Text Talk, bad spelling, poor grammar, and literacy laziness.

[Shaun]

Text Talk, bad spelling, poor grammar, and literacy laziness.

I brought this point up in another post after a new member pointed out that it was too ‘picky’ to remind people of the forum rules.

Whilst I understand that several of our members may have some form of dyslexia, in many of the cases here on the forum it’s nothing more than downright laziness. We’re slap bang in the middle of a ‘TXT’ culture (purposely mi-spelt), where it’s beginning to be the norm for people to abbreviate as many words as possible. All too often people play the dyslexia card as an excuse for lazy typing. Quite frankly it’s an insult to the people who have dyslexia and make a huge effort to write, post and constantly improve as best they can.

I am very bad at spelling and grammar (just ask Marc J, who proof read my website for mistakes). I constantly have to check, double check and check again for mistakes in my own posts. Even then a lot slip through the net. It’s because I realise I have short fallings that I continuously have to keep on top of things, as I don’t want to carry over my failings into my business correspondence. By trying to post ‘properly’ here on the forum, it helps polish up my spelling and grammar for when I use it everyday in my business. I can only imagine how it would appear to the customer if I didn’t make a concise effort to convey a professional image during letters and emails.

To finish - my biggest issue here on the forum is the constant over use of text talk. I won’t repeat the forum rule again, but if anyone is unsure of the forum guidelines please have a quick refresh of the forum rules. Thank you. :beer1:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I totally agree Shaun.

If you do have problems with spelling, then install Google toolbar, which has an inbuilt spell checker. It would make life a lot easier for people who frequent this forum and the people who help run it.

[rob1963]

:clap:

[Vectis]

:clap:

Fully agree and support the stance.

However, don't the emoticons also promote literacy laziness?

Genuine question, by the way :) Please discuss.

[Shaun]

Fully agree and support the stance.

However, don't the emoticons also promote literacy laziness?

Genuine question, by the way :) Please discuss.


I'd say yes, but I think they play an important part of the forum nontheless. You have a valid point though.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I'd say yes, but I think they play an important part of the forum nontheless. You have a valid point though.

And the fact is, they convey an emotion which is hard to do by writing something sometimes and wouldn't always make sense in the context of a forum.

[Shaun]

And the fact is, they convey an emotion which is hard to do by writing something sometimes and wouldn't always make sense in the context of a forum.

I completely agree, which is why I said they were an important part of the forum. [cue use of emoticon] = :thumbsup:

:)

[Penfold42]

I also agree even though i do fall foul of bad spelling, poor grammar, and literacy laziness :o .......i do try...well that's what the wife say's....:D

The amount of times i sit here type, re-type and edit ....it's a wonder how i keep up....

Just another thing Shaun........could you sort my PAT / PLI listing out please.......:quiet: :quiet: :quiet: :D :D :D :beer1: (just joking!)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Just another thing Shaun........could you sort my PAT / PLI listing out please.......:quiet: :quiet: :quiet: :D :D :D :beer1: (just joking!)

Shaun

Permission granted to give Tony a virtual forum beating.:D

[rob1963]

However, don't the emoticons also promote literacy laziness?

I don't think so, unless they are over-used, which I don't think they are.

Emoticons / smileys are widely used & accepted on computers...whether it's on forums, chatrooms or social networking sites.

However...text talk is for mobile phones, where abbreviations are needed in order to get more info into a text message.

It is completely unnecessary on an online forum though.

[Shaun]

Shaun

Permission granted to give Tony a virtual forum beating.:D


Thank you. :)



Tony = :handbag:

[rob1963]

Whoaaaa...check out those handbags!

[Penfold42]

Thank you. :)



Tony = :handbag:


Shaun (http://www.dkimages.com/discover/previews/939/40018843.JPG)......:p

[Marc J]

Text Talk, bad spelling, poor grammar, and literacy laziness.

I brought this point up in another post after a new member pointed out that it was too ‘picky’ to remind people of the forum rules.

Whilst I understand that several of our members may have some form of dyslexia, in many of the cases here on the forum it’s nothing more than downright laziness. We’re slap bang in the middle of a ‘TXT’ culture (purposely mi-spelt), where it’s beginning to be the norm for people to abbreviate as many words as possible. All too often people play the dyslexia card as an excuse for lazy typing. Quite frankly it’s an insult to the people who have dyslexia and make a huge effort to write, post and constantly improve as best they can.

