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Original poster

These Spelling/Grammar threads - could we have a new board for them? 'The Echo Chamber' perhaps?

3 replies

LyingWitchInTheWardrobe2726 · 17/02/2018 13:52

Threads complaining about posters' spelling/grammar/paragraph length are getting to be quite frequent on the AIBU board. I think that there isn't a kind way to pull somebody up on their spelling/punctuation/grammar and, unless somebody has asked for corrections, they shouldn't be imposed. I've seen posters be heckled for their posting 'inadequacies' and leave the thread not to return.

Mumsnet is supposed to be an inclusive site where anybody is free to post, but it's not very freeing if a thread itself is peppered with 'corrections' and nor is it inclusive if targeted threads like the one currently on AIBU, are posted to pre-correct and complain about posters' spelling, punctuation and/or grammar, in advance.

Rather than put posters off posting for fear of these SPAG 'bigots', do you think we could have a separate board for these threads? This so that a) posters don't feel censured for their literacy skills and put off posting and, b) posters who want to issue and discuss corrections, can do so amongst the like-minded.

I was thinking that it could be called something like, "The Echo Chamber" or whatever appropriate name?

Pedants' Corner isn't really the right place for these as that's generally a peaceable and instructive board and the posters there don't want 'those sorts of threads' either. I agree with them.

Could you consider this please, MNHQ?

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MNHQ

JenMumsnet · 17/02/2018 14:27

We do see your point and it's an interesting idea.

We'll pass it up the chain and see what they think.

MNHQ

LornaMumsnet · 19/02/2018 10:08

"But I think TheClaws has found the solution; a change in the guidelines that makes malicious SPAG reportable. That way the thread and discussion stays but the personal posts are deleted if reported. The same for posting corrections on an unrelated thread."

We do delete malicious SPAG when reported to us - if you see any, let us know right away. We know it's not in the spirit and we won't hesitate to treat it as any other post that breaks talk guidelines (get rid).

On a side note, it has been interesting to hear some thoughts and opinions here - we're keeping watch for now.

Flowers
MNHQ

HebeMumsnet · 20/02/2018 12:41

Hi again, Lying and others,

Just a quick update as we've had a proper chat in the office about this now.

We don't think we can start any new topic for these kinds of posts, we're afraid. As LornaMumsnet points out, if they're truly goady and personal they'd qualify for deletion anyway. Please do keep reporting these sorts of posts - if someone is correcting grammar in a way that is clearly designed to humiliate, that's not on and we'll remove it and have a word.

But when it's a thread about general grammar use or spelling, we think we have to allow that, otherwise it would be hard to know where to draw the line. We're all mildly irritated by different things in daily life (personally I can let an errant apostrophe go but if you put your ketchup too near your baked beans on a plate, you would be dead to me). And, after all, if you can't have a mild moan on Mumsnet, where can you?

But as we said, SPaGnastiness is still a no-no, so if you're ever not sure just hit the report button and we'll have a look.

Hope that answers the question anyway. Do shout if we can help any further.

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