Treekeeper Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 I once had the temerity to type the name of my home town in capitals as some one had misspelt it and received a reply from a child telling me that it was bad form He had rather missed the point though as I was correcting a common error which grates on the local populace no end. I do agree full messages in capitals are wrong and text speak annoys the hell out of me. I wouldn't be a moderator for all the tea in China and think you all do a sterling job Without some of the advice and help from this forum the world would be a darker place. So let's not take ourselves so seriously the sun is shining (almost) and it's Friday Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ziggy Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 This is just one of these things that is escalating on both sides isn't it... Personally, I can see sense in both sides of the argument... If a lot of people feel strongly about it, I have nothing against mods requesting that people use full words and make theirs sentences as legible as possible... after all this is about exchanging information and communication, so that's all ok... I also agree I haven't seen much text speak on here, and I don't question people who have, but like Poet and revnev, I've been around for a while and never noticed it was creeping on in any alarming proportion... Mods who receive complaints from members would obviously like to sort things out and try to please people, and make the forum a happy place, again that is fine and logical too, I don't think the mods react the way they do to annoy anyone, when clearly they are responding to requests from members... This being said, I don't think it's fair to expect that everyone who comes on here should have a perfect command of english spelling and grammar... I'm a native french speaker for a start, so could understand that maybe some people would struggle to produce fully correct posts... it would be nice to keep this forum open to people who have questions but are not so comfortable with the written word... I just worry that hostile behaviour towards anything ungrammatical might intimidate people... I saw one post once when someone asked someone else to re-write their post, when clearly to me the original post was totally clear... maybe that suggestion should have been put in a pm, rather than publicly on the board, to stop people feeling humiliated... I'm also a little surprised that people do pm mods with complaints... I'd never dare to complain unless there was a clear moral issue exploding on the board, like racist behaviour or anything like that... This a wonderful place, with people offering so much advice, encouragement, positive words, and so on, and it's free, and no one is obliged to come on here, or read any post they don't wish to, and I find it surprising that people would innundate the mods with complaints... Obviously when that happens, it gets tiresome and difficult for the mods to keep everyone happy... at the end of the day, keeping everyone fully happy is impossible anyway (even with my four kids it's impossible, imagine with a whole forum)... I think it'd just be nice for everyone to make an effort to both keep things as clear as possible in their typing, and for everyone to exercise tolerance and patience with those people who make mistakes... End of preaching I do get carried away when I start, sorry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 ....you all do a sterling job Without some of the advice and help from this forum the world would be a darker place. So let's not take ourselves so seriously the sun is shining (almost) and it's Friday i agree but i think we should be allowed to speak a little more freely without fear of upsetting the establishment. the sun aint shining here more's the pity Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Frugal Posted April 25, 2008 Author Share Posted April 25, 2008 Please, it is NOT a rule. It was just a polite request as we've received complaints from forum members. I was simply trying to make life more pleasant for the majority, not to upset or enrage any of you. Normally I'm the kind of person who can sit back and ignore things or just walk away if I find things irritating. However, as site admin, when someone complains and the complaints are numerous, something needs to be done and AS site admin, it's usually my place to do this so I end up in the firing line time and time again just for trying to keep the peace on the forum. NO ONE is enforcing any rules here. NO ONE is going to be going round deleting posts or editing them if they have text speak in. It is just asking for people to try not to use this way of writing to make it easier for everyone to read all the posts. It is NOT the "establishment" who are upset by text speak but many of the regular members as you can see by the number who have posted their relief at this being raised. There are 2 rules on this forum - no advertising of your own business and no cockerels for rehoming. That is it. Ginette, I'm hurt by your comments about you being worried about being banned for speaking up. I have never banned ANYONE on this forum for anything. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 Poet, I see what you mean, but I don't think I really meant that I was "scared" of the moderators. I sometimes feel a bit uncomfortable when a thread is in danger of losing the friendly and humerous touch the forum usually has and just wanted to lighten the tone . Wibble Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tessa the Duchess Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 I am also very hesitant to enter this debate, but here goes I am aware of some text speak on this forum, and I do struggle to make sense of it, I usually give up, but I notice that somebody always replies, so it must make sense to someone. My point is more about the spelling, punctuation and grammar issue...I think it is important for us to be aware that not everybody in this life has had the benefit of a good education, for whatever reason. For some people it is a struggle to write good clear English, therefore I think we should bear this in mind, and not be too judgmental. I would hate to think that anybody would be put off posting because they felt their spelling or grammar wasn't up to the mark. All my VERY humble opinion. Tessa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 Ok here goes, The Moderating team work