I am very bad at spelling and grammar (just ask Marc J, who proof read my website for mistakes). I constantly have to check, double check and check again for mistakes in my own posts. Even then a lot slip through the net. It’s because I realise I have short fallings that I continuously have to keep on top of things, as I don’t want to carry over my failings into my business correspondence. By trying to post ‘properly’ here on the forum, it helps polish up my spelling and grammar for when I use it everyday in my business. I can only imagine how it would appear to the customer if I didn’t make a concise effort to convey a professional image during letters and emails.

To finish - my biggest issue here on the forum is the constant over use of text talk. I won’t repeat the forum rule again, but if anyone is unsure of the forum guidelines please have a quick refresh of the forum rules. Thank you. :beer1:

I couldn't agree more, as usual Shaun is 100% correct. :)

[Shaun]

I couldn't agree more, as usual Shaun is 100% correct. :)

Well said. :whistle:

[Marc J]

I couldn't agree more, as usual Shaun is 100% correct. :)


Well said. :whistle:

Hmmmmm.... I'm sure that's not quite what I said :D

[PropellerHeadCase]

I think I might be in love with Shaun :eek:

[Shaun]

You'll have to buy me dinner first. :o

[PropellerHeadCase]

Duly noted ;)

[Shaun]

Things are getting really bad again, so I thought I'd give this thread another gentle nudge to the top. If you haven't read this thread already then please do!

A good tool for checking the spelling in your posts is ieSpell. (http://www.iespell.com/). It's a spell checker that is integrated into your (IE) browser, which makes checking spelling on the forum very easy (see screen shot below).




.

[ppentertainments]

Things are getting really bad again, so I thought I'd give this thread another gentle nudge to the top. If you haven't read this thread already then please do!

A good tool for checking the spelling in your posts is ieSpell. (http://www.iespell.com/). It's a spell checker that is integrated into your (IE) browser, which makes checking spelling on the forum very easy (see screen shot below).




.

Or download google toolbar ;)

[soundtracker]

Totally agree, as I have said many times before, not bothering to make any effort just shows a total disrespect for your fellow DJ. Well said Shaun!

[Shaun]

Or download google toolbar ;)

Indeed. Daz had already mentioned that in post #2. I was merely offering an altenative that I've found works well for me. :beer1:

[ppentertainments]

Indeed. Daz had already mentioned that in post #2. I was merely offering an altenative that I've found works well for me. :beer1:
Just for those people, like me, who don't read all the thread. :o :o :D :D

[Shaun]

You didn't even read post # 20 in full did you, in particular this line.... :D



If you haven't read this thread already then please do!


:p

[Megamix]

on BBC 4 (Andy Hamilton presented it - "Its Only A Theory") - a professor of linguistics (David Crystal) espoused texting as being beneficial to language and made excellent points which I think bear considering - here's an article on the same subject from the Guardian http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2008/jul/05/saturdayreviewsfeatres.guardianreview

[Shaun]

on BBC 4 (Andy Hamilton presented it - "Its Only A Theory") - a professor of linguistics (David Crystal) espoused texting as being beneficial to language and made excellent points which I think bear considering - here's an article on the same subject from the Guardian http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2008/jul/05/saturdayreviewsfeatres.guardianreview

The link didn't work. Regardless, 'texting' will never be permissible here on the forum. The points outlined in the OP still stand.

[PropellerHeadCase]

Use Chrome - Google tool-bar built in (although it can't spell Google :D).

[STEVE HANLEY]

on BBC 4 (Andy Hamilton presented it - "Its Only A Theory") - a professor of linguistics (David Crystal) espoused texting as being beneficial to language and made excellent points which I think bear considering - here's an article on the same subject from the Guardian http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2008/jul/05/saturdayreviewsfeatres.guardianreview

Sorry Dave no disrespect but I'd rather have my eyes gouged out in a torture chamber:(

[ronedjs]

I get what you are all saying, but guess what, im going to play the dyslexia card. (report attached)

I try extremely hard to make sure that my spelling is correct. (I am also working on my grammar and punctuation but I am finding it really hard to understand). I have even changed over to Mac's so that I can highlight the text and it reads it out to me.

But does it really matter that much if people slip up a few times on a forum. Its a place to chat to others and pass on knowledge and advice not an English Exam! I recently had one of my posts picked up by admin because i put 'U' instead of 'you'. know i appologise for this but does it really need to be highlighted in red with a "Admin: Text talk isn't permitted. Please read the forum rules for clarification." at the bottom of the post.

This does knock your confidence a bit.

[Charlie Brown]

I understand where your coming from.

When I tell people I'm dyslexic and dyspraxic they either laugh it off or say 'In my day there wasn't such a thing. You were either thick or clever.'

I use Google Chrome (it has a spell checker) other wise my posts would be dreadful.

