Can I ask a favor of everyone - when someone makes a spelling or grammar mistake

[LynneSin]

can we be a bit more civil about it.

We all make goofs, I'm top on that list with it. But I swear some people get their jollies over 'outing' people in public about their mistakes. Instead why not send that person a private IM and ask them to check it.

I know I've done it in the past and honestly, I thought I looked like a jerk when I did. So I stopped doing it.

We all make mistakes - can we be a bit civil when correcting others?

Thank you!

[virgogal]

1. I nevvarr maake misstakes. p.s. I agree with you.

[UrbScotty]

90. You misspelled 'Aye'

[Occulus]

100. Is this civil enough?

"Can I ask a favor of everyone? When someone makes a spelling or grammar mistake, can we be a bit more civil about it?"

:D

[roguevalley]

137. I taught school for 27 years and have sixth sense about writing and

proper english. (note the small e. I am writing on a netbook and the keypad is tiny) I find I don't so much mind anymore because it isn't my JOB anymore to wrangle writing. If it were I would be all over this. I would be because it was my JOB. But people are as educated as they are usually about technique and they usually use what they know. Schools have dropped the ball on teaching english grammar, spelling and handwriting because WHO WILL NEED IT IN THE COMPUTER AGE!? USE SPELL AND GRAMMAR CHECK!

HA!

I agree with LynneSin. If you aren't grading papers here, use some decency. Trolls are the exception in my book. But everyone else? Nice is nicer.

[Frosty1]

143. Sometimes I wish we had a grammar checker as well as a spell checker

Sometimes I get so busy posting and I see something I have written looks wrong somehow but I can't quite figure out what it is and I'm in too much of a hurry to go check it out.

[SoCalDem]

2. shur

:evilgrin::hi:

[hlthe2b]

3. I make my share too...

I think the simple: pssst in subject line and correction in the message is fine. Low key and not like a neon sign pointing everyone to someone's error.

[OhioChick]

4. I here you

:D

[JuniperLea]

5. Hear, hear!

The best way to correct someone is to respond to their post using the same word, and spell it correctly. No harm, no foul, no hurt feelings, no snark.

I wrote a lengthy OP on this a few years ago.

I've been known to snark off like a spelling cop... but only when someone is being an asshat. If you're being an asshat, you need to be sure you spell and use grammar properly... glass houses!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

6. A very good idea, my dear LynneSin...

We don't want to be called out publicly...

And so we shouldn't do it to others either...

Recommended.

[Fuzz]

7. There should be a semi-colon between "goofs" and "I'm", you jerk.

;)

I keed, I keed!

[stillrockin]

89. LOL; I noticed that too . . .

[blondeatlast]

8. Pus 1!

I used to teach English, do freelance editing and writing, and I'm more than known to type either fast or accurately but not both. A message board is conversational in nature. Its too be forrgiven, IMHO. :rofl:

(I agree wholeheartedly, all kidding aside)

[GreenPartyVoter]

9. I like it. A first step towards a more civil DU. :^) I hope we can all sign on to this.

[a la izquierda]

10. Thanks so much for posting...

I get paid to read arguments and comment on grammar. I understand some people have issues with spelling (my husband has issues with apostrophes). I was sort of appalled at one particular comment yesterday, because it did not further the discussion, it simply served to belittle.

ETA: I also frequently don't pay attention to grammar, spelling, or punctuation on the internets. But that's just me.

[RufusTFirefly]

11. Only loosers make spelling misteaks. Definately! n/t

[hedgehog]

12. I spell better than I type, so I hear you.

But, it's painful when someone "tows the line"

It's really "toe the line".

:hide:

[montanto]

20. here, here.

lol

[Tikki]

13. Boy do I agree....See, I can't use the term....

"folks" here because..well, I don't know why...but even though it is
a common term used by Liberal poets, writer, lyricists and lecturers...it has
offended someone here and so that is that.


Tikki

[JitterbugPerfume]

17. Susan Jacoby dissed calling people "folks"

in her otherwise great book
"The Age of American Unreason". It deals with anti-intellectualism in America

[snagglepuss]

26. I have to read me some Jacoby. I absolutely loathe the term so I'd be

interested reading her take.

[JitterbugPerfume]

32. She also wrote Freethinkers

a really great book.


the word "folks" is all about context.It can either be describing the salt of the earth types or it can be used as an insult.

