it happened to me again X2

[Poppa_Zit]

Someone mentioned we should avoid using $64 words.

Does that mean we should dumb-down the language here to please those who poo-poo proper spelling and grammar? Sorry, I refuse to do that.

"Did Dick see the choo-choo? Did Spot see the choo-choo? No, but Jane could hear it go 'Woo-woo!' " 

As someone pointed out, there is a button that can be clicked to reopen a post so it may be edited. When a person makes a post full of disorganized or unclear thoughts filled with mis-spellings, awful grammar, capitalization and punctuation -- and then leaves it for all to view -- it sends the message that they have an "I don't care" attitude.

In that case, they have no right to act offended if someone comments on it.

[Semper Vaporo]

A little poem I ran across several years ago that has some bearing on this inane conversation: 

Wee halve spilling and grandma checkers; they came with are Pea Seas.
They plainly mark fore hour revues, mistakes wee dew Knot Sea.
This massage was scent threw it, and ewe should bee pleas two no,
It's letter prefect in its weigh; the checkers tolled mea sew.

 

And then some rules to follow for gooder writing:

1. Always avoid alliteration.
2. Never use a long word when a diminutive one will do.
3. Eschew ampersands & abbreviations, etc.
4. Parenthetical remarks (however relevant) are unnecessary.
5. Remember to never split an infinitive.
6. Contractions aren't necessary.
7. Foreign words and phrases are not apropos, French is passé.
8. One should never generalize.
9. Don't be redundant; don't use more words than necessary; it's highly superfluous.
10. Be more or less specific.
11. One-word sentences? Eliminate.
12. The passive voice is to be avoided.
13. Even if a mixed metaphor sings, it should be derailed.
14. Who needs rhetorical questions?
15. Exaggeration is a billion times worse than understatement.
16. Don't never use no double negation.
17. Proofread carefully to see if you any words out.
18. And don't start a sentence with a conjunction.
19. A preposition is a terrible word to end a sentence with.
20. Don't overuse exclamation marks!!!!!!!
21. Avoid trendy locutions that sound flaky.
22. Last but not least, avoid cliches like the plague; they're old hat; seek viable alternatives.

 

[CopCarSS]

1. Always avoid alliteration.
2. Never use a long word when a diminutive one will do.
3. Eschew ampersands & abbreviations, etc.
4. Parenthetical remarks (however relevant) are unnecessary.
5. Remember to never split an infinitive.
6. Contractions aren't necessary.
7. Foreign words and phrases are not apropos, French is passé.
8. One should never generalize.
9. Don't be redundant; don't use more words than necessary; it's highly superfluous.
10. Be more or less specific.
11. One-word sentences? Eliminate.
12. The passive voice is to be avoided.
13. Even if a mixed metaphor sings, it should be derailed.
14. Who needs rhetorical questions?
15. Exaggeration is a billion times worse than understatement.
16. Don't never use no double negation.
17. Proofread carefully to see if you any words out.
18. And don't start a sentence with a conjunction.
19. A preposition is a terrible word to end a sentence with.
20. Don't overuse exclamation marks!!!!!!!
21. Avoid trendy locutions that sound flaky.
22. Last but not least, avoid cliches like the plague; they're old hat; seek viable alternatives.

 

This is quite possibly the most amusing parody I've read in quite awhile! Thanks for sharing!

[Semper Vaporo]

1. Always avoid alliteration.
2. Never use a long word when a diminutive one will do.
3. Eschew ampersands & abbreviations, etc.
4. Parenthetical remarks (however relevant) are unnecessary.
5. Remember to never split an infinitive.
6. Contractions aren't necessary.
7. Foreign words and phrases are not apropos, French is passé.
8. One should never generalize.
9. Don't be redundant; don't use more words than necessary; it's highly superfluous.
10. Be more or less specific.
11. One-word sentences? Eliminate.
12. The passive voice is to be avoided.
13. Even if a mixed metaphor sings, it should be derailed.
14. Who needs rhetorical questions?
15. Exaggeration is a billion times worse than understatement.
16. Don't never use no double negation.
17. Proofread carefully to see if you any words out.
18. And don't start a sentence with a conjunction.
19. A preposition is a terrible word to end a sentence with.
20. Don't overuse exclamation marks!!!!!!!
21. Avoid trendy locutions that sound flaky.
22. Last but not least, avoid cliches like the plague; they're old hat; seek viable alternatives.

