talkmagic.co.uk

Quite often I see people putting down other members because of the way that they write or their spelling. I find this quite upsetting and was wondering, should we perhaps be more tollerant of other members.

There are a number of members here who have problems with their spelling (myself for one), maybe have learning difficulties or don't speak English as their first language (and I'm not talking about our American cousins here ).

Putting someone down can be really hurtful and demoralising for someone with learning difficulties. Such a person might already have confidance issuses and find it hard to post in the first place. Pouncing on them and having a go about their spelling is just going to knock and already low confidance even lower.

The same goes for the non English speakers, they're comming on here and wanting to share their knowledge but all they get in return is abuse.

I've found alot of these sorts of posts very useful and the people often DO know what they're talking about. All it takes is a little effort to read and understand what they're saying, which is far less effort than it's taken these people to write their post.

We've all got things that we find difficult but would really love to do. How would you feel if someone laughed and took the mick of that thing you find difficult?

Come on, can't we just think about that before posting about someone elses spelling? As my Nan always used to say 'if you've not got something nice to say, don't say anything at all'. It would make the forum so much more of a pink and fluffy place for everyone.

Agreed, my spelling and grammer is terrible.

the only time I dont mind seeing comments is regarded Txt speak and CAPS

That would b gr8

ALthough I completely agree with you on this Lady of Mystery I actually think that TM is one of the friendlier sites on the net.
I have frequented several other forums (none magic related) where abuse is thrown about quite regularly.
I find the mods here are usually well on the ball when it comes to this sort of thing to the point where I'm often (secretly) dissappointed that I've missed something juicy.
I would also say that some sort of standards of writing should be kept in order to keep the general grammar of TM tumbling into text speak. However this doesn't mean it should give anyone the right to belittle anyone for their spelling and should be for a mod to comment on anyway.
Afterall we are all guests on here really and should behave as such.

kems wrote:Agreed, my spelling and grammer is terrible.

Too right. My grandad is terrible too!



Now... I think we all know who this is aimed at Miss Mystery... and to the 'big picture' being painted here, I agree.

I also would like to point out the rule in our TM Rules sticky which states that MEMBERS of the forum aren't really at liberty to humiliate, chastise or belittle other MEMBERS. MEMBERS here are all equal.

It comes as no surprise that the Mods/Admin in their tireless task of keeping the forums tidy have a huge amount of housekeeping to do to appear diplomatic in the fairest sense.

The forum is still one of the friendliest magic forums BECAUSE of our intolerance for backbiting. Although, however, sometimes the backbiting is justified.

In situations where the backbiting becomes inflamed, or when users are forming 'gangs', this is almost certainly going to result in a ban.

As we often try to point out:

If you have a problem, contact one of the Mods/Admin. We'll sort it, NOT YOU. There's no need to get all 'Death Wish' on the forum and act vigilante.

Thanks!

Lady of Mystery wrote:Such a person might already have confidance issuses and find it hard to post in the first place.

I think you'll find it's spelled confidence.

But you have to wonder about the kind of people that would pull you up over such a thing... I bet they're smelly.

Yo 'sup. U should abuse no 1 but foos who think writing like this is da bomb.

Writing like that is remarkably difficult to do with any sustained degree of idiocy, by the way.

Sorry Seige, I'll take my vigilante hat off and get down from my soapbox now.

My post wasn't really aimed at anyone in particular although recent comments did spark it off, it's something that I've been thinking about for a while.

I've chatted with plenty of (ex)members over PM who wont post anymore after being shot down because of the way they write and I think that's very sad.

TM is a very friendly site but why should the mods have to keep such a close eye on things. A little manners from the members and it wouldn't happen. You wouldn't turn around to an Indian or someone with speach problems for example and say 'oh shut up I can't understand you' so why is it ok to do so when hiding behind a computer screen.

opps didn't mean to rant there, soapbox really has gone away this time.

