kwackers wrote:Despite what I said above I don't usually have much of a problem with spelling, correctness of grammar etc - although either can 'trip' me up whilst reading.
The proviso is of course that I can actually understand the meaning behind the words.
pwa wrote:I would liken the the quality and precision of written English to the quality and precision of interior decorating. It is very satisfying when you see it done well, without blobs in the paintwork or inaccurate wallpapering, but when all is said and done it is not that important.
Mistakes are inevitable in a medium like a public internet forum, and they rarely prevent my understanding what the writer meant. However, I always think that while I might understand it, there may be others who will not, e.g. people whose first language is not English or who have dyslexia or a similar condition. So I think it is important to try to avoid spelling and punctuation mistakes and to try to say what I mean as clearly and concisely as possible.
I am always impressed by those who post detailed explanations on the Bikes and Bits board of something which is technically complex and difficult to communicate in written words, especially without photographs. Those posters have obviously gone to some trouble to compose their post in order to communicate their meaning as accurately, precisely and concisely as possible. In doing so they show a great deal of consideration, courtesy and respect for their potential readers.
Whilst the Tea Shop is a place for more general discussion and chat, it is still communication using the written word, but some posters have little respect for the reader judging by their posts: this forum is just a virtual megaphone for them and the rest of us are just their audience.
kwackers wrote:There are two folk on here who off the top of my head often have me scratching my noggin trying to figure out exactly what it is they're talking about, my 'gut feeling' being it's often not what I think.
My impression is that those posters like the sound of their own (written) voice more than actually trying to communicate with the potential readers. I think they confuse their verbose florid posts with literary style, when it's just a pretentious affectation which immediately prompts me to move on to the next post instead. Like careless spelling and grammar, such a posting style just shows a lack of consideration for - or even an indifference to - the reader.
MM