 

This is quite possibly the most amusing parody I've read in quite awhile! Thanks for sharing!

AND I violate at least one every time my fingers poke at the keybroad!

^^^ SEE?  I dood it again!

 

 

[WCfan]

This is why I never come over to the Trains Mag fourms. Do you guys do this on EVERY thread?

[eolafan]

This is why I never come over to the Trains Mag fourms. Do you guys do this on EVERY thread?

On EVERY thread, certainly not, only on those where it is warranted, such as this one. By the way, after all that has been said, I would have thought you'd have taken the hint and made sure your spelling of words were correct...i.e. it's forums, NOT fourms.

[WCfan]

This is why I never come over to the Trains Mag fourms. Do you guys do this on EVERY thread?

On EVERY thread, certainly not, only on those where it is warranted, such as this one. By the way, after all that has been said, I would have thought you'd have taken the hint and made sure your spelling of words were correct...i.e. it's forums, NOT fourms.

Opps. Mistake on my part!

[Willy2]

A little poem I ran across several years ago that has some bearing on this inane conversation: 

Wee halve spilling and grandma checkers; they came with are Pea Seas.
They plainly mark fore hour revues, mistakes wee dew Knot Sea.
This massage was scent threw it, and ewe should bee pleas two no,
It's letter prefect in its weigh; the checkers tolled mea sew.

 

And then some rules to follow for gooder writing:

1. Always avoid alliteration.
2. Never use a long word when a diminutive one will do.
3. Eschew ampersands & abbreviations, etc.
4. Parenthetical remarks (however relevant) are unnecessary.
5. Remember to never split an infinitive.
6. Contractions aren't necessary.
7. Foreign words and phrases are not apropos, French is passé.
8. One should never generalize.
9. Don't be redundant; don't use more words than necessary; it's highly superfluous.
10. Be more or less specific.
11. One-word sentences? Eliminate.
12. The passive voice is to be avoided.
13. Even if a mixed metaphor sings, it should be derailed.
14. Who needs rhetorical questions?
15. Exaggeration is a billion times worse than understatement.
16. Don't never use no double negation.
17. Proofread carefully to see if you any words out.
18. And don't start a sentence with a conjunction.
19. A preposition is a terrible word to end a sentence with.
20. Don't overuse exclamation marks!!!!!!!
21. Avoid trendy locutions that sound flaky.
22. Last but not least, avoid cliches like the plague; they're old hat; seek viable alternatives.

 

 

[CNW 6000]

To me this is much ado about nothing.  Unless we're going to police each thread and or something is directed at me I can deal with it.

[Bergie]

This is why I never come over to the Trains Mag fourms. Do you guys do this on EVERY thread?

On EVERY thread, certainly not, only on those where it is warranted, such as this one. By the way, after all that has been said, I would have thought you'd have taken the hint and made sure your spelling of words were correct...i.e. it's forums, NOT fourms.

Please define "warranted" to me. I'd love to hear why someone would deserve this type of treatment.

Give the good old boy network a rest; I appreciate the contributions of all of you, regardless of how well you spell or how well you write. Imagine if you were treated like that somewhere.

Bergie

[eolafan]

This is why I never come over to the Trains Mag fourms. Do you guys do this on EVERY thread?

On EVERY thread, certainly not, only on those where it is warranted, such as this one. By the way, after all that has been said, I would have thought you'd have taken the hint and made sure your spelling of words were correct...i.e. it's forums, NOT fourms.