There are a lot of English wizards on the forum, who, (I think) find it hard to accept that 'dyslexia' is a genuine difficulty to some people.

I remember when I reluctantly had to play sports at school and the other lads would get so frustrated with me when I couldn't do something simple...like catch a ball.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

I get what you are all saying, but guess what, im going to play the dyslexia card. (report attached)

I try extremely hard to make sure that my spelling is correct. (I am also working on my grammar and punctuation but I am finding it really hard to understand). I have even changed over to Mac's so that I can highlight the text and it reads it out to me.

But does it really matter that much if people slip up a few times on a forum. Its a place to chat to others and pass on knowledge and advice not an English Exam! I recently had one of my posts picked up by admin because i put 'U' instead of 'you'. know i appologise for this but does it really need to be highlighted in red with a "Admin: Text talk isn't permitted. Please read the forum rules for clarification." at the bottom of the post.

This does knock your confidence a bit.


What happens when you reply to customers emails? Type what you want to say run a spell checker and your good to go. Forum shouldnt be any different.

[ronedjs]

I know what your saying but i though forums were a place to have a chat (like a virtual pub, people could say what they want it might not be perfect English but it doesn't matter, your in the company of fellow DJs).

Obviously this forum doesn't run like that and thats fine but it makes posting things (for people with a disability) harder and makes you conscious on what others might think of you because you find it hard to spell.

[Charlie Brown]

Obviously this forum doesn't run like that and thats fine but it makes posting things (for people with a disability) harder and makes you conscious on what others might think of you because you find it hard to spell.

:agree:

I think people can cope with a few spelling mistakes etc.

Things like this annoy me...



QUOTE
Think we can cover that one together in the New Year??

I recon so Martin!
Night Night !


PS It was HEAVING!!!!Very busy!!!


Hiya Mr Fluid
Yes ive been a laptop DJ since taking the plunge one night in 2000 and ive ALLWAYS used Windows media player.
Its Stable / Has a good Graphic EQ / Has reasonable compression and auto levelling /and has a crossfader ..also i can save playlists ( i dont cause thats boring ) and easy to drop "Instant" requests into.
Ive tried virtual dj / Pc Dj and several others and i dont really get on with em
Whats wrong with media player ?
surely all that a dj requires is MUSIC to play in Sequence in a reliable and stable manner and that what i get from windows media player
As ive done thousands of gigs with it its never even hesitated or annoyed me once
And i must say ive around 5 or so laptops and some certainly arent state of the art! but all are great with Windows Media Player.


Oh and the wifes just reminded me no one want to steal them!!!!

DAVE

[DAVESOUNDS SERVICES]

:agree:

I think people can cope with a few spelling mistakes etc.

Things like this annoy me...

Thanks you Charlie!
And a happy new year to YOU!

DAVESOUNDS

[Charlie Brown]

Thanks you Charlie!
And a happy new year to YOU!

DAVESOUNDS

Sorry, I didn't mean it in a bad way.

It's the structure of your posts? RaNdom CAPITAL letters etc?

Sorry. :o

[deltic]

which bit of not thinking before you post don't you understand charlie?

not long before you upset everybody big time.

for gods sake think before you post fella.

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Just to add my 10p, ;)

I can often screw up a post...and I'm not the sharpest speller in the box (although, sometimes I can blame the wireless keyboards batteries...but often its just my fingers not being able to keep up with my brain ;) ).

However, by knowing that I have to get it right on the forum, its forcing me to improve overall which can only be of benefit to my business.

[Tom Lovick]

I understand where your coming from.

When I tell people I'm dyslexic and dyspraxic they either laugh it off or say 'In my day there wasn't such a thing. You were either thick or clever.'

I use Google Chrome (it has a spell checker) other wise my posts would be dreadful.

There are a lot of English wizards on the forum, who, (I think) find it hard to accept that 'dyslexia' is a genuine difficulty to some people.

I remember when I reluctantly had to play sports at school and the other lads would get so frustrated with me when I couldn't do something simple...like catch a ball.

:agree:

I am also Dyslexic and dyspraxic. I always have to type my posts on here r-e-a-l-l-y slowly to make sure i don't make any spelling mistakes.

Also my dyslexia is so bad now i have to type all my A-level exams. some people look at you as if you are an idiot just cause you say you are dyslexic.

BUT. Could an idiot run their (I hope this is the right one, I always get confused about this one) own company ??
:beer1: :beer1: :beer1: :D

[ronedjs]

Ok i get it its about practice makes perfect. And i agree i have improved (very slowly) over time with my spelling through practising. But its the way its highlighted for all to see.

