Are you picky like me? Do you avoid discussions with too many spelling errors?
By anawar
@anawar (2404)
United States
April 28, 2008 2:56pm CST
Maybe this is kind of a rude question, but I can't help wondering about the quality of some comments_ in particular, grammar. If someone starts a discussion filled with misspellings are you less likely to participate in the conversation? I am.
I know everyone makes errors now and then.(including me!)
I understand some people are from other countries and of course any grammatical or spelling difficulties would be over-looked by most people.
In this fast paced world, we don't have time for everything we want to be part of. I'm aware that people comment and don't have time to check for spelling or grammatical errors.
Because I am a writer, these types of errors turn me off.
What about you? Am I the only one, of does anyone else avoid discussions with obvious or excessive errors? How much time do you spend replying and do you preview your post to check for spelling?
I think I covered every source of dismay about the fairness of asking this question.
Do you care, or do you think my question is too critical?
6 people like this
15 responses
@miracleman2008 (173)
• United States
28 Apr 08
Well I don`t know how to spell very good.I try to be right.I `m sorry that us dummies in the world upset you.But you are right,You don`t have to read it.I hope you have a great day,From all of the dummies in the wrold.
@anawar (2404)
• United States
29 Apr 08
miracleman _ You know, I took special care trying not to offend anyone. I was really poking fun at myself because I know it's my "problem."
I'm sorry you took my discussion the wrong way. The only dummy is the one who thinks he isn't. I never said I was brilliant_ only picky.
1 person likes this
@anawar (2404)
• United States
29 Apr 08
procne_ Thanks for the support. Now I feel like everyone is waiting to catch me in a spelling error!
I'm a lot faster posting now, I don't preview, preview and preview again. I am picky, about me!
when all the wind settles down, what friends will still be around
1 person likes this
@highflyingxangel (9225)
• United States
29 Apr 08
I avoid discussions that are in nothing but text speak and discussions that are written with nothing but spelling errors. I just can't stand to sit and read the entire thing. It gives me a headache. So I only read those dicussions that are from those that post good discussions and seem to at least have a good handle on what they are talking about.
2 people like this
@zed_k4 (17589)
• Singapore
30 Apr 08
I am a bit picky at times. In fact, too picky too, anawar because I love to answer discussions that appear to me to be of intelligent questions. I tend not to answer questions that are kind of "lame" unless I really have nothing better to do during that hour and just goofing around. 
I don't think that your question is too critical and I tend to avoid discussions that are full of spelling and grammar error as well. But if it's still understandable, I would try my best to answer it.
Good discussion here. Have a good day, my friend.
I don't think that your question is too critical and I tend to avoid discussions that are full of spelling and grammar error as well. But if it's still understandable, I would try my best to answer it.
Good discussion here. Have a good day, my friend. @anawar (2404)
• United States
30 Apr 08
zed_ I'm relieved I'm not alone in my perfection. You echo my sentiments.
Are you noticing that generally speaking, intelligent questions seem to have fewer, if any spelling errors?
Thanks for taking the time to respond. I appreciate your input. I'll pass the good day back to you. Except right now it's after 8pm. So, it's a good evening after all.
2 people like this
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
28 Apr 08
Did it not occur to you that maybe we just missed a typo instead of being spelling dunces. I am a writer too but that
does not seem to stop me from making a typo on here
and edit as hard as I can I ocassionally miss one or
two and I feel awful when I do. If that keeps people from
reading my discussions then I say you are being a little
nit picking as we all do goof at times.I mean this is not an
English Lit. class in college and we all have other
things to do also. Yes sometimes I do misspell a word
but not often. I preview each response but I am not]going to sit here for an hour at each response. I am here as I enjoy MyLot but also as an elderly widow I do need the
money.
1 person likes this
@anawar (2404)
• United States
29 Apr 08
Hatley_ grrr. I feel so misunderstood. lol. I make mistakes as well and just the same as you, I feel horrible when I see it in print. I guess I am the only one who worries about these things.
I think I am overly-critical of my writing and spend too much time typing out responses.
Thanks for the feedback. You're right, it's not English Lit. Maybe I do spend too much time worrying and I need to spend more time having fun. That's why I asked the question.
Maybe someday I'll learn how to relax. lol
1 person likes this
@rhane7315 (5649)
• Philippines
29 Apr 08
i'm not really that picky when it comes to discussions that have too many spelling errors. it don't bothers me that much as long as i'm interested in his discussion
1 person likes this
@bojangles88 (649)
•
28 Apr 08
I can be a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to grammar etc. but no its different on Mylot. I wouldn't avoid a discussion because of that reason because there are a lot of Mylot users for whom English is their 2nd, 3rd, 4th language even and so it's not fair to avoid their discussions because of this. Often they can be really good ones too, you never know what you're going to miss...
I know I couldn't get anything 'perfect' in a second language so I would never judge others for their English abilities
2 people like this
@anawar (2404)
• United States
29 Apr 08
Hi. I agree with you for the 2nd 3rd and 4th language. As you say, those discussions may hold pearls of wisdom or knowledge. I can spot someone who has trouble with English, but still might avoid the conversation at my loss.
Thanks for the reminder!
But, the real question was_ what about people who speak English as their 1st language and their discussions are riddled with bad spelling?
1 person likes this
@lingli_78 (12822)
• Australia
29 Apr 08
i can be picky sometimes... but not too much... i still respond to discussions with spelling errors as long as i can still understand what the writer is asking... but if it is too much and i can't understand it, then there is nothing i can do... i can't participate in those discussions then...
1 person likes this
@anawar (2404)
• United States
29 Apr 08
lingli_78 Hi. Your answer matches my discussion perfectly. You knew exactly what I meant when I asked about being too picky.
I also respond to questions with spelling errors. I know some of mine are out there!
And, my feelings match yours. If I can't understand what the writer is asking, I can't participate.
Thanks for your comments.
1 person likes this
@djmarion (4898)
• Philippines
29 Apr 08
i admit that as much as possible i try to respond first to a good and sensible discussion that are grammatically correct but i don't ignore discussions coming from other mylot people who can't form perfect English, i understand that we are not all good in expressing ourselves in English since we have different languages so if the discussion is good with little or minimal grammar and spelling errors i just ignore the flaws and keep on responding to them.
1 person likes this
@anawar (2404)
• United States
29 Apr 08
djmarion_ I like your point about 'responding first to good and sensible discussions.' I think many of us think the same way.
I thank you for adding your comments to the other posts here about people who write for mylot even when English is not their first language.
All the best to you! anawar
1 person likes this
@mummyofthree (2715)
•
29 Apr 08
Some people are just not very good at english! My own son is very bad at spelling and grammar. Bless his heart he tries so hard but he just can't grasp some of the most basic ideas in relation to language. He is a whizz at maths and science and he can retain dates and figures like a sponge! So I guess that gives me more patience with this issue. I'm used to having to kind of read between the lines! I can understand other peoples frustrations. We all have are own little pet hates!!! But if I get started on that I could be here all day with mine!!!
@anawar (2404)
• United States
29 Apr 08
mummyofthree_ Hi. I'm a mother of three as well!
It's not easy when one of our kids has trouble in a specific area in school. It makes sense to me that a kid can excel in math and science, but have trouble with language. I think many people have the same problem. Maybe it has something to do with the genes we inherited or the way our brains are wired.
Your son is blessed to have you as a patient mother. I'm not sure every parent is up for that task, even though we all try our best.
Just to be clear, I don't hate errors in grammar or spelling, but I can sympathize with you about having a few pet peeves here and there.
Generally speaking, I'm easy going because I know I annoy people time to time and so I can't really point a finger at anyone. You could always start a discussion about some pet peeves, if you haven't already.
Thanks for your response and all the best to you and your son. Keep up the good work, fellow mom!
1 person likes this
@ellie26 (4139)
• Malaysia
29 Apr 08
You are very critical. You are aware that people in mylot comes from different countries and to some, English is not their language. And also, you need to know that not everyone here has the time to check their grammatical or typo every now and then. They are also not typists. What you are highlighting here may put off some from participating in discussion. Grammatical or typos are quite acceptable if the content can be understood. Since you are a writer, you tend to be perfectionist in grammar and typo. But please be reminded, people don't have to be a writer to be able to post a discussion. As long as the message can be understood, that's fine. Please read the mylot guidelines. There is guidelines about this. This is only my opinion. I don't talk on behalf and I certainly don't expect everyone to agree with me. Be open minded, please.
@ellie26 (4139)
• Malaysia
30 Apr 08
Don't worry, friend. This is an open discussion and we all should be professional enough to accept some good criticism.The 'don't' mylot guidelines:Post discussions, responses or comments criticizing members for bad/broken English or bad spelling. Everyone is welcome at myLot, we have users from all around the world and they are welcome regardless of their proficiency with the English Language.[i][/i]Just to let you know, I have rate you + because you are brave to post this discussion and also the way you handle unsatisfied comments. Cheers.
@anawar (2404)
• United States
29 Apr 08
ellie26_ thanks for your comments. I'm sorry if I left a bitter taste with my words.
I asked what I considered innocent questions, and I think I ruled out hurting anyone's feelings. I had no intentions of stopping anyone from writing. It's hard for me to think my writing on this discussion would actually deter anyone from participating! I'm not that important by any means.
If, as you indicated, I did violate mylot guidelines, I would hope my discussion will be deleted.
However, I'm glad you posted your comment. If others read your comments and my reply, I think my intentions will be completely understood. Thanks for expressing you concerns.
Everyone will value your opinion.
1 person likes this
@jesbellaine (4139)
• Philippines
29 Apr 08
Hi There.
Ooopsssiiieee.... I am one of the few people who mispelled or missed some letters when posting and that is my fault because I sometimes forget to check it.
As for me, I am not really picky when it comes to responding a discussion as long as I understand and relate to it then I will definitely reply on the discussion.
Cheers!
Ooopsssiiieee.... I am one of the few people who mispelled or missed some letters when posting and that is my fault because I sometimes forget to check it.
As for me, I am not really picky when it comes to responding a discussion as long as I understand and relate to it then I will definitely reply on the discussion.
Cheers!
1 person likes this
@anawar (2404)
• United States
29 Apr 08
Exactly! Everyone makes spelling errors,(including me) and no discussion should be ruled out because of a few typos.
Thanks for taking the time to comment. You cleared up any lingering doubts from mylot participants who may have been offended by my discussion.
Thanks again.
1 person likes this
@mikeysmom (2088)
• United States
29 Apr 08
not too critical, no. i agree a little bit and do find some of the grammar a bit hard to absorb at times but it does not upset me in any way and i will respond if i can make sense of what is being said nonetheless. i am a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to proper grammar and spelling but i only put that pressure on myself and do not expect it from others necessarily.
1 person likes this
@anawar (2404)
• United States
29 Apr 08
mikeysmom_ It's the same for me. I put a lot of pressure on my writing, expecting perfection with every word typed.
(even knowing this is impossible)
Thanks for your comments. You add one more dimemsion to our discussion. Your thoughts are well expressed and appreciated.
Every day counts for something. anawar
1 person likes this
@phoenixveracity (68)
• India
29 Apr 08
Even if their are too many Spelling errors if i understand those errors then i reply with an appropriate answer if i am unable 2 understand then i wont reply bcoz if their are spelling errors you cant stop helping others.................
1 person likes this
@sisterjinx (1135)
• United States
2 May 08
Personally I don't avoid any question as long as I can understand it. Spelling and grammar errors don't really bother me to much. I DO notice them but I realize that everybody has different skill levels.
My problem only comes when there are so many that I can't understand what the questioner is asking. I've only run across a few of these but they do exist and then I can't answer.
What's worse is if I THINK I know what they are asking but I'm not 100% sure and I know what I would say if I was right but I don't dare answer in case I'm wrong. lol
I don't think you are too critical. Everyone has their own personal tolerance level and their own personal pet peeves. This is just one of yours.
@anawar (2404)
• United States
2 May 08
Hi. I like your answer. Since I started this discussion, I've learned a thing or two.
Most people agree that if something is unreadable then its unreadable.
I got caught in one of those discussions where I had no idea what the person was asking. I have to leave those alone as well. It would be very embarassing to answer incorrectly.
I wonder if we can drop a note and ask what they are asking? Probably not.
For the most part, everyone has good grammar and spelling abilities. It's only the extreme cases I avoid.
Thanks for your response. Sending warm regards your way.
