Ha ha ha... I've known you since you joined S2ki.

I think we both know the answer to that question.

 

While he may have been doing more than implying, that's a far cry from inferring. "Infer" means to draw an inference: to conclude. When the speaker (writer) implies something, the listener (reader) infers it.

[QUOTE=i_heart_my_DB8,May 1 2007, 10:22 PM]Also, if it wasn't entirely clear, what was your point in suggesting a misused word?

 

See L, people DO assume things based on other people's posts, whether they like it or not. For instance, based on several posts in this thread, I can assume the magic business must be pretty slow at the moment, but there does happen to be a surplus on nitpicky keyboard jockeys.

 

 

The fact that you use "BTW", shows that you don't really have a problem with internet shorthand. So what is the real debate here? I personally don't mind some internet shorthand, but I think if there is a ton of it, that gets a little irritating to read. Magician makes a habit of correcting grammar and spelling, so I'll can infer that he probably prefers a more formal degree of writing, even on the internet. In other words, what works for one, might not work for others.. So even though I personally find dyhappy's writing a little annoying to read, I'm sure that works for many people. And you probably won't find me posting just to correct anyone's grammer, unless they make that error in the process of flaming someone else's grammar.


The side debate about proper english being some kind of asset of the rich and privilaged only is kind of silly. Anyone can afford a library card.

 

There are certainly circumstances with different standards regarding acceptable language use. A term paper demands a higher standard than a friendly chat with friends, for example. Legal documents demand a different form of communication than a letter to your mother.

Assuming that shorthand is an acceptable form of communication in all cases is ignorant. If you are too lazy to write out "you," why shouldn't I be too lazy to read your post?

In general, the format of your communication shows the level of respect you have for the recipient. If you wish to convey a thought or idea to someone you respect, you take the time to write it out so it is clear and easy to understand. If one doesn't mind being ignored, one uses as many shortcuts and lazy abbreviations as possible.

It takes longer to decipher shorthand or poor grammar and none of us really wish to waste a whole lot of *our* time trying to read things of little consequence. Occasionally people will spend a little time trying to teach some proper grammar to the people around them in the interest of saving time in the long run. If a person understands the meaning and proper usage of the words they write, we all can get the idea that much quicker. So we'll be more favorably disposed to typing a reply.

The whole point of English classes in American schools is to facilitate communication. If one doesn't wish to be understood, by all means communicate in whatever fashion pleases you.

 

This forum is getting ridiculous! I agree that it's important to have a firm understanding of the english language. However, I see these forums as a place to chit-chat rather than a chance to post my latest essay on why the S2000 is a great car.

If people on these forums choose to judge others based on an insignificant internet post, as does happen quite often, then so be it.

If you don't like shorthand notations, then start your own forum with an automatic spell checker that doesn't give the "ignore" option.

 

The fact that I employed "BTW" shows nothing more than that I understand sarcasm.

 

The fact that you thought I was quoting you shows that you didn't take much time in reading my post.

 

There are clearly different standards here as opposed to writing a university paper. For the most part I follow "traditional" English language rules when typing online, with some exceptions (wtf, btw, etc.). Personally I want to maintain my skills, not erode them.

The argument that shorthand saves time is questionable. Okay so you saved 2 key strokes by typing "u" instead of "you" - are we really that pressed for time?

My biggest issue is when people don't use periods at the end of sentences or grossly misspell words, making it a serious struggle to understand what their point is. If you can't take a few seconds to proofread it and fix errors, I'm not going to put much value on your post. Like it or not, I judge people in this way.