[petronius]

38. I think it's a question of tone: sometimes "folks" is jarringly faux-folksy, and sometimes

it's intended to be condescending, both of which are uses that should be avoided IMO. But other times, it's the right word for the context...

[UnrepentantLiberal]

54. What's wrong with using folks

or the Google?

[jtuck004]

135. The term "folk" goes back a lot longer than any modern author

and describes a people bound by experience and tradition. As we have gotten rid of that we have moved toward
oligarchy, which I am not sure is a good trade.

https://www.folkschool.org/

http://www.peopleseducation.org/folked.htm

May even describe a process of education that leads to a more democratic process than ours today.

Nikolaj Frederik Severin Grundtvig encouraged and used the folkways to great advantage for the people
of Denmark. So much so that those schools exist today, with some tution paid by the government:

http://www.folkehojskoler.dk/the-danish-folk-high-school

Just because George used it inappropriately doesn't mean all uses are bad.

just sayin...

[snagglepuss]

25. Common term with repukes as well. Shrub used it on 911 to describe the

hijackers. Very popular with Hitler as well.

I absolutely loathe the term usless it's used to describe a music genre.

[Gemini Cat]

30. Agree. +1!

[thesquanderer]

109. "Folks" is a favorite of Rush Limbaugh, too (n/t)

[blondeatlast]

40. Really? I use "folks" all the time; my roots are Southern and deep Midwestern.

I say use it--and if someone calls you on it again, PM me and I'll help set 'em straight!

[Stuckinthebush]

99. Get out!

You are kidding, right?

There are some funny folks around here.

[Highway61]

123. I didn't know that

Damn I used the word "folks" a lot (in the past) and noticed some weird remarks and I didn't know why. Reason why I just don't post that much here anymore. There is an undertone of mean spiritedness at times and I just don't need it. Call me thin skinned if you will, but I refuse to participate in giving someone the jolly's (sp) to reprimand and "call out".

[gort]

14. Your absolutely right.

It is rude when posters correct other peoples grammer just to prove their so erudite. Look it up if you dont know. :)

[StandingInLeftField]

18. I'm eruditer than u!

:+

[gort]

67. Well sayed

:)

[IcyPeas]

15. I like to think my spelling is okay.

I usually use the spell check which helps sometimes.

however, my grammar is not very good.

[Raine]

76. I have trouble with grammar too and puncuation

I must have slept thru it in school or something. I never know when to begin or end sentances and I often use commas way too much I'm afraid. :yoiks:

Edit: Because as usual I goofed up with a word. On this thread in particular I won't want to leave it that way. :spank:

[underseasurveyor]

16. I dont no whose misteaks your talking about but i no one thing four sure,

its knot me. And buoy am I glad to.
:-)

[LiberalAndProud]

49. No offense, but eye think you mispelled I.

Eye could be wrong.

[underseasurveyor]

65. OH OH OH

YOU SPELLING NANNY!!
:-*

[rhett o rick]

68. Why cant you be serious!

jk

[Jamastiene]

75. I think you misspelled sure.

It should be Shure.
http://www.shure.com/

:P

[proud2BlibKansan]

19. When it's in an education thread and the poster is slamming teachers

or promoting reform, I call them out.

Otherwise I ignore the mistakes.

[safeinOhio]

21. I call it

alturnative spelleing and give full credit.

[enlightenment]

22. To be rude is unnecessary, but

when poor spelling and/or grammar interfere with the reader's ability to understand what the poster is attempting to say, it deserves polite correction.

I tell my students the same thing; I won't grade them on spelling and grammar unless the errors are so egregious that I can't understand their argument.

The irritants on DU are not the people who make occasional errors, but those who deliberately choose to misspell, use 'txt spch', not capitalize when capitalization is appropriate - and then shriek like banshees that those who find their postings incomprehensible are just 'spelling nazis' who are incapable of recognizing their brilliance.

[LynneSin]

35. so send the person a private IM then

:D

I have no issues with that.

[enlightenment]

84. I have and probably will -

unless (as has happened) the person I'm talking to - privately - mounts their hobby horse of outraged indignation and informs me that I'm the problem, etc. After that, they're fair game.

I believe in 'praise in public, chastise in private', but when people deliberately mangle the language and try to claim 'creativity' or some other excuse for laziness, I'm hard-pressed to understand why I bother trying to be civil.

