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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think that pedantic grammar policing should be abandoned on here?

103 replies

Enoughreally · 06/10/2011 23:45

There are plenty of people with very valid questions and opinions that seem to be slated from the very minute that they post. The only objection I have is the lack of paragraphs in an OP,that renders me cross-eyed.
Surely, if everyone can actually understand what is written,there is no need for constant correction (intimidation) of new posters. It would be good if some character could be allowed to shine.

OP posts:
IneedAbetterNickname · 06/10/2011 23:47

I agree, though I'll admit bad spelling and grammar annoy me (even though I make mistakes sometimes). It also might be worth bearing in mind that some people have dyslexia, and therefore spelling mistakes are inevitable :)

bibbitybobbityhat · 06/10/2011 23:49

Have you got any examples?

There are thousands of us pedants on Mn but the vast majority are willing to keep their mouths shut.

We have a special pedants corner where we can go off and vent if we really need to.

Mostly people are pretty tolerant of poor spelling/grammar/typing.

No paragraphs and textspeak are not tolerated, quite true.

BoysAreLikeDogs · 06/10/2011 23:52

yy no txtspk and please paragraph

I have adopted spightful (a delightful misspelling from yesterday) arf

worraliberty · 06/10/2011 23:52

I agree OP

And actually I prefer to read a post with poor grammar and spelling (as long as I can understand it) than read posts that the author has riddled with acronyms that are not totally obvious.

I think it can come across as arrogant and lazy.

Original poster
Enoughreally · 06/10/2011 23:53

Too many examples Bibbi.

OP posts:
SamMiguel · 06/10/2011 23:55

I think I know the thread that has prompted this op. I was disgusted with the way the op was treated. I almost re-posted her original op in standard English to show how different the reaction would have been but was concerned about upsetting the op. The people who spoke to her in the way they did are arrogant, bullying snobs and should be ashamed of themselves! People have varying grasps on written English but it does not mean that they are any less deserving of respect. Shame on you all.

Original poster
Enoughreally · 06/10/2011 23:56

Ban most acronyms too!

OP posts:
ClarenceDarrow · 06/10/2011 23:56

I hate posts that are riddled with spelling mistakes and lack of punctuation and whatnot, especially when its laziness rather than inability as I think it rude to those you are asking to give time and expertise to your query.
I'm generally far too polite to say so though. Unless provoked.

worraliberty · 06/10/2011 23:58

I hate text speak with a passion

But to be honest, I don't know why acronyms are seen as ok on here and text speak isn't?

It's all lazy typing when you think about it.

reelingintheyears · 06/10/2011 23:59

No paragraphs stop me reading the OP.

Just can't be arsed to trawl through it.

I don't particularly like textspeak but it doesn't bother me that much...each to their own and all that.

Poor spelling is often quick typing and not proof reading before posting.

SamMiguel · 06/10/2011 23:59

and how do you judge whether it is laziness or inability?

worraliberty · 07/10/2011 00:01

and how do you judge whether it is laziness or inability?

When you get a fuck off sized opening post that's riddled with 'BLW' 'BF' 'FF' 'DS' DD...etc

Tortington · 07/10/2011 00:02

oh i have a mixture of both - i want to ask a question about ...is it isn't it a proper noun.

so if you had a 'customer panel' as the name of a defined group of people and you were writing about them...

the customer panel met three times this week...

should CP be capitalised?

reelingintheyears · 07/10/2011 00:02

I love it when people criticise poor spelling then spell something wrong themselves.Grin

Original poster
Enoughreally · 07/10/2011 00:02

Some people genuinely can't spell though. It doesn't mean that they have nothing to say.

OP posts:
reelingintheyears · 07/10/2011 00:03

I would think probably not Custardo...but i may well be wrong.

worraliberty · 07/10/2011 00:03

Me too reeling Grin

SamMiguel · 07/10/2011 00:04

worraliberty, I was referring to ClarenceDarrow's post.

"I hate posts that are riddled with spelling mistakes and lack of punctuation and whatnot, especially when its laziness rather than inability as I think it rude..."

worraliberty · 07/10/2011 00:05

Oh I see, sorry Sam Blush

reelingintheyears · 07/10/2011 00:06

Years ago i went on holiday to Spain with a friend and she got me to write all her postcards because her spelling and grammar was shite.

She's a clever woman and runs her own business now but she still can't spell.

Poor teaching when she was at school i reckon.

SamMiguel · 07/10/2011 00:06

I would have thought it was lower case too.

LeBOF · 07/10/2011 00:06

It is difficult for new posters who don't understand or aren't familiar with the culture of MN, I think. That said, I don't think I'd post a problem on a site I wasn't used to.

SamMiguel · 07/10/2011 00:06

No problem Wink

reelingintheyears · 07/10/2011 00:09

SamMiguel

Shouldn't that be 'no problemo'?Wink

Kayano · 07/10/2011 00:10

I have an English degree but I can't spell Sad

I also have thumbs too fat for my iPhone and have experienced people implying I am stupid for a spelling error. Or dismissing your opinion because you mistyped one word when addressing them.

I can understand it to a point, but sometimes it is uncalled for, adds nothing to the conversation and can be rude.