Please define "warranted" to me. I'd love to hear why someone would deserve this type of treatment.

Give the good old boy network a rest; I appreciate the contributions of all of you, regardless of how well you spell or how well you write. Imagine if you were treated like that somewhere.

Bergie

Bergie, since you asked what I consider "warranted", I will answer you.  Here is the original post in question:

today i was out railfanning in waupaca on the CN neenah sub. & i stayed for an hour. i found a spot by the waupaca country club & it was great for pic cause i took some pics & seen how they turned out & then i knew it would be good. 15 minutes earlier i heard the dispatcher call one that was leaving neenah. so it thought i would see one well later i find out it was gonna park on weyauwega so then well weyauwega thats only 8 miles so it shouldnt be their that long. well i heard the dispatcher say agin one has just left point  to  go to fond du lac. well i knew i would get it & it said abt 45 minutes to meet the one at weyauwega. well i had to use the restroom really bad & i went to the nearest gas station so i got a soda & used the facilites & then i head back to my spot well come to find out a cement truck as their so i said *** im screwed so i go down a bit farther & i see a bridge & all of a sudden their it goes & i missed it. i went God D*mn well i didnt make it to the next crossing. well then i said lets leave. so i did. well as i said it happened to me before  but this was in duplainville. once i got stopped by the crossing & then i got out of the truck & looked & saw one down farther well then the gates go up & i didnt know what was goin on so then i go down the rd & then i see it go up & i missed it it was a wc GP38-2 2001. that sucked that day. then thre other i missed a cp train heading west. i was checkin up the area by  weyer rd at the

I highlighted the words and/or phrases that were particularly offensive to me (but perhaps not to all of our fellow posters) in red above.  Although I did not chastise the young man for his foul language (which was what originally disturbed me) I did (admittedly) have some fun with him by pointing out his butchery of the English language in his posts.  This young man went on to make his point that he thought I was making much to do about nothing and now I see you (seemingly) fell the same.  In deference to your authority in this case, I will (as you put it) "give the good old boy network a rest" and no longer make any points about the correct use of spelling or grammar, HOWEVER I would appreciate it if you would make an effort to be equally pointed about obvious foul language used in posts such as that shown above. Thank you kindly. 

[chad thomas]

This is why I never come over to the Trains Mag fourms. Do you guys do this on EVERY thread?

On EVERY thread, certainly not, only on those where it is warranted, such as this one. By the way, after all that has been said, I would have thought you'd have taken the hint and made sure your spelling of words were correct...i.e. it's forums, NOT fourms.

Please define "warranted" to me. I'd love to hear why someone would deserve this type of treatment.

Give the good old boy network a rest; I appreciate the contributions of all of you, regardless of how well you spell or how well you write. Imagine if you were treated like that somewhere.

Bergie

Bergie, since you asked what I consider "warranted", I will answer you.  Here is the original post in question:

today i was out railfanning in waupaca on the CN neenah sub. & i stayed for an hour. i found a spot by the waupaca country club & it was great for pic cause i took some pics & seen how they turned out & then i knew it would be good. 15 minutes earlier i heard the dispatcher call one that was leaving neenah. so it thought i would see one well later i find out it was gonna park on weyauwega so then well weyauwega thats only 8 miles so it shouldnt be their that long. well i heard the dispatcher say agin one has just left point  to  go to fond du lac. well i knew i would get it & it said abt 45 minutes to meet the one at weyauwega. well i had to use the restroom really bad & i went to the nearest gas station so i got a soda & used the facilites & then i head back to my spot well come to find out a cement truck as their so i said *** im screwed so i go down a bit farther & i see a bridge & all of a sudden their it goes & i missed it. i went God D*mn well i didnt make it to the next crossing. well then i said lets leave. so i did. well as i said it happened to me before  but this was in duplainville. once i got stopped by the crossing & then i got out of the truck & looked & saw one down farther well then the gates go up & i didnt know what was goin on so then i go down the rd & then i see it go up & i missed it it was a wc GP38-2 2001. that sucked that day. then thre other i missed a cp train heading west. i was checkin up the area by  weyer rd at the