[Enthusiast]

94. You are welcome to correct

me any time. I like your 'praise in public and chastise in private'. I've never heard of that before. It's just common sense or courtesy I suppose.

[enlightenment]

132. I suspect you don't need much correction . . .

am I correct? :)

My dad (career AF - SAC pilot) used that phrase all the time. I don't know if it was a SAC thing, a military thing, or just an old thing that doesn't get much play these days - but it's something I try to remember.

[Enthusiast]

146. Thanks.

But I do feel the need for correction since my school days are long over and I want to improve. Keep an eye on me. :hi:

[enlightenment]

152. As do I .

Please keep an eye on me, also!

A professor once told me that there is 'no such thing' as a finished essay (or paper or book or whatever . . .) - what we write is always going to be in the draft stage because there are always corrections that could be made. We aren't perfect, and while we may occasionally produce a perfect sentence - grammar, spelling, construction, word choice, fluidity, etc - we're hard-pressed to do that consistently.

I know I far from perfect. I'm a pedant; boring, run-on sentences; often mangled constructions. I split infinitives constantly and use the en (and em) dash far more than I should. I am still confused over when to use a comma and when to use a semi-colon.

That said, I don't like misspelling and make an effort to avoid those, and I dislike reading text speech and posters who consistently ignore appropriate capitalization and punctuation. (see: pedant, above!)

[Enthusiast]

157. You could have fooled me.

:-)

[enlightenment]

160. Thank you.

That's very kind! :)

[CrispyQ]

44. I totally agree!

A few spelling or grammatical errors are easier to overlook than unreadable format. Someone here used to post with all lower case. They used proper punctuation, but NO SPACES between the period & the next sentence. WTF? Same with the posters who have one long, gigantic paragraph wint no line breaks.

I you want people to read what you have to say, then have the courtesy to put it in readable format.

on edit: I have a typo. ;)

[Jamastiene]

77. Hmm...what's a paragraph wint?

:P

:hide:

[Frosty1]

149. I can't tell you

How many times I have completely misunderstood someone's post because of grammatical errors.

[snooper2]

23. you probably should have a comma after "mistake"

FYI :)

[LynneSin]

37. Sorry, I don't take advice from Cowbaby fans

:hide:

[snooper2]

39. Just wait till next season

:P

[w8liftinglady]

24. Heck- I make them with almost every post..I am a two finger typer..

unless you say "f%ck" instead of "Flick"...I say-leave it be

[lukasahero]

27. I only get snarky about spelling errors

when the poster making them is being especially obnoxious and condescending.

Since I've been typing with one hand for the last 3 weeks, however, I've become much more forgiving of typos. :)

[Dogtown]

28. If I bother to correct

(remembering I'm prone to err, mydamnself), I try to do it by PM, though I'll admit to occasional needling.

[SidDithers]

29. Agreed, with one caveat...

if a poster is playing expert, and lecturing us lesser intellects about a particular topic, I reserve the right to highlight the error when the alleged expert can't even get the topic of their alleged expertise spelled correctly.

Sid

[nadinbrzezinski]

31. Some folks love to do that

I don't

And lord knows I make them. We all do.

[blondeatlast]

41. You said "folks!"

I love the word, myself, but see post 13 and following for stuff I didn't know about the use of it. :shrug:

[Jamastiene]

78. Where I come from, saying "folks" is just a way of saying people.

No harm no foul is intended with it. I had no idea folks was ever used in an offensive way. You learn something new every day, I guess. :shrug:

[HuckleB]

33. I agree. If there's one thing I've stopped doing is correcting spelling and grammar errors.

At the same time, however, it seems like they are far more prevalent at DU than in the past. It is also, IMO, polite to try to make posts that are readable. I would like to see more DUers take more time writing their posts. This doesn't mean I expect perfection from anyone, but there are some very sloppy posts from people who clearly don't care. Sometimes those individuals have a lot to offer, but it's hard to take them seriously when they refuse to bother to try.

Rant over.

[Hannah Bell]

34. i am only snarky when the poster chides others for such mistakes or otherwise purports to be an

expert.

otherwise, who cares?

[JoePhilly]

36. Whats your're problemo??!!??

"goofs" isn't even a word.

:hide:

[hunter]

42. As hard as I try, still nobody calls me on my bad grammar or spelling.

It sorta disappoints me actually, cause I'm all ready.