I understand why there are rules and i don't want to be seen to be challenging them because im not (well i suppose i am really) but i think disabilities need to be taken in to consideration, and highlighting people mistakes for the world to see isn't fair. maybe a PM just to inform the individual about their mistake (in a constructive way, not just refer to the rules) would be a better way. And if the English Boffins of the forum find it annoying then that much let them change the word spelt wrong on the post.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Ok i get it its about practice makes perfect. And i agree i have improved (very slowly) over time with my spelling through practising. But its the way its highlighted for all to see.

I understand why there are rules and i don't want to be seen to be challenging them because im not (well i suppose i am really) but i think disabilities need to be taken in to consideration, and highlighting people mistakes for the world to see isn't fair. maybe a PM just to inform the individual about their mistake (in a constructive way, not just refer to the rules) would be a better way. And if the English Boffins of the forum find it annoying then that much let them change the word spelt wrong on the post.

You obviously make an effort with your posts, but there are plenty of people who don't and this makes the forum difficult to read for others.

If we left it, this place would become a joke and that is not going to happen. Text talk is for mobile phones. Not for here. There are plenty of spell checkers and other bits of software to help those who want to help themselves. If people can't type simple replies on here, how on earth do they run a business?

It is also run by volunteers who have better things to do than PMing someone to inform them of their mistake.

There are also plenty of people who claim to be dyslexic but aren't and just use it as an excuse to be lazy and not make an effort.

The rules won't be changed or relaxed as it will make people lazy and the forum will become unreadable from certain people. Read through the forum and check out some of the nonsense posted on here. We have tried to help serial offenders, but certain people don't want to learn.

I understand your points Rone, but disagree and I think you need to spend a lot more time on here to see what we are up against. ;)

[Shaun]

Well said, Darren.

[DazzyD]

I must say that reading through this thread has been enlightening to me as I've never considered the side of someone with dyslexia before. I spent several years as a Regional Equality Officer for a large trade union, a lot of which work included disabilities and the Disability Discrimination Act, but I never came across issues with dyslexia. So this has been an eye-opener for me.

First of all, it must have taken a lot of courage for Elliott to publish that assessment report online. It makes quite heavy reading but can leave no-one in any doubt as to Elliott's literacy issues. Fair play to him.

I can see Darren's side of things in that, as the Forum Owner, he wants the site to be understood by all of it's participants which is quite fair. Banning text speak is, in my opinion, a good idea. As a supporter of the Plain English Campaign, I think forums should be free of little-understood abbreviations and jargon so that information can be easily understood by all who try to access it.

However, my concerns over the points that Elliott has made lie around the fact that "severe dyslexia" is recognised under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA)and that "reasonable adjustments" must be made to ensure the person isn't "unfairly disadvantaged" when compared to a "non-disabled person". At this point, I will point out from the DDA, the law relates to employers making those "reasonable adjustments". However, it is my understanding that the DDA was extended to place obligations on service providers (for example, new building designers and shops which have public customers must be easily accessible and wheelchair-friendly). This makes me wonder if the Act would apply to forum owners as they are providing a servie to the public. If so, would it be possible to actually install a spell/grammar checker directly in to the forum itself so posts could be checked as they are being typed without having to install toolbars in to a browser? After all, some people might not be comfortable in installing add-ons such as this (not everyone is computer literate to this level). This would then count as "reasonable adjustment" which would then limit the need for posts to be deleted as they have been recently.

These are simply my thoughts on the situation - I'm not trying to open any cans of worms here.

[andyw]

what about a sticky thread with a link to an easy spell checker to use, and also a basic step by step guide how to set it up. would that not suffice or just get a moderator to write my post's for me :)

[ronedjs]

Darren, im not asking for the rules to be changed or relaxed I agree (with text talk) i find it hard to understand myself some times! What i am doing is pointing out that people with disabilities, when reading through this forum and writing responses are then worried that if they make a mistake with their spelling, grammar and literacy, they will be marked in big RED text telling them they have made a mistake (which everyone can see) this does knock confidence levels right down and also people who are very self conscious (im not, I posted my report. im just thinking of other people who will find it hard to raise this issue) about their disabilities will find it hard to engage on the forum.

I understand that you want the forum to look and feel professional and i applaud you for that (you guys are doing a great job!) but you need to see it from a different angle (which some people on here are not prepared to do).