Lady of Mystery wrote:Sorry Seige, I'll take my vigilante hat off and get down from my soapbox now.

Don't be all wobbly on me! Where's your backbone gone... ?

I wasn't say YOU were vigilante... I was saying that the 'members' who go headfirst into sorting the forum out under their own authority—i.e. 'having a go' at people they've never met before—as it sometimes comes across as bullying.

Nobody should be made to feel unwelcome here. I previously commented that the sudden wave of new members dropping one-liner 'Welcome!' posts was a pain in the bum, as it 'bumps' messages to the 'Posts since last visit' list for no apparent reason. But those little welcomes—when sincere—are worth their weight in gold, in hindsight.

TM will REMAIN the friendliest forum. But to do so, we need to think beyond the screen and realise there are real people out there.

I quite agree with lady of mystery. However I must advise her that the word "tolerance" is spelt with only one letter L. I do hope she improves in the future.

Lady of Mystery wrote: A little manners from the members and it wouldn't happen.

Spot on - as usual! You've probably noticed I'm always banging on about courtesy and consideration and this is exactly the sort of situation where it applies. Sometimes the TM sense of humour can be misinterpreted so it's a case of checking posts carefully before hitting the Submit button.

Lady of Mystery wrote:didn't mean to rant there, soapbox really has gone away this time.

Rant way if you like, it's what we need to hear to remind us .

My spelling and the fact that my fingers get tangled up on the keys creates "issues" for me from time to time. I feel that people should be embarrassed about not being able to spell and use words properly ESPECIALLY when they want to work in an industry that is so word/communications dependent.

Yes, tolerance where known language barriers or even health situations might be part of the deal but based on my experiences in this business we cannot afford to tolerate lethargy in those that simply don't want to apply the rules of respectful communication because they are part of the bogus Ebonics culture in which promoting ignorance and a "I don't give a damn" attitude when it comes to proper communications... well, it just don't add up.

My role models in life all spoke clearly and with distinction; Orson Wells, Vincent Price, Harry Blackstone even Max Maven and Eugene Burger... in some instances these men directly guided me in learning about words the value of knowledge (including trivia). Then again, actually working in this industry and as a pitchman taught me that clarity of words and intent are priceless e.g. there is no excuse for those that want to take short cuts and like most of the successful folks I know in the world, they need to all hold themselves to a higher standard vs. sitting on their laurels.

This is an interesting thread because it picks up on two of my pet hates in the modern world.

Firstly, there is a general decline in this country of the written word. It is true that sometimes posts are difficult to understand because they are expressed badly. But that isn't something TM members can do anything about. Text speak is a particular anathema to me as it expresses the worst of what I see happening to a whole generation. This is the instant gratification generation who want it all now and want to spend as little time as possible on "boring things" like writing.

Secondly, and this is th crux of LOMs point, some of the comments that get posted on here expose the appalling lack of manners and courtesy in the world today. I saw a post from one of the "how do you do this" mob the other day which was appalling. He asked for exposure, was politley pointed to a commercial source for the information and just respoinded very rudely that he "didn't want books or videos he just wante to know how to do it".

This sort of thing does make my blood boil, especiually as some of the vitriol was aimed at respected posters like Craig Browning. However, I fully subscribe to the rule that dealing with this is a moderators job, not a members job.

I visit from time to time a football website referring to my own local team. This is totally un-moderated and the sort of stuff posted there is disgraceful. Forums need mods and the mods on this forum do a good job.

I really think that allowances should be made for people whose first language is not English.

mark lewis wrote:I really think that allowances should be made for people whose first language is not English.

As I said, all members on this forum are equals. 'Allowances' shouldn't be 'made', they should be obligatory.

Craig Browning wrote:well, it just don't add up.

Doesn't, Craig.

It just doesn't add up.

Just as Charlie doesn't surf, and that old man river must know something but doesn't say anything.

I mean. Really!