[Skittles]

62. SORTA??

WTF - scheduling hunter for ass kicking, for making up words; yes INDEED

[hunter]

141. I must celebrate!

Nine long years here and I am now a scheduled-for-a-Skittle-ass-kicking Knight of the Democratic Underground!

I will set forth and do good. :woohoo:

[pscot]

43. Where's the fun in that?

[pintobean]

45. Better yet, ignore it

[notadmblnd]

46. I only point out the mistakes of those that point out mistakes

yes, in our quest to get our thoughts out quickly before we forget, we have all fat fingered the keys or spelled the wrong word at times; their, there they're ore, or, hear, here or even our, are. I usually don't point it out unless the mistake was made by one of the grammar police who are known to patrol threads.

[Jamastiene]

79. Keep up the good work.

I love to see a spelling/grammar cop get busted. :evilgrin:

[surrealAmerican]

47. ... but what if the mistakes are funny?

Is it uncivil to point out the humor in a poster's errors?

[blondeatlast]

53. I don't remember exactly what it was, but Underpants once made a

spelling error that I begged him not to fix--it was more appropriate left as is (concerning GWB, IIRC).

[seabeyond]

72. i remember that thread. was funny, ... though dont remember specifics. nt

[Mojeoux]

83. I love the funny ones. It's amazing how one letter can change everything.

Especially, the ones that still pass the spell-check. Like got and rot.

[Zephie]

48. Almost all of my posts have been edited at least once

My mother is a tutor and proper language skills were always a very stressed part of my education. I can't abide when I feel my grammar is less than perfect or things are misspelled. If I can catch it, I edit the heck out of it. I hate it when people go after others for trivial mistakes though - not everyone has to live up to my standards of perfection.

I will not edit this message, I will not edit this message, I will not edit this message...

[JVS]

50. Oh my God! You used indicative "can" instead of subjunctive "could" in a sentence...

about a hypothetical future action! Such a mistake proves that your idea is total garbage.

;-)

[woo me with science]

51. I use my judgment.

:evilgrin:

[blondeatlast]

55. That's "judgement."

(I'm a paralegal and I have to really hold myself back when I see that word misspelled even in online converswation!)

:rofl:

[woo me with science]

56. Um....then you need a better dictionary,

because both spellings are acceptable, and mine is preferred in some:

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/judgment

On edit: I typed that very gently, blondeatlast. I promise I derived absolutely no pleasure from it.:evilgrin:

[blondeatlast]

70. Not only that, but you didn't point out my typo!

:rofl: (It wasn't intentional, either!)

[blondeatlast]

71. Forgot to add that in legal work, it's definitely best to use "judgment."

My spell-check won't accept the word with the "e" on purpose.

[woo me with science]

74. Heh

Have a beer. :toast: :hi:

[crim son]

128. Well I've learned something from this thread!

I've always spelled the word "judgement" but because my brain is dying, have lately been using spellcheck and am regularly informed that my spelling is incorrect and I should drop the "e". No can do, bugaroo. :)

[Rex]

52. Just grammatical errors, are okay too - as well we worry about syntax?

Too? :hi:

[Rob H.]

57. I promise to be more Sybil about it

IOW, how I respond will depend upon which of my personalities is logged in to DU at the time. :evilgrin:

[bear425]

58. Shore.

I beleeve its' proodent.

[Raine]

59. I agree. It can be hurtful especially when you yourself know

that you aren't the greatest speller or up on your puncuation. I do the best I can and I go back and will even edit typos. Unfortunately I didn't have the advantage of top notch higher education, not all of us do. I don't mind if someone in a response spells correctly a word I misspelled. Infact I appreciate it but just do it, you don't have to even mention it, obviously I will see the correct spelling and use it the next time. :hi:

[Capitalocracy]

60. I would never make fun of someone for spelling or grammar errors.

Unless I happen to disagree with the position they're expressing.

[Skittles]

61. I only take pleasure in pointing out grammar errors

when they are made by pompous assholes :D

[WCGreen]

63. Next thing you know I will be forced to sit next to someone who

is a fervent Obama lover when Skinner gives his next state of the lounge address...

Seriously, I agree.

And I do make many mistakes...

[Frosty1]

154. My fear of making mistakes

Kept me from writing anything for many years. It wasn't until word processors, the internet and spell check that I began to even try to write. I paid a high price for my perfectionist streak.

