me elitist.

What's the joy in showing yourself ignorant?

[Name removed]

143. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[skooooo]

144. oh now, i wouldn't say that....

Ignorance is prestigious alot of places, but I don't know if I'd throw DU into that category. Someone must have rubbed you the wrong way. I know how you feel, sometimes it's easy to get mad and take things personally. Just don't react to the people who piss you off I guess.

edited for spelling! lol

[realcountrymusic]

149. Before this thread

I would have agreed with you. But look at this thread. If ignorance is not prestigious at DU, then it is certainly well represented here.

Almost done . . . saving the best for last.

rcm

[skooooo]

152. Well...think of it this way.

Some people did agree with you, and said that spelling etc. is a real problem when it detracts from or distorts what people are trying to express. When you're too ignorant to express yourself clearly, then there is a problem.

The people that tweaked your buttons are the ones that extrapolated from you that somehow "typos" are a sin. That's not what you were saying, so just ignore them. I know, it's hard. Don't give up on DU. If your sick of it, just give it a rest or go to a differnt forum. THere are a lot of nice people here.

[XemaSab]

124. AMEN!

n/t

[Mr_Spock]

126. waht did yuo say?

Did I misss soemthing?

[democrank]

127. rcm.... Arr yew cerius?

This has to be one of the worst posts I`ve ever read on DU. Cutting people up because their spelling isn`t perfect? What a low blow. Some folks are poor spellers. Big deal. My son, who has a learning disability, is a poor speller and I know how much hurt he endured because of insensitive people.

When I read material here at DU, about the last thing on my mind is a critique of the poster`s spelling capabilities. I`m interested in their opinions and ideas....no matter how they spell. I`d much rather read something written by a poor speller with a good heart than a perfectly spelled entry designed to inflame and demean.

[Name removed]

132. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Pacifist Patriot]

131. Okay, I'll stick my neck out with you.

Yes I've noticed it and yes a preponderance of typos does start to get to me after awhile. An odd one here or there not so much, but when posts are riddled with them it can often become a matter of comprehension. I don't require perfect typing, grammar and/or spelling but I do need a post I can understand if I'm going to get anything out of it or be motivated to respond.

So basically I can live with common mistakes until they result in murky meaning and I'm left scratching my head. I do appreciate your point about wanting to convey a good impression online. I've read threads at both DU and Freeperville for awhile and most definitely notice a difference in writing ability.

[realcountrymusic]

136. thank you

This was all I ever meant to say in my OP. But clearly this is not a subject on which one can have a rational discussion. Some people seem deeply ego-invested in a defense of incomprehensibility, as if it were a moral, populist issue. Methinks they doth protest a wee bit too much.

rcm

[PittLib]

165. I agree ...

I am compulsive about spelling, and usually have to pull up an online dictionary when posting. I'm not quite as much with grammar. That is me, and I do not extend it to everyone. I have noticed that errors are on the rise, and while I have no problem overlooking most ... it can be distracting. Plus, I've been trained to smell "troll" when I see multiple errors - you can thank FR for that. This issue is not so great that it "pisses me off" ... it is merely a peeve that generally applies to butchered posts. I want to understand what is being conveyed, and if poor spelling gets in the way ... what is the harm in kindly asking people to acknowledge the spell check button? Having to interpret takes away from the message.

[qanda]

133. I understand your point

However, there are some people who are not very good with grammar, which is what you are really talking about. Spell check does not pick up on those type of errors. I wouldn't go out of my way to make someone feel bad about making a mistake, especially when they may already be self-conscious about their lack of knowledge in that area.

If we are trying to create a pure environment, free from all mistakes in spelling and grammar, then I know a lot of people who will never feel free to post here. I hope we never get so full of ourselves that we think the posters here are unable to make mistakes or that posters have to have a certain of level of writing ability to be a part of this community.

[realcountrymusic]

139. I didn't go out of my way

to make anyone feel bad in the OP. I didn't name a single person, point to a single post, or call attention to any specific error. I didn't call for perfection, or claim to be perfect myself (I'm not of course).

The depth of sensitivity on this issue is astounding. I am honestly amazed. You'd think I called someone a Nazi rather than written a polite post suggesting we all be less careless with the language.

If it weren't so absurd, it would be pathetic. Instead, it's funny beyond measure.

What's weird is the anti-intellectual bent of this thread. This is something I expect on right-wing boards, the charge that upholding standards of discourse is elitist and namby-pamby or authoritarian. I guess I'm too old to understand why (or when) the G. K. Chesterton adage -- "Something worth doing is worth doing well" -- became obsolete. Personally, I blame television and bad public schools. But I thought for some reason that a purprotedly "progressive" community might have more thoughtful standards.

Thank you for the supportive words and measured opinions.

rcm

[qanda]

147. Sorry if my post was too general

I wasn't trying to argue against your post, but I was trying to add my own thoughts to the discussion.