I understand their are a lot of add ons that you can get, and trust me i have tried all most every one. It helps and i have learnt quite a bit from some of the add ons i have. But its labour intensive writing up your post then copying it over to an add on or word to check the spelling, then copy back to the forum to post. In my eyes this is suppose to be a fun place where information and advice can be passed on quickly! Not some sort of english lesson where if you work is wrong the paper comes back covered in more red ink than black (its not a fun feeling)

I know that if the rule wasn't their that a lot of people would become lazy and the posts would become unreadable. Im not asking for that im just asking for consideration when HIGHLIGHTING people posts. As for (darren) DazzyD i think adding a spell checker to the forum would be a good idea. It would also help in combating this issue from not only your side but from the members.

I don't want to sound like a narky old man (im only 19) but its just something that i think needs to be taken into consideration.

[Shaun]

I understand why there are rules and i don't want to be seen to be challenging them because im not (well i suppose i am really) but i think disabilities need to be taken in to consideration, and highlighting people mistakes for the world to see isn't fair. maybe a PM just to inform the individual about their mistake (in a constructive way, not just refer to the rules) would be a better way. And if the English Boffins of the forum find it annoying then that much let them change the word spelt wrong on the post.

To be fair, we have many times in the past taken dyslexia into consideration. We already know of a few members that we know to be genuine Dyslexia sufferers and we tend not to moderate them too hard as we know the difficulties they face.

There are many third party spell checkers. I myself suffer from bad English. I left School early with no exams to speak of and written English has been a major hurdle for me throughout my adult life. It's because of this that I have pro-actively taken steps to ensure that I try overcome that hurdle. These days there are so many tools to help people like myself, and people with Dyslexia etc that there is really no excuse for not trying (which you've admitted you try to do).

As for PMing members every time a rule is broken, we simply don't have the time. Highlighting it in the post serves two purposes, it makes the poster aware of what the issue is, and also informs other members of where not to go wrong.

As you can appreciate it is extremely difficult in this 'txt' era to spot a true dyslexic from someone who just doesn't care about their spelling, so we really have to have a consistent structure in place where the rules are the rules, although as mentioned in my opening paragraph we do try our best to make allowances when we know it to be a genuine oversight from people with genuine disabilities.



For those interested, my spell-checker of chioce is http://www.iespell.com/, although there are others such as google toolbar etc. I urge all of our members to find one they are comfortable with and install it to help themselves. Dazzy mentioned in his post about installing a spell checker into the forum. As far as I'm aware this is not possible with our forum software version. I will however look further into this.

[** IESPELL picked up about 10 errors in my post above - Check it out on the link above, it's brilliant. ***]

[DazzyD]

Hi Shaun

I'm not sure if it's possible to install a spell checker directly in to the forum either (I did say "would it be possible...") and I'm probably one of the least "web-expert" people on here (when I did my IT HNC in 94/95 the web was still a young child!!).

But it's good that you've said you'll look in to it. It shows that forum staff are taking these issues seriously.

[ronedjs]

Shaun i appreciate you response and thanks for agreeing to look in to it.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Im not asking for that im just asking for consideration when HIGHLIGHTING people posts.

We do tend to moderate on an individual basis because as Shaun mentioned we do know there are people who are genuine, but the people who we highlight tend to be the people who make the same mistakes over and over and over and make no real effort.

This is where my comment about spending more time on the forum comes into play. :)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Well said, Darren.

Should there be a comma there?

:sofa:

[ronedjs]

I understand Darren.

[Shaun]

But it's good that you've said you'll look in to it. It shows that forum staff are taking these issues seriously.

Hi Dazzy,

We're not ogres, and we honestly do have the best interest of the forum and it's members at heart.


Rone: As I was the one that highlighted your post with the red text I'll comment further. The forum membership really has no idea how time consuming moderating the forum is. In any given day I may edit out a bunch of text talk from the offenders posts. I do this many times without even bringing the issue up. There comes a point however where I really need to highlight the issue to make the membership aware - your post that was edited was 'at that point'. There have been countless threads and topics about what we expect from our members with regards to using proper English and not using text talk but the message never seems to get through. By far the most effective method is by highlighting the error in the post. I appreciate that nobody likes to be moderated, and in the circumstance you have mentioned I can see how having any shortcomings highlighted can make you feel a bit down. However, it is impossible for us to know the true dyslexics from the people that just don't try. As such we have to do what we feel is right, and in retrospect I stand by my actions

We walk a fine line moderating the forum, and we have to make decisions and judgements that make us unpopular at times. So, in advance, the Mobile Disco Directory Staff Team apologise for any actions now, in the past or in the future that may inadvertently cause distress, it's not our intention.

[ronedjs]

Thanks Shaun, i appreciate what you have said, and understand your justifications and actions. Thanks for taking this post serious.