I highlighted the words and/or phrases that were particularly offensive to me (but perhaps not to all of our fellow posters) in red above.  Although I did not chastise the young man for his foul language (which was what originally disturbed me) I did (admittedly) have some fun with him by pointing out his butchery of the English language in his posts.  This young man went on to make his point that he thought I was making much to do about nothing and now I see you (seemingly) fell the same.  In deference to your authority in this case, I will (as you put it) "give the good old boy network a rest" and no longer make any points about the correct use of spelling or grammar, HOWEVER I would appreciate it if you would make an effort to be equally pointed about obvious foul language used in posts such as that shown above. Thank you kindly. 

 

Well said Jim, I agree.

[Poppa_Zit]

This is why I never come over to the Trains Mag fourms. Do you guys do this on EVERY thread?

On EVERY thread, certainly not, only on those where it is warranted, such as this one. By the way, after all that has been said, I would have thought you'd have taken the hint and made sure your spelling of words were correct...i.e. it's forums, NOT fourms.

Please define "warranted" to me. I'd love to hear why someone would deserve this type of treatment.

Give the good old boy network a rest; I appreciate the contributions of all of you, regardless of how well you spell or how well you write. Imagine if you were treated like that somewhere.

Bergie

Bergie, since you asked what I consider "warranted", I will answer you.  Here is the original post in question:

today i was out railfanning in waupaca on the CN neenah sub. & i stayed for an hour. i found a spot by the waupaca country club & it was great for pic cause i took some pics & seen how they turned out & then i knew it would be good. 15 minutes earlier i heard the dispatcher call one that was leaving neenah. so it thought i would see one well later i find out it was gonna park on weyauwega so then well weyauwega thats only 8 miles so it shouldnt be their that long. well i heard the dispatcher say agin one has just left point  to  go to fond du lac. well i knew i would get it & it said abt 45 minutes to meet the one at weyauwega. well i had to use the restroom really bad & i went to the nearest gas station so i got a soda & used the facilites & then i head back to my spot well come to find out a cement truck as their so i said *** im screwed so i go down a bit farther & i see a bridge & all of a sudden their it goes & i missed it. i went God D*mn well i didnt make it to the next crossing. well then i said lets leave. so i did. well as i said it happened to me before  but this was in duplainville. once i got stopped by the crossing & then i got out of the truck & looked & saw one down farther well then the gates go up & i didnt know what was goin on so then i go down the rd & then i see it go up & i missed it it was a wc GP38-2 2001. that sucked that day. then thre other i missed a cp train heading west. i was checkin up the area by  weyer rd at the

I highlighted the words and/or phrases that were particularly offensive to me (but perhaps not to all of our fellow posters) in red above.  Although I did not chastise the young man for his foul language (which was what originally disturbed me) I did (admittedly) have some fun with him by pointing out his butchery of the English language in his posts.  This young man went on to make his point that he thought I was making much to do about nothing and now I see you (seemingly) fell the same.  In deference to your authority in this case, I will (as you put it) "give the good old boy network a rest" and no longer make any points about the correct use of spelling or grammar, HOWEVER I would appreciate it if you would make an effort to be equally pointed about obvious foul language used in posts such as that shown above. Thank you kindly. 

 

Well said Jim, I agree.

Me too, I'm with Chad and Jim.

I can see where Bergie is coming from, and he has taken the correct "Fair to Everyone" position the forum administrator must have.

But I'll just say that if someone thinks so little of his fellow forum members to present gobs of unintelligible thoughts in butchered English, grammar and punctuation -- and in most cases the author does not think enough of us potential readers to go back and cleanup-edit for clarity -- then it becomes difficult to cobble any respect for that person and his words. Shoot, it hurts my eyes.