very hard to keep the forum running smoothly, editing offensive posts, moving, tweaking, advising etc. We are not here to police the forum, but to guide. The decision to post about text speak was not taken lightly, but after several complaints from posters, it was agreed for the benefit of all members. As Lesley has pointed out, if we come on to read the forum, most of the time is spent moderating. I enjoy using the forum, don't get me wrong, as 5,000 odd posts show! As a general rule, if something upsets or concerns you, all we ask is that you Pm a moderator. This is not so that we are hiding away and deleting behind people's backs, it just makes for more pleasant and uncluttered reading. EVERY post that is edited is discussed and the poster informed by PM, unless it is blatantly obvious why it had been edited. I'm sorry if some of you feel that you are being 'policed' that is not the intention of the moderators. I belong to a couple of other forums and this really is the friendliest one. Yes, people disagree at times and discussions become heated, by so is life. This post is not about what a hard job it is being a Mod, more about trying to explain why things are done in a certain way. Being relatively new to the post, I do find it difficult at times knowing what to do for the best. Receiving a PM from a member expressing concerns over a post makes the job more simple as it reinforces my initial concern. Will stand back now and wait for the onslaught Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Frugal Posted April 25, 2008 Author Share Posted April 25, 2008 My point is more about the spelling, punctuation and grammar issue...I think it is important for us to be aware that not everybody in this life has had the benefit of a good education, for whatever reason. For some people it is a struggle to write good clear English, therefore I think we should bear this in mind, and not be too judgmental. I would hate to think that anybody would be put off posting because they felt their spelling or grammar wasn't up to the mark. All my VERY humble opinion. Tessa, where in my original post does it say anything about spelling, punctuation and grammar? I've simply asked if things like "u", "grt" "plz" could be avoided to make it easier to understand the posts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tina C Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 Gosh this really has become a hot topic hasn't it? I have just found three strands of this thread in three different sections of the forum. I agree about text speak, so I do appreciate what the mods (thanks all) are trying to say. Now, there are a lot of us on here that like to see good grammar but one thought came to my mind. There has been discussion arising from this request about spelling and grammar (I know this was nothing to do with Kate's original request) and that does concern me a bit. For various reasons, not everyone is able to maintain a high standard when typing their posts (speaking as a former adult literacy tutor) and it would be a shame if they now felt intimidated and worried about using the forum. Cinnamon said elsewhere that those who have a different first language may struggle with text speak, which is true, but they also may make grammatical errors too. So please don't come down too hard on grammar etc. With regards to text speak I think a pm to the people concerned would be the best approach - I know its hard work moderating but I have only seen a few instances of text speak being used, so it should not be too onerous. Anyone coming to the forum next week will not necessarily see this post (I did even not read 'How use the forum' when I joined ) so it will not prevent it happening again. I am one of offenders when it comes to 'spelling' - in my case its actually typos rather than spelling and I don't feel the need to edit the odd mistake if the meaning is not affected. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tina C Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 My point is more about the spelling, punctuation and grammar issue...I think it is important for us to be aware that not everybody in this life has had the benefit of a good education, for whatever reason. For some people it is a struggle to write good clear English, therefore I think we should bear this in mind, and not be too judgmental. I would hate to think that anybody would be put off posting because they felt their spelling or grammar wasn't up to the mark. All my VERY humble opinion. Tessa, where in my original post does it say anything about spelling, punctuation and grammar? I've simply asked if things like "u", "grt" "plz" could be avoided to make it easier to understand the posts. I don't think Tessa was referring to your post Kate but other comments - Tessa and I have posted more or less the same thing but in different words (I think). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tessa the Duchess Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 My point is more about the spelling, punctuation and grammar issue...I think it is important for us to be aware that not everybody in this life has had the benefit of a good education, for whatever reason. For some people it is a struggle to write good clear English, therefore I think we should bear this in mind, and not be too judgmental. I would hate to think that anybody would be put off posting because they felt their spelling or grammar wasn't up to the mark. All my VERY humble opinion. Tessa, where in my original post does it say anything about spelling, punctuation and grammar? I've simply asked if things like "u", "grt" "plz" could be avoided to make it easier to understand the posts. Sorry Kate, I didn't express myself very well. This wasn't a dig at you or the moderators, obviously you were just referring to text speak. I was just a little concerned at some of the comments about spelling and grammar etc., making some posters feel inadequate and uncomfortable. No harm done I hope Tessa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Treekeeper Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 My point exactly. I don't believe this forum is over moderated and it's because of the humour etc that I use it. God forbid that Kate has to change her user name to Killjoy Kate to keep the unruly mob under control Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 kate, i think you take things too personally sometimes. you once accused me of bullying you (which i wasn't). Please lighten up a bit, you do a great job but i think the pressure might get to you sometimes xxxx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 Without wanting to stop anyone from expressing their feeling, can I butt in and say.... 