...As far as english goes, I thought internet communication was supposed to be
fast & not necessarily pretty. We shouldn't have to worry about spelling
and word structure. I don't waste time editing my postings & don't really
want you teacher types pointing out my englesh errors.......


At 07:51 AM 2/6/97 -0800, Don wrote:
>It's also true that a lot of folks aren't used to communicating via the
>typed word. Some people who can write by hand just fine stumble for a while
>when they try to write with a keyboard. As they get more comfortable with
>it, they get better at it. Yelling at them as they're learning is just
>going to further intimidate folks like this, who are often a little
>technophobic to begin with.
>
Additionally, there are many people for whom English is a second language
participating in discussions on American-based lists.


And Tom wrote:

Good usage is about communicating clearly...I'm sorry you feel
that way as grammatical errors are really unnecessary noise in
the channel..and it's not a waste of anyone's time to clean up
their posts so the rest of us can better appreciate and enjoy them..

IMO Tom is right. At times a word left out can create a misunderstanding.
But as Don pointed out, we are not all comfortable with the keyboard or
written word. It is much easier to speak a thought and get your point
across without misunderstandings. As I've found out in my writing career,
there are some things that require alot of thought, when written, before the
meaning comes across correctly.

> I enjoy hearing about bird sightings & don't want somebody not to post
> because you previously embarressed them.
>
I think we all need to continually improve our ability to communicate
so we shouldn't be embarassed if someone tries to help out. This
is a friendly list.....

This is so true, Tom. I have taken my share of corrections from those more
experienced or knowledgeable on this and other lists. It's all part of the
ability to share information. I love being a part of Tweeters and
interacting with the other people on this list. There are no meanspirited
people here and I think the corrections and criticisms are meant to help and
teach.

Peggi
Ben & Peggi Rodgers
Aptos, CA (near Santa Cruz)
USA
woodduck at cruzio.com

"A bird does not sing because it has an answer,
It sings because it has a song"