[Sapphocrat]

175. The last word (and I do mean the last word)

But I thought for some reason that a purprotedly "progressive" community might have more thoughtful standards.

That's "purportedly."

Since you've promised not to post again until * is out of office, I guess this means I get the last word on the subject. Thank you!
:rofl:

[BigBearJohn]

135. oh pleeze

[realcountrymusic]

141. Gesundheit

eom

That's 992. 8 to go.

rcm

[toey]

140. I don't understand why people give a shit what others think of DU

The opinions of outsiders who grace us with their presence generally have their mind made up before they get to DU.

(and here are my pictures everyone has seen only 84 times)

[Name removed]

142. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Pacifist Patriot]

161. Not true.

I've recommended the site to a few people IRL who decided not to join after reading DU for awhile (on a bad day probably). I'm talking about like-minded ultra-liberal well-educated well-spoken people. They were excited to find a place like this on the net but were turned off by some bitterness, religious rancor and poor writing styles they encountered.

[GoBlue]

145. Its 1:44 pm EDT

I've read all the posts until now. Your original post contained two false claims.

1."Sorry to be a nag about it".
2. "My TWO cents.
/rant.

[realcountrymusic]

151. Fair enough

I guess I didn't expect to be attacked viciously and obtusely for such a simple and reasonably phrased observation. But as I said, my rant is rapidly coming to an end.

Thanks for reading it all.

rcm

[youthere]

158. What about punctuation?

Are we using punctuation appropriately?

[realcountrymusic]

159. 999

With post 999, I take a bow, fend off the tomatoes, and bid DU adieu. Adieu DU. I'll save post 1000 for the day Bush is impeached or a democrat is elected president, at which point I will return to join the celebrations.

Warm regards to all my many friends and friendly sparring partners. Kudos to the moderators and admins. And as for the snark-queens who ruined my last day here, a big, wet kiss on the lips. SMOOCH.

Flame away. I'm outta here. See some of you on Kos and Metafilter.

Don't let the bastards get you down. It was good advice then, and it is today.

Turn me loose, set me free, somewhere in the middle of Montana . . .

RCM

[youthere]

163. Hmmm...Must have hit a nerve.

on edit: Is "snark-queen" hyphenated?

[Piperay]

191. Yeah some

really like to dish it out to others but when it comes to them their skin is too thin. :eyes:

[MadisonProgressive]

173. Thank you! Don't let the door hit ya in duh arse!

[Hepburn]

162. It's people with BAD ideas and lack of logic...

...who bother me. Thankfully, there are very few of that variety on these forums. So as long as I can figure out what someone is saying, IMO, screw the spelling. Too many good ideas to share to down someone or make them hesitant to post because they are not great spellers.

[juajen]

164. Hey, I'm the spelling police!

Needless to say, I'm thrilled that someone else is bringing this to DU's attention. You certainly hit on several of my pet peeves.

[orleans]

166. yea.....i mean, yeah

[MadisonProgressive]

167. Should we have a spelling exam for DU registration?

There are many people in this world that are either not very good spellers, or truly don't understand that they should use 'then' instead of 'than'. Should we ridicule these otherwise fine people because of their shortcomings?

This is a politics forum and as far as I know even illiterate people are allowed to vote and discuss world affairs.

I understand your sentiments but please try to be a little understanding to others that may be less fortunate that you are.

I'd be happy if you pointed out my misspellings or grammatical errors!

[foreigncorrespondent]

184. Re: spelling exam for DU registration

I seem to recall that literacy tests for voting in your country were once used to keep certain factions away from the polls too, weren't they?

[rateyes]

169. I understand what you are saying...

but have a little more tolerance for those posting in DU than I do for the mistakes I often see in the "crawl" on the news programs, etc. I mean, my goodness, one would think that CNN, MSNBC and all the other networks could afford to hire people who actually know something about the language.

I also have the same complaint about some newspapers.

[MsTryska]

179. Umm....you do realize cyberspace

operates on a entirely different plane from traditional writing, yes?



one fo those etiquette rules from cyberspace is that spelling police or grammarians get a pile-on.

enjoy!


one can be very intelligent and have the emotional IQ of a peanut.

[manly]

180. spelling

If you're going to do something, do it right. Spell correctly. There is nothing advantageous in spelling words incorrectly. On the other hand, spelling words correctly implies education, reduces possible confusion and avoids one looking like a jerk who can't spell. It is often possible to distinguish between a typo(rihgt) and a misspelling due to ignorance(you always have to be write).
Just spell it right, which eliminates the problem. Rihgt?

[name not needed]

189. me agrees wit yoo

da speling end de gramer on de websight is kwite atroshus i wisch teh peopel on her wud tayk tiym 2 yoos duh spel chekr and too us punkuashun an capitaliyse leters

[Moderator]

192. Locking

for cleanup