(Admin can you if possible remove my report now?)

[Shaun]

Should there be a comma there?

:sofa:

:D

You know, I really have no idea. I've always used it that circumstance. I would honestly love for people to let me know if I've used English incorrectly. It's an ongoing battle with me and I'm always looking to improve.


So, should the comma be there? :)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Thanks Shaun, i appreciate what you have said, and understand your justifications and actions. Thanks for taking this post serious.

(Admin can you if possible remove my report now?)

Seriously. :sj:

There you go, you're learning already. :thumbsup:

:bag:

[DazzyD]

I'd never suggest that the forum staff are anything other than the dedicated folk who devote their spare time and often go out of their way to ensure the site runs smoothly and is a useful resource to all involved. My comments were merely to commend you for recognising that some of our members may have difficulties and that it's good to see that suggestions may be acted upon with the intention of making things easier for people.

I know a lot of other online forums where they don't seem to give two hoots about such issues. :(

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I know a lot of other online forums where they don't seem to give two hoots about such issues. :(

Would that be the 'owl lovers' forum?

:coat:

[Excalibur]

Well for once, I don't know what to say.:confused: :confused:
May I express my sympathy to those such as Elliott who have genuine literacy issues. I know a couple of very bright folk like that, who are sometimes wrongly regarded as dim.

On a forum like this, minimum standards must apply, and whilst spelling mistakes stand out to my eyes, as long as the post generally makes sense, and isn't one continuous string of words with no punctuation at all, I can live with that.

I appear to be caught between a rock and a hard place. :confused:
Picking up on certain peoples mistakes could be seen as bullying, and that is plain wrong.
Urging people to take care in what they post, avoiding laziness and slackness, and pushing standards of literacy upwards is praiseworthy.
I shall try to to steer a middle course.

[Shaun]

Thanks Shaun, i appreciate what you have said, and understand your justifications and actions. Thanks for taking this post serious.

(Admin can you if possible remove my report now?)

No problem. I'm glad you took the time to raise your points in a well thought out manner, instead of the usual moaning we tend get from aggrieved members. :)


p.s. I've removed your report as requested. :beer1:

[Shaun]

My comments were merely to commend you for recognising that some of our members may have difficulties


And your comments were taken as such. :) My comment was more of a blanket statement rather than directly commenting on anything you had specifically said. :)

[DazzyD]

Would that be the 'owl lovers' forum?

:coat:

With it being the festive season I could've said "they couldn't give a fig". :zip:

[Excalibur]

With it being the festive season I could've said "they couldn't give a fig". :zip:

If the left don't get you, the right one will. ;)

http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/fig/msg062302473313.html

[Shaun]

nobody likes to be moderated

We walk a fine line moderating the forum

The earlier comments I made reminded me of an old thread I posted back in 2007. http://www.forum.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7139

:beer1:

[Corabar Steve]

What is the statistic for dyslexia sufferers in the UK?

How many of them are there?

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

What is the statistic for dyslexia sufferers in the UK?

How many of them are there?

I had a quick Google and estimates go from 4% - 8% with some sources saying the actual figure being more like 20%.

[Paul S]

Hi All,

As usual coming in a little late to this! I know that I'm more of a lurker than a prolific poster, however this forum is one of the only ones that I regularly enjoy reading, primarily because of the rules that have been put in place by Darren and the team.

For those with a true dyslexia I have great sympathy, it cannot be an easy thing to live with, however for the rest plain laziness cannot be excused. I too suffer with the usual "brain being quicker than the hand" syndrome, and make it a point to check my spelling as much as I can, for everything else there is a spell checker. I even remove lazy friends from social networking sites if they too cannot be bothered to post in plain English. No, I'm not a grumpy old man, I'm only 32!

Darren, Shaun, Angela, Steve and the rest of the Moderating team, please keep up the relentless good work that makes this forum stand head and shoulders above the rest.

Happy New Year.

Paul

[soundtracker]

The other issue would of course be that with so many "dyslexics" on the forum, attempting to decipher the ramblings of someone that has made no effort whatsoever must be really difficult to cope with! I therefore implore you to make every effort to make your musings comprehensible in order not to cause you "dyslexic brethren" untold distress and suffering.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Hi All,

As usual coming in a little late to this! I know that I'm more of a lurker than a prolific poster, however this forum is one of the only ones that I regularly enjoy reading, primarily because of the rules that have been put in place by Darren and the team.