I guess since it is inappropriate for someone like Bergie to take sides on this, a few caring members of this forum often assume the role of "Post Police". I haven't too-often seen any outright mean posts of this type -- usually sarcasm and humor are used to lighten giving that person "the hint". Personally, I find it hard to believe that someone who can operate a PC and find their way to these forums can have such a limited command of communication skills.

It's really sad when we need a person to step in and translate Pidgin into English for us, that's all.

And if no one ever says anything, then the offenders will assume posts of these type have become acceptable and we'll see their number grow.

PZ

[cordon]

Dear Forum Members,

My opinion is that it's like TV and ads in the newspaper.  If I don't want to read it, then I can click on something else.  I am in complete control of what I read on this forum, and I have no inclination to tell others what to write or how to write.

I noticed that a handful of responses talked about the content of the original post, as I did.  I still find the original story amusing - out of the car, oops not here, back in the car, next place, no not here, either, etc.  I visualized something like a one-person Keystone Cops routine.  It could happen to any of us. 

I've also read all the other comments.  I think we've covered "how to write" pretty well, and I don't have anything to add. 

[selector]

I agree with cordon.  It should be about the message.  If the message is indeed unintelligible, ask for clarification.  Ridiculing/"having some fun with" someone says as much about its authors as it does about its intended target.

What if our OP were working with a poor ability in a second language?  How did you know he was not?  Even so, I would model better behaviour and try the genteel approach...

Ask for clarification.

Example: WC, I am sorry but I was not able to understand your question as it is written.  I am having trouble with your spelling and grammar, so I am unsure of what you mean.  I would like to answer you, though.  Would you be willing to make another attempt with your question for me?

That message is conciliatory and respectful, and it is also...most importantly...ethically valid because it is factual and honest.  It also respects the dignity of the poster as opposed to delighting in the opportunity to make a point at his expense...also better ethics from a deontological point of view.  If your ethics are more utilitarian, then my post doesn't mean much.

[eolafan]

I agree with Cordon.  It should be about the message.  If the message is indeed unintelligible, ask for clarification.  Ridiculing/"having some fun with" someone says as much about its authors as it does about its intended target.

What if our OP were working with a poor ability in a second language?  How did you know he was not?  Even so, I would model better behaviour and try the genteel approach...

Ask for clarification.

Example: WC, I am sorry but I was not able to understand your question as it is written.  I am having trouble with your spelling and grammar, so I am unsure of what you mean.  I would like to answer you, though.  Would you be willing to make another attempt with your question for me?

That message is conciliatory and respectful, and it is also...most importantly...ethically valid because it is factual and honest.  It also respects the dignity of the poster as opposed to delighting in the opportunity to make a point at his expense...also better ethics from a deontological point of view.  If your ethics are more utilitarian, then my post doesn't mean much.

"God D*mn ", and "that sucked that day" clearly indicates to me that the original poster has at least a basic working knowledge of what today seems to pass for our English language.  His subsequent posting of "The world going to end! 5 Mistakes!" simply indicates to us that the poster does not care much at all about the proper use of the English language or the individual and personal sensibilities of his fellow forum readers (I am referring to the foul language here). 

We all need to give the average person a "break" when minor and infrequent mistakes are made, but to use this kind of language and then to "poo-poo" attempts at correction are clearly indicative of someone who simply does not care.  I have already posted far too many personal opinions on this subject and this will be my last, except to note that it is obvious that many fellow posters seem to agree with my feelings as evidenced by previous posts on their part.

[Willy2]

I also agree with Chad, Jim, and Poppa Zit. A few grammar mistakes are one thing (I never know when to use commas and when not to use commas myself), but foul language should not be used.

[WCfan]

I agree with Cordon.  It should be about the message.  If the message is indeed unintelligible, ask for clarification.  Ridiculing/"having some fun with" someone says as much about its authors as it does about its intended target.

What if our OP were working with a poor ability in a second language?  How did you know he was not?  Even so, I would model better behaviour and try the genteel approach...

Ask for clarification.