'Nuff said'.... I feel Thanks for a lively debate guys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 the sun aint shining here more's the pity In part that could be because people are wary of posting at times for fear of starting off a series of rants. I said yesterday to a forum friend that I was going to Beverley Races for the day...but I wasn't going to mention it on the forum because I didn't want to be responsible for precipitating a another tirade of unpleasantness and judgementmental diatribe. Not because I am frightened of individuals on the forum, but because things have been a bit tricky of late and I prefer not to add to it or be the cause. But on reflection, after reading this thread......I have well and truly changed my mind. I now think that by being made to feel this way (and I know I am not alone).....the ranters are very cleverly, in their own way, imposing a form of censorship. It is interesting that they are the first to complain if the mods ask for a certain forum code to be adhered to. So...I went to Beverley Races yesterday afternoon....and had a whale of a time and won eight quid....which I very well might donate to the BHWT! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tina C Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 Please don't EVER stop posting here Egluntine. I love your posts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 the sun aint shining here more's the pity In part that could be because people are wary of posting at times for fear of starting off a series of rants. I said yesterday to a forum friend that I was going to Beverley Races for the day...but I wasn't going to mention it on the forum because I didn't want to be responsible for precipitating a another tirade of unpleasantness and judgementmental diatribe. Not because I am frightened of individuals on the forum, but because things have been a bit tricky of late and I prefer not to add to it or be the cause. But on reflection, after reading this thread......I have well and truly changed my mind. I now think that by being made to feel this way (and I know I am not alone).....the ranters are very cleverly, in their own way, imposing a form of censorship. It is interesting that they are the first to complain if the mods ask for a certain forum code to be adhered to. So...I went to Beverley Races yesterday afternoon....and had a whale of a time and won eight quid....which I very well might donate to the BHWT! are you referring to me? I just wondered because you've quoted something i said. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 It is NOT the "establishment" who are upset by text speak but many of the regular members as you can see by the number who have posted their relief at this being raised. not really... apart from moderators - there are at most 10 people who have said on this thread that they are irritated by text speak on the Forum. Others have said they are irritated by corny shop signs or other grammar/language issues. If this thread was supposed to be a clean and simple request to limit text speak - then looking at page one - it was moderators who broadened it, and it was moderators who suggested that those who occasionally use text speak are "lazy" - which is a bit harsh. Phil Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 Ginette, I'm hurt by your comments about you being worried about being banned for speaking up. I have never banned ANYONE on this forum for anything. Kate, maybe I should have thought more carefully. My remark was not directed specifically at you, though I can see now that that is probably the only interpretation possible. I have been very hurt by the way I have been treated here in the past, probably more than you realise. The result is that I feel exceedingly hesitant to stick my neck out anywhere. I am really stressed by this thread even though I know I shouldn't be. I'm also aware that you probably are too! I am not arguing against the Moderators or you. I'm not always as eloquent as I need to be, but I was trying to say that there is no need for this thread to be unpleasant. Discussion and differing opinions are fine. I really wasn't getting at you Kate and I'm sorry to have hurt you by my comments. I think I'd best not read this thread anymore. I don't come here for an argument and I don't like it at all. I'm probably not helping either and should have stuck to my instincts to keep well away! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 Thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 I now think that by being made to feel this way (and I know I am not alone).....the ranters are very cleverly, in their own way, imposing a form of censorship. Hmmmm..... cos name-calling always helps Phil Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 right I have stayed out of this, until now. We can all see that this forum family is growing, which is great as it means chickens are taking over the country! People come from all walks of life, we are all different and have different styles of writing things and different personalities....we all have something to offer the forum, thats what makes it a great place to come. Moderators are volunteers, they give up their own time to keep the forum running smoothly, which in my opinion it always has - which is why I dont go on any other forum. My post is my own personal opinion, im not sticking up for mods and im not frowning upon anyone who has posted in this thread as I feel together we are a great community. Keep smiling everyone Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 Well done Egluntine - I have to say that I never win anything on bets at the races My uncle (who is Irish) loves the gee gees and is an expert on their form etc and always wins loads. he reckons that I jinx any recommendations that he makes to me, so I've stopped placing bets Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 'Nuff said'.... I feel Thanks for a lively debate guys. Here Here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 omg, just because i said horse racing was cruel on a thread about the grand national i'm now being accused of being a ranter and posting diatribes, unbelievable! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