For those with a true dyslexia I have great sympathy, it cannot be an easy thing to live with, however for the rest plain laziness cannot be excused. I too suffer with the usual "brain being quicker than the hand" syndrome, and make it a point to check my spelling as much as I can, for everything else there is a spell checker. I even remove lazy friends from social networking sites if they too cannot be bothered to post in plain English. No, I'm not a grumpy old man, I'm only 32!

Darren, Shaun, Angela, Steve and the rest of the Moderating team, please keep up the relentless good work that makes this forum stand head and shoulders above the rest.

Happy New Year.

Paul

Thanks for your comments Paul - appreciated.

Happy new year to you also. :beer1:

[Tom Lovick]

Darren, Shaun, Angela, Steve and the rest of the Moderating team, please keep up the relentless good work that makes this forum stand head and shoulders above the rest.

Very good comments indeed paul.

This forum is much better than the orange one and the DJ's united.

Thank you to all members of the moderating team for making one hell of a forum!!!

Lets all have a :beer1: :beer1: :D :D

[Corabar Steve]

I had a quick Google and estimates go from 4% - 8% with some sources saying the actual figure being more like 20%.
An unfeasibly high amount of them seem to be DJs aged under 25 then

[Dynamic Entertainment]

To those members with Dyslexia, please dont take this as a dig at you, I know its a serious issue as I have friends who are severely dyslexic and it is an issue.

But, on the whole I believe that the school system is doing nothing to help the issues raised. One perfect example is the 14 year old daughter of a friend of mine....

About 6 months ago he heard her spelling out a word...and she was spelling it phonetically (spelt as hits pronounced, and not how its written for those who dont get it). On questioning her, it became apparant that the class was being taught English phonetically...at Secondary School level!

He contacted the school and recieved a formal reply from the Head of the English Department, stating that they understood his concerns...but it was becoming accepted teaching practice as it was easier to address and teach all level of pupils before they were sorted into appropriate level classes!

Needless to say, my friend is taking it further as phonetic spelling should be left in infant school!

[Shaun]

it became apparant that the class was being taught English phonetically...at Secondary School level!

He contacted the school and recieved a formal reply from the Head of the English Department, stating that they understood his concerns...but it was becoming accepted teaching practice as it was easier to address and teach all level of pupils before they were sorted into appropriate level classes!


Wow! Not very often I'm left speechless. God bless the good old British education system. :(

[STEVE HANLEY]

Wow! Not very often I'm left speechless. God bless the good old British education system. :(

It's not hard to why though Shaun!

As standards have dropped dramatically in recent years. In light of the mobile phone text speak culture

[Shaun]

It's not hard to why though Shaun!

As standards have dropped dramatically in recent years. In light of the mobile phone text speak culture

Then surely it's time the English teaching profession upped their game and their standards to combat it? I'm pretty sure that teaching phonetic spelling to 14 year olds is not the way forward. It's ludicrous.

[Kernow]

About 6 months ago he heard her spelling out a word...and she was spelling it phonetically (spelt as hits pronounced, and not how its written for those who dont get it). On questioning her, it became apparant that the class was being taught English phonetically...at Secondary School level!


Needless to say, my friend is taking it further as phonetic spelling should be left in infant school!


It's not hard to (see?) why though Shaun!

As standards have dropped dramatically in recent years. In light of the mobile phone text speak culture

Mmmmm :o

[Corabar Steve]

Kernow, behave yourself! :sj:

I have to say I'm flabbergasted to see that. Some of them will be getting jobs within the next 2 years. Truly appalling!


BTW, we're in danger of getting political here.

[Daryll]

I have Dyslexia , so I always use a spell checker , its not rocket science....
However there are a few problems , such as the words Angel and Angle , both are valid words , but have different meanings.
It takes very little time to check a post , if I type something wrong , a little red wavy line appears under the word , a right click on the mouse gives a list of possible alternatives.
As for text speak :Censored:

Daryll

[Corabar Steve]

I have Dyslexia , so I always use a spell checker , its not rocket science....
However there are a few problems , such as the words Angel and Angle , both are valid words , but have different meanings.
It takes very little time to check a post , if I type something wrong , a little red wavy line appears under the word , a right click on the mouse gives a list of possible alternatives.
As for text speak :Censored:

Daryll
Which is usually the stance of the genuine dyslexics.

[Shaun]

I have Dyslexia , so I always use a spell checker , its not rocket science....
if I type something wrong , a little red wavy line appears under the word , a right click on the mouse gives a list of possible alternatives.
As for text speak :Censored:

Daryll

I would never have guessed you had Dyslexia. Seriously, well done for making a huge effort, it's obviously paying off. I can understand why words like the ones you've mentioned can get a little confusing if you're Dyslexic. It's those that claim to be dyslexic and use it as an excuse for using text speech (e.g. 'U' instead of 'you') that really frustrate me.

