to wish that people would use paragraphs and punctuation in their posts?

[Iris65]

I am so tired of opening a thread with an interesting title and finding a block of largely unpunctuated text. Most of the time I don't bother reading it, although it depends on the subject.

Is there some practical reason why people aren't using punctuation and paragraphs?

I don’t read them, and just move on. I feel like I’m not missing much.

...bated breath...

I don't think that I am a dick. I was a teacher though and those habits die hard.
I would never comment on an individual thread about this because that would be rude and I do realise that there are sometimes reasons for people not punctuating or using paragraphs. It was a general thought and I wondered whether others also found it off putting.
Apologies to anyone that I have offended.

I think that posters who complain about lack of paragraphs, spelling, grammar suffer from a degree of arrogance and self importance to be honest - that they would have the perfect answer to an original posters query/dilemma if only they found it easier to read! The need for them to share their opinion is greater than the idea that they can just shrug their shoulders and think that thread is not for me.

No paragraphs and dodgy spelling tends to be because the OP has started their thread on their mobile with a tiny screen, on the bus with 3 inch Union Jack fingernails.

Not exactly the best conditions for a beautifully composed title post, with word perfect syntax and punctuation

The problem with saying that people should use paragraphs, punctuation etc. on this thread, is that the very people the message is aimed at will probably not read it, so as frustrating as it is, there is no chance to change the way people have learned to write.

Also some people on here take great delight in knocking the OP without really picking up on the message being given.

It is so much easier to pull apart the OP than it is to offer constructive advice. Point scoring seems to be the aim of some posters and not helping out at all.

We are all different and I for one cannot read a wall of text, or bad spelling, so usually move on and don't post that often.

Unfortunately you can't get people on MN to post in a way you deem acceptable OP. So you just have to take it upon yourself to deal with that as you see fit.

My spelling, grammar and punctuation is far from perfect. However I do make the effort.
I understand differing levels of education makes a difference but what annoys me is people not bothering or worse arguing that it's not wrong or that using basic grammar is snobbery, particularly when it's done to be trendy.

It does not bother me in the least as long as I understand what is being said. Now what dies bother me is a really long post. Anything longer than 2 paragraphs I usually give up on!

Does not dies!

I feel the same OP. But I'm anal retentive about stuff like this. It makes me sad that the education system may have failed some of these posters. However I have a friend who writes like this on Facebook and emails. She finished high school and she knows better. She's just lazy. Now that's annoying!

I agree and generally just skip past it, although I find I have missed the point and everyone starts discussing the bit I missed

What makes me laugh is when posters starts adding hundreds of links to 'support' their argument - as if I'm going to spend 3 hours reading them all.

And lastly, Not all posters here have English as a first language, some are dyslexic or use assistive technology to read, well this thread will help them improve!!

You're correct that paragraphs and punctuation make text much, much easier to read.

However, the number of people who write walls of impenetrable text is so small, that it's barely worth getting het up about. Let alone be moved to start a thread about it...

No, you can't get people to post in ways that are "acceptable"

But MN used to be a place that was way more considerate towards those with difficulties (as I said above, posting in plain English, well set out in the page to assist those with dyslexia, those using assistive technology and those for whom English is not a first language).

Now it seems to be 'devil take the hindmost', and it's not even acceptable to point out genuine difficulties and ask for the consideration that used to be the norm.

I wrote a long post (with grammar and paragraphs) then thought ‘what’s the point CancellyMcChequeface said everything I want to say (rather eloquently).

In short, no I don’t read the ‘wall of text threads’, yes I judge spelling and grammar (but only in my head).

Not all posters here have English as a first language, some are dyslexic or use assistive technology to read, well this thread will help them improve!!

I thought the point was more that these are people who would struggle most with reading walls of text, so MNers should be considerate to them by using paragraphs & punctuation?

Don't apologise, OP! You're not being unreasonable to express your wish that people would make an effort to write correctly. We were all taught the same things in school, and today were still surrounded by books, newspapers, blogs and magazines that all demonstrate how to write. Not bothering is just laziness.

I'm on a diet FB group and their posts are a NIGHTMARE. No punctuation, so sentences just run on and on, until they become incredibly confusing. Everyone is trying to "loose" weight. 🙄

I haven't said anything, but I definitely judge them.

I never read links. You get them on the BF bunfight threads.
As if by posting them people think everyone will instantly change their view.
So presumptuous to think posters will bother to open them.

You will make me more paranoid now, about my punctuation. Have you thought, some people just aren’t as academic as others? I bet your house is spotless too judging this post!!!!!

There can only be one reason to start a thread about other people's English. To feel smug.

(I'm an English teacher)

That said, I judge missing punctuation and poor sentence structure. Something which clearly, many of you who cannot read an unparagraphed post have no trouble with. Love a bit of Muphry on threads like this.

YANBU. Nobody likes a wall of text.

I dont use much punctuation

Its naffall to do with my education though

Grammar isnt bad, spelling isnt the best but is usually ok

I dont care about anyone else's posts, except when they have a pop at someone for SPAG and have a glaring SPAG error in their own post...that's hysterical

I find it offputting. A long OP I don't mind but a lack of paragraphs bothers me, so I don't read it and I'm sure my opinion and comments are no loss to the OP at all.

Does anyone prefer a block of text though? It seems people either aren't bothered or prefer paragraphs and punctuation. Where are the lovers of no paragraphs or punctuation?

fromage

A massive post with no paragraphs puts me off reading

What a pompous, twattish post. Also, it's in the wrong place. Pedants' Corner is not AIBU. I'm sorry that PC doesn't have the traffic that you think you deserve.