[lunatica]

64. I think civility trumps grammar nazism any day

[Dappleganger]

66. I only do this with right-wingers or

completely out-of-control assholes. Actually, I did it on facebook yesterday while having a discussion with a friend (a good democrat), and one of his asshole farmville neighbors jumped in and went full-on teabagger. Of course her rantings were rife with spelling and grammatical errors so it was nearly impossible to ignore. :D

[taterguy]

69. You can ask but I'm sure as hell not gonna comply

Unless I ffeel like it.

[white_wolf]

73. It's not my fault you can't spell.

Get a brain morans. Just kidding xD

[formercia]

80. What's the difference between a colon and a semi-colon?

Restraint.

[rbnyc]

81. I've been corrected once.

I was glad, but it was embarrassing. I was glad because I thought I had spelled the word correctly as no one had ever corrected me before and the way I misspelled it is the same as another word so spell check doesn't correct it. It was kind of like having something in your teeth and someone tells you and you realize you've been walking around like that for hours.

The person who corrected me was kind of a jerk about it and used it as evidence that my whole point was invalid. But I responded by owning my ignorance and getting back on point.

Honestly, when I see grammar and spelling mistakes that aren't due to writing in a casual voice, but due to carelessness or ignorance, I do judge the content of the post. It's really distressing how language continues to deteriorate. It bothers me a lot, and I somewhat resent it.

But I'm all for civility on the issue, so I'll take the pledge.

[donheld]

82. Some seem to go out of their way to make others feel stupid.

It's a shame but true.

[nilram]

85. And not everyone is a native English speaker,

and not everyone paid attention in English class. And not everyone has good ideas, or knows how to express them well.

But everyone is worthy of respect.

[GReedDiamond]

86. I once got called out on the improper use of a hyphen (-)...

...and while I was "thankful" for the correction (because, from then on, I would never dare improperly use hyphens, ever again), I thought it was a little over the top for the grammar nazi to divert from the topic of the thread over a misplaced hyphen.

[AsahinaKimi]

87. I actually learned from a mistake.

I could have sworn that I could use the word "Hung" as in an execution. I was told correctly that the word was "hanged". I asked my mom about it, as she is an English teacher, and she said "Hanged" was correct.

(Damn her! She speaks Korean, Japanese fluently and is an English expert! How did I end up with such smart parents? Oh.. and Dad is a Dentist.)

[petronius]

88. Don't you mean "May I ask a favor"?

It's obvious that you can...

:P

[stlsaxman]

107. Oh, snap!

(i can't believe that that one slipped right past me)

I'm trying, LynnSin, but, that was just too good!

:rofl:

[tavalon]

91. I completely agree with you

And I even took that into the real world recently with my partner. He siad something incorrect but it was close and I said that while I thought the word he meant was-------------the word he used-----------------could have worked as well. He thanked me and admitted that he meant the first word but was so thankful for my trying not to score points.

I find the people really often don't want to hurt people's feelings, the fun of being right overshadowed. It.s a shame because treating one with dignity pays back far longer than a gotchya!

[Volaris]

92. A poem, for your enjoyment....

Eye halve a spelling chequer
It came with my pea sea,
It plainly marques four my revue
Miss steaks eye kin knot sea.

Eye strike a key and type a word
And weight for it two say,
Weather eye am wring oar write
It shows me strait a weigh.

As soon as a mist ache is maid
It nose bee fore two long,
And eye can put the error rite
Its rare lea ever wrong.

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

[DebJ]

122. LOL thanks.

[Le Taz Hot]

93. The best way to correct grammar/spelling

is by PM. If you ever get a PM from me with the Subject Line: Pssssst . . .

[Warren DeMontague]

95. Sorry, there are a few irritatingly common ones that just make me loose my mind.

In those circumstances, I often feel the need to let lose with a torrent of criticism.

What can I say? :shrug:

[Vickers]

96. Yea, me to.

:P

[woo me with science]

156. ...

Nicely done.

[Dover]

97. I think they should be made to wear a scarlet letter "S" next to their names...

Why? Becuz I don't know how to spel it out.


:sarcasm:

[demigoddess]

98. I'm afraid I can't agree too much with that. Some people

have so many errors that the whole point of what they are saying is lost. Unless you are a real beginner in the english language, you should take more care to be understood. And I would guess that real beginners would be taking some care. On the other hand, a whole paragraph of apostrophes used to pluralize words is downright aggravating and can drive a person to do things that otherwise would be considered rude and unforgivable.

[LynneSin]

150. I don't mind people correcting me - but why not send me a private IM

and mention there was a typo or grammar error.

Accomplishes the same thing without looking like an ass.

[mmonk]

101. Sownds goood to mi.

;-)

[NNN0LHI]

102. The better DUers around here have sent me a PM to make me aware of a spelling or grammar mistake

To those DUers thank you very much.

Nice thread LynneSin.

Don

[MedicalAdmin]

103. I notice it being used in place of arguing merits

Some use spelling Naziism in place of arguing merit. It's avoidance.

And what I find ironic is that some of the worst offenders have posted here claiming that they don't. It is to laugh.

[stlsaxman]

104. Noticing spelling and grammar mistakes is good for two things...

picking out Freeptrolls with very low post counts before their pizza gets topped, and...

a lesson in tolerance of others.

Thanks, Lynn. I'll try to be better.

[McCamy Taylor]

105. As someone with dylsexia...I mean dyxlexia...oh never mind.

K&R

[myrna minx]

106. My dyslexia makes for some creative spellings indeed. Signed, the edit queen.

[BrklynLiberal]

108. Grate idear.

:thumbsup: :hi: :rofl:

[Highway61]

110. Thanks for bringing this up

I don't post that often anymore because of that. Seems in the past when I did reply to a post, sure as shit, I would leave a letter out somewhere along the line. Yes, I should have done spell check. However in the heat of debate I would hit "post" without doing so. Lo and behold, I'd get a "call out" on my ignorance. It makes one feel small and stupid.

[WillParkinson]

111. Heck no...I like making people look foolish!

It makes me feel better about myself.

(Kidding. The only time I point out spelling mistakes is when companies send out products with them on.)

[Chipper Chat]

112. My grammer has ben always tearable.

But me dint have verry good teachers' in graid school ether. I feel good nowing I cann pos't this without some peeple's neighgative comment's.
Thanks awfully much Lynne. :toast:

[H2O Man]

113. know weigh

[Warren Stupidity]

114. Is it still ok to make fun of THEIR problems with spelling and grammar?

This board is littered with the evidence that we are as bad at basic literacy as they are.

[Turbineguy]

115. If you make spelling and grammar errors

you might be mistaken for a teabagger impostor.

[Mister Ed]

116. Please feel free to correct me publicly.

Sometimes a post of mine might be factually incorrect. In those cases, I hope to corrected, and not privately. I'm not the only one who'll benefit from the information.

Sometimes my grammar will be incorrect, and I'll also want to be corrected publicly in those cases. Again, I'm not the only one who'll benefit from the information.

In either case, I hope people can be civil about it. Better yet, I hope they can serve up their correction with a dash of humor!

[southernyankeebelle]

117. I know I would appreciate it. However, if I understand what the person is

trying to say then I let it go. I know I make mistakes. Life is to short to pick on people. I appreciate them posting a comment.

[NashVegas]

118. Depends On If You're Flaming Someone Else In the Process

Especially if you're in the process of a spelling flame.

[jobycom]

119. Ah, Mom! A little gentle teasing amongst family is healthy for a relationship.

It teaches us to not be afraid of mistakes, to accept ourselves and others as human and lovable despite or even because of our flaws.

Unless you mean the posts that aren't in jest, but try to negate the meaning of the post based on a typo. Those are hateful and petty, though amusing in their own way, in that they reveal a lot about the accuser.

[Butch350]

120. yeh

thats' an exxcelent idae.

[Daemonaquila]

121. Yes, please.

Short of a fairly legitimate "WTF?!?" reaction to a post in all caps with no punctuation and most words misspelled that looks like a Freeper troll rant, there's no reason to comment on a post with some mistakes. Whatever their cause, a few errors don't invalidate the opinion of a poster. Poking fun at, correcting, disparaging, etc. is just a form of bullying.

[lonestarnot]

124. I am often tired into delirium when I come here. Fuck a mistake, except the "gotten" one.

:P

[tpsbmam]

125. ITA! As I said in my long post way back when,

we also all come here with differing education levels, people may have learning disabilities, neurological problems that affect written communication, all kinds of things going on that day....you just don't know. Being snarky about spelling and grammar can be downright cruel when someone is doing his or her best to communicate.

[cynatnite]

126. I'll correct them if need be, but I won't be a jackass about it...

I expect DU to correct me as well.

Of course, I'm not easily offended here at DU so it doesn't bother me if they do it rudely, too. It's happened. I fix the mistake and move on. No big deal.

It's just spelling and whatnot.

[Javaman]

127. Nise post hilter! nt

[woo me with science]

129. I suspect we would all be laughing and hooting

if this OP were posted at FreeRepublic.

[naaman fletcher]

130. Grammar Nazi Disagrees with you

">

[Fiendish Thingy]

131. Civility is important, but so is clear communication n/t

[JDPriestly]

133. I make more typos than anyone (as well as grammar and spelling errors),

and I appreciate it when someone corrects me. That way I at least know someone read my post. Thanks.

I type super fast. And, frequently, I do not see my typos until I return some time after posting something and reread it.

[cynatnite]

134. Yep, same here...

To me it's no different than having toilet paper on my shoe or something equally as embarrassing. I would want to be told. Publicly or privately...makes no nevermind to me.

[earcandle]

136. Makes sense, teacher! Thanks.

[seabeyond]

138. cause i think i am probably THE worst on du, i will say.... i dont care. lol.

a handful will always make a jab at me at the end of an argument because they have nothing else to attack. i dont give a shit. i will continue on as i have all along. no capital, horrible grammar. read it or dont.

you can correct me, but does nuthin on my side.

but spelling. i hate misspelling words. that is the end of the world for me.

[Sheepshank]

139. But what if they say Moran, or hugh?

or feeling san instead of ceiling fan...It's so hard?

And isn't a little joshing in this world ok? I get that outright rude belittling corrections are just mean, but occasionally a little fun could be had...no?

It's like when someone trips or walks into a clean glass door...don't most of us sort of laugh? Aren't some typos the verbal equivalent of the visual of someone falling off the pier into the boat and then into the water?

[cbdo2007]

140. Title should read, "Can I ask a favor of everyone? When someone..."

You forgot the punctuation and it should be two separate sentences. Please correct this or I'll have to put you on my blocked list.

haha, just kidding.

It is really annoying when people make a post specifically just to point out someone's bad punctuation or spelling or whatever. I think it's just insecure people trying to make themselves feel more important.

[Jackpine Radical]

142. I assume most errors are typos

and sometimes tease about them, and don't mind being teased about mine in return. I just don't see it as a big deal unless it's couched in demeaning or insulting terms.

[liberal N proud]

144. As a horrible speller, I applaud that idea

between dyslexic moments and spelling as other words, I can make the biggest.

[WestSeattle2]

145. There are grammar geeks who just can't help themselves. I

came to the conclusion long ago, that many grammar geeks don't really know a whole lot beyond English grammar. Their inferiority complexes surrounding their lack of intellectual depth, drives them to focus on the one thing they do well: GRAMMAR. Thus, when they correct others publicly they show the world how insecure THEY really are. They simply don't grasp the fact that their public admonishments reflect poorly on themselves, rather than on the targets of their derision.

Grammar geeks - everyone knows one. Study their behavior and see if you agree with my assessment.

[Lost-in-FL]

147. We have a winner here people! nt

[TK421]

151. yup!

[Frosty1]

158. I wish I knew a grammar geek

I would appreciate someone who would point out my errors IN PRIVATE. I would be able to learn from their expertise and improve my writing. Grammar geeks can be valuable.

[disndat]

148. I seldom see Duers

correcting other Duers' mistakes, except to make a point like "moran." Duers are too classy to denigrate fellow Duers for mistakes. Like everything else, there are exceptions. We care more about content. Some very educated people I know misspell, particularly, if they originated from a foreign country.

[gateley]

153. I agree - it's what the person is trying to say that is important, not critiquing their

grammar or pointing out misspellings.

I DO appreciate it, though, when I make an obvious error -- such as calling Richard Engel Richard Wolfe yesterday -- but that's another animal.

Very nice and kind post, LynneSin. Thank you. :hi:

[pitchforksandtorches]

155. Your point are terrible.

[pipi_k]

159. Beyond trying to be helpful about it...

Which is still sort of embarrassing even if the correcting person tries to be nice about it, what really burns my britches and makes me think "What an idiot!!!" are the individuals who, disagreeing with someone else and quite obviously having nothing useful or coherent to say in rebuttal, take the opportunity to insult that person by calling attention to bad spelling or bad grammar.

A "hit and run" artist, basically.

It's not just DU...I've seen it in other places as well.