[Marc J]

Why is the word dyslexia so hard to spell?

I used to be dyslexic, but I'm alright own.

:coat: :taxi:

[Shaun]

I used to be dyslexic, but I'm alright own.

:coat: :taxi:

<groan> :d

[Marc J]

It can get worse than that....

Dyslexia rules, KO?

[Shaun]

It can get worse than that....

Dyslexia rules, KO?

<grown>

[Marc J]

Did you hear about the dyslexic devil worshipper?
He ended up selling his soul to Santa :d

[andyw]

i know we are off topic now, but my wife is a ta in a high school, and one of her jobs is to sit in exams and read the questions to children that still cannot read:eek: :eek: , as she says everyone blames the teachers, when in reality they get no support from governments(that is not aimed at any party in particular) and even less support from parents, she is now working with a lot of special needs children where she has to sit with them all day and attempt to keep them focused so they do not disrupt the rest of the class or get in to much trouble, if they do not want to stay in the classroom, she has to try to get them to go to a special room where they can relax a bit:). when she comes home after a bad day at school and tells me what she has had to put up with, then I realise why this country is in such a state.
having said that she really loves her job and get's real job satifaction

[Daryll]

How times change.

My Dyslexia was the result of narrow thinking .

I was born Left handed , however I went to a private infant school ( early 60`s) , where left handedness was still thought of as a deficiency , almost bordering on a mental condition :eek: .
I was forced to write right handed , this resulted in confusion in the part of the brain that controls reading and writing objectives.
I am still left handed with eating , and golf, tennis etc , but I am right handed for writing , there is a much better explanation on the web.


Daryll

[Kernow]

I was born Left handed , however I went to a private infant school ( early 60`s) , where left handedness was still thought of as a deficiency , almost bordering on a mental condition :eek: .
Daryll

It still is, ......... but only amongst Australian cricketers ;)


:D:D

[Shaun]

I am still left handed with eating , and golf, tennis etc , but I am right handed for writing , there is a much better explanation on the web.


Daryll

Funnily enough I eat left handed too, but write with my right hand. I always attributed to eating left handed to watching how my dad (who was left handed) used his knife and fork when I was a toddler.

[Kernow]

Following a link from the "Watchdog" thread to a review site, I found the following in relation to an entertainment provider:

"After reading the many comments here I decided to look at their website before any possible booking.
The first thing I noticed was the bad spelling mistakes on the pages.
This more than convinced me not to use the company.
Many thanks to the reviewers. "


Need any more be said ? :(

[musicologydisco]

Fully agree and support the stance.

However, don't the emoticons also promote literacy laziness?

Genuine question, by the way :) Please discuss.

Indeed they do. To get over emotional about, what is nowadays. a widely used form of modern typing yet not have a problem with cartoon-like smilies seems a bit disingenuous. I find text speak rather irritating but sometimes very imaginative and clever in some ways but I don't have a big issue with it.

[katman]

Funnily enough I eat left handed too, but write with my right hand. I always attributed to eating left handed to watching how my dad (who was left handed) used his knife and fork when I was a toddler.

I am left handed for writing, using tools etc but use a knife and fork in the conventional manner except when just using a single utensil eg fork, spoon or buttering a piece of bread when I only use my left hand.

[Marc J]

Saw this today, immediately thought of this thread :D

[Corabar Entertainment]

:Laugh:

Love it!

[Excalibur]

Moral of the story obviously: If you don't want to catch various unwelcome ailments, be an individual. :whistle:






Very interesting, Marc. I wonder how far we can extrapolate the principle, or how much it would apply to us?

[Marc J]

Very interesting, Marc. I wonder how far we can extrapolate the principle, or how much it would apply to us?

Hmmm....good question!

[Kernow]

Moral of the story obviously: If you don't want to catch various unwelcome ailments,
Although the search terms imply that the enquirers would want to know how to :confused:
:eek:
;)

[Excalibur]

Currently grinding my gears (https://www.thesun.co.uk/money/21463310/paperchase-high-street-shop-confirms-shops-closewithin-weeks/?utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=fabulousfacebook&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR3HzGtGXLFtX_muVKl7bHpHOtv3u9MXU1EXwbtTL KaUO5UfWDwNS-SENlA#Echobox=1677057028-1)

That would be a shop that stays in one place, as opposed to one that sells books and paper then? :whistle:

If the link doesn't open for you, The Sun describe a "Stationary" shop, as opposed to a " Stationery " shop. :doh: