 | huttriver |
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Sun Aug 1, 2010 8:47:56 am
I've been blogging for years. First started at the legendary Writing Up blogsite. Fantastic threads and massive comments.
But the one thing I learned is that good English - spelling and grammar is important. At least to your own ability. I'm no English tutor, but text spelling and non-use of appropriate capitals are a no, no! I can't be bothered reading that stuff. What about you?
Sun Aug 1, 2010 2:08:13 pm
I only care about my own spelling and grammar. How other people write doesn't bother me unless it's impossible to understand. All modern languages are derived from erroneous use of ancient languages. Artificial stagnation of a living language through standardization is unnatural.
Sun Aug 1, 2010 8:26:21 pm
The level importance depends on the application. For example, in law it is necessary to write very formally and to be as accurate and precise as possible. In a call phone text message it is preferable to convey information as quickly as possible in a limited number of characters.
I do not refuse to read something because of its disregard for the rules, but when I notice an error it does cause a slight distraction. I suspect that this is true for other people also, and that it is annoyance with these distractions that causes them to react in a range of ways from avoiding text littered with errors to denouncing the author as stupid. This begs the question of whether it is the author's fault for not writing in a manner that is easier to read smoothly or the readers' fault for lacking the concentration to look past the errors and comprehend the underlying message.
Also, when a person brings up the topic of using “good” English, I focus more on their errors, no matter how minute. It puts me in a Strunk & White frame of mind, and I become more critical of the difference between calling something a “no, no” and calling it a “no-no,” you know?
Bottom line, I think it is best for people to ensure their writ/speech is free of personal error, such that they write/speak exactly as they intended, but I have no desire for them to adhere to any certain rules, nor do I find good grammar to be something that can be pinned down.
Sun Aug 1, 2010 8:27:46 pm
(level of importance)
Sun Aug 1, 2010 8:28:55 pm
(cell phone)
Sun Aug 1, 2010 8:31:09 pm
(because of the author's disregard)
Sun Aug 1, 2010 8:32:37 pm
That's what it looks like when I proofread after I post.
Sun Aug 1, 2010 8:39:26 pm
re: comment#6
That's what it looks like when I proofread after I post.
I mostly proofread before I submit.
Mon Aug 2, 2010 12:36:24 am
I stare at my own bowel movements for at least a full minute before flushing. At least.
Reading this has still been the least interesting thing I've done all day.
Mon Aug 2, 2010 7:38:07 am
re: comment#7
I mostly proofread before I submit.
So do I, but it's probably a waste of time because I often don't catch all the mistakes until after I submit.
Wed Aug 4, 2010 10:36:06 am
Interesting comments. Do your best to the best of your ability I guess.