Example: WC, I am sorry but I was not able to understand your question as it is written.  I am having trouble with your spelling and grammar, so I am unsure of what you mean.  I would like to answer you, though.  Would you be willing to make another attempt with your question for me?

That message is conciliatory and respectful, and it is also...most importantly...ethically valid because it is factual and honest.  It also respects the dignity of the poster as opposed to delighting in the opportunity to make a point at his expense...also better ethics from a deontological point of view.  If your ethics are more utilitarian, then my post doesn't mean much.

"God D*mn ", and "that sucked that day" clearly indicates to me that the original poster has at least a basic working knowledge of what today seems to pass for our English language.  His subsequent posting of "The world going to end! 5 Mistakes!" simply indicates to us that the poster does not care much at all about the proper use of the English language or the individual and personal sensibilities of his fellow forum readers (I am referring to the foul language here). 

We all need to give the average person a "break" when minor and infrequent mistakes are made, but to use this kind of language and then to "poo-poo" attempts at correction are clearly indicative of someone who simply does not care.  I have already posted far too many personal opinions on this subject and this will be my last, except to note that it is obvious that many fellow posters seem to agree with my feelings as evidenced by previous posts on their part.

Wait! There's two diffrent poster's! I'm WCfan, the one who posted the story is B.Erdmann! So please don't intend this to me. I'm not the Poster! B.Erdmann is! Not me! Look at the top of the thread! I only re-wrote it! I'm not the one who orginaly posted this! Please! I'm not the orginal poster! Don't intend this to me! Please!

(If that at all sounded like I'm yelling at you, I didn't intend to do type it like that. It was only a cry for a misundersatnding.)

[eolafan]

I agree with Cordon.  It should be about the message.  If the message is indeed unintelligible, ask for clarification.  Ridiculing/"having some fun with" someone says as much about its authors as it does about its intended target.

What if our OP were working with a poor ability in a second language?  How did you know he was not?  Even so, I would model better behaviour and try the genteel approach...

Ask for clarification.

Example: WC, I am sorry but I was not able to understand your question as it is written.  I am having trouble with your spelling and grammar, so I am unsure of what you mean.  I would like to answer you, though.  Would you be willing to make another attempt with your question for me?

That message is conciliatory and respectful, and it is also...most importantly...ethically valid because it is factual and honest.  It also respects the dignity of the poster as opposed to delighting in the opportunity to make a point at his expense...also better ethics from a deontological point of view.  If your ethics are more utilitarian, then my post doesn't mean much.

"God D*mn ", and "that sucked that day" clearly indicates to me that the original poster has at least a basic working knowledge of what today seems to pass for our English language.  His subsequent posting of "The world going to end! 5 Mistakes!" simply indicates to us that the poster does not care much at all about the proper use of the English language or the individual and personal sensibilities of his fellow forum readers (I am referring to the foul language here). 

We all need to give the average person a "break" when minor and infrequent mistakes are made, but to use this kind of language and then to "poo-poo" attempts at correction are clearly indicative of someone who simply does not care.  I have already posted far too many personal opinions on this subject and this will be my last, except to note that it is obvious that many fellow posters seem to agree with my feelings as evidenced by previous posts on their part.

Wait! There's two diffrent poster's! I'm WCfan, the one who posted the story is B.Erdmann! So please don't intend this to me. I'm not the Poster! B.Erdmann is! Not me! Look at the top of the thread! I only re-wrote it! I'm not the one who orginaly posted this! Please! I'm not the orginal poster! Don't intend this to me! Please!

(If that at all sounded like I'm yelling at you, I didn't intend to do type it like that. It was only a cry for a misundersatnding.)

So noted WCFan, and accepted by me (and I imagine others) as fact.  How about we all end this one right here and now?  Agreed by all?

[selector]

Agreed...I need a beer, anyway.

[TimChgo9]

Okay,

 We can call it quits on this one...... 

Until the next one, anyway....  

Cheers...