eye95
Well-known member
If we point out errors in threads where they occur, the thread can be sidetracked. Worse, justified or not, pointing out the error could be seen as nitpicking and as an unreasonable attempt to discredit a posters POV with something irrelevant to that POV.
Yet (I hope) we all want to write well. So...what to do?
How about we point out common errors when we spot them, but in some place other than the threads where they occur, where they would be a distraction? Say, here?
For example, several folks use "definately" for "definitely." One way to remember the correct spelling is to remember that both "definitely" and "finite" come from the same Latin root that means having a limit or an end--as does the French word "fin," which means "end."
Just in case someone thinks that the purpose of this thread is to be hypercritical, let me invite folks to point out errors in my writing too. I don't mind learning to write better.
Of course, this thread will be useful only if we don't call out specific posters. If we focus on the error and the correction, we all can improve our writing without having to be petty with each other.
Yet (I hope) we all want to write well. So...what to do?
How about we point out common errors when we spot them, but in some place other than the threads where they occur, where they would be a distraction? Say, here?
For example, several folks use "definately" for "definitely." One way to remember the correct spelling is to remember that both "definitely" and "finite" come from the same Latin root that means having a limit or an end--as does the French word "fin," which means "end."
Just in case someone thinks that the purpose of this thread is to be hypercritical, let me invite folks to point out errors in my writing too. I don't mind learning to write better.
Of course, this thread will be useful only if we don't call out specific posters. If we focus on the error and the correction, we all can improve our writing without having to be petty with each other.