Grammar Hall of Shame

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Ooohhhhh Sir D included my favorite word to pick on Kitiara about: cheque That post was a bit much don't you think. And it obviously lets your anti-American sentiment shine through, which I personally find disturbing. How would you like it if I were making fun of your "Europeanized" version of the proper "American" English language. I'm sorry, but I felt that had little to do with the point Sharlp and several others of us were trying to make here. I don't think any person in their right mind would point out differences in spelling like that while trying to chastise someone for bad grammar. I wouldn't. If Sharlp did, well, he was wrong on that count. The point of this post was to get people to recognize their laziness for what it is. I don't care about spelling typos. Who does? That isn't what this is all about. A mistake here and there isn't what this is all about. What it IS about is the toned down version of l33t grammer we sometimes see on these boards. I don't see what the argument here is over. Tal clearly made his point, and I agree with it 100%. Noone is trying to put down posters whose first language isn't English. I think the majority of the arguments here have missed the entire point Sharlp was trying to make. I'm defending him (for a change). His methods may leave something to be desired, but his point needed to be made.

 

But we still can see the bad grammar for ourselves, and we don't need an entire thread and a stupid argument to know it is there.

 

Kitiara- the general editorial rule is that so long as the author sticks to either English or American spellings he/she is fine. However in Canada that changed with the recent release of a Canadian dictionary ( a country with a population smaller than London, England needs its own spelling?). Now, in Canada, most organisations have a policy requiring "Canadian" spelling: that is to say, use "organize" and "deputize" instead of "organise" and "deputise" etc, and use "colour" instead of "color" etc. So, half British, half American.

The problem is that now you not only have to know both sets of spellings, you have to know which one to use in each circumstance. And by the way, Microsoft's "Canadian" spellcheck setting is almost 100% American so it won't work for this purpose.

I consistently use British spellings, and periodically my co-workers notify me (their editor!) that their American spellchecking programmes have caught me in spelling errors... then they send me back documents I've written, with what seems like all my Ss changed to Zs... Must remain calm...

By the way, to anyone who wants to actively improve his/her English and would like assistance: I have taught English as a second language and am employed as a technical writer/editor, so I'm qualified to help. And I'm willing, especially if anyone is working on a resume or publishable work in English and would like assistance- let me know and with enough lead time I should be able to help you.

 

Well my vote is if they don't recognize their bad grammar, then someone should take the time to point it out to them. It will save them alot of hardships later on in life. And if they just don't care, maybe they should start. Taking an extra second to make sure your post isn't one huge run on sentence isn't a hardship. Nor is bothering to us a little bit of proper capitalization and punctuation. Any nine year old knows to do it. I don't see why someone who posts here can't be bothered.

And BTW Mollusken, what do you care anyway. Noone was refering to you. I'm amazed the people who are actually flaming Sharlp are the ones who *can* put together a coherent post.

 

Ok i have to add. Sure it is nice of you to point out when someones grammer needs work, but there is no need to degrade them and ridicule them by changing their avatar.

I could see if they were a repeat offender and all, but for not capitalizing their i's?

Dont you think a friendly reminder post before insulting them could be a little less demeaning?

[This message has been edited by Kitiara (edited November 23, 2001).]

 

Tal; How about "Mr/Miss Magoo" award? Cute, harmless and yet potent.

[This message has been edited by ArchAngel (edited November 23, 2001).]

 

http://www.winternet.com/~mikelr/flame80.html

 

Huh?!

Ok, so what prize do I get for spotting that one?

 

http://www.winternet.com/~mikelr/flame31.html

 

Azardu: bugger/ bougger

 

Hey not fair Poodle boy. British butcher our words too. Such as the Airplane Aeroplane. WE invented the airplane therefore WE get to give it the name airplane. Oh and what about lifts the proper name as invented is ELEVATOR not lift get it straight. Just a little American versus British hostility here for ya.

Be amused, be very amused.