Web Formatting

[jackson4Christ]

Hey, I've noticed, here and other places, that there is an appalling lack of clear writing on the internet. Both in spelling, punctuation, capitalization, formatation, and paragraphation(?).

So, some basic guidelines for writing clearly and in a manner that reflects well of yourself as a teen entrepreneur.

1. Spell correctly, your browser probably has a spell checker built in, use it. (if it dosen't, your probably using IE, shame on you.) (Exception, creation of new words to communicate a point, or be be kinda fun. Example: paragraphation.)

2. Punctuation, proper punctuation should lead the reader through your sentences in a clear--and logical--manner. This includes using commas at the end of mini thoughts found in many sentences, using colons and semi-colons where appropriate, and using a period, question mark, or exclamation point at the end of sentences. (Exception: Titles an headings can commonly get a pass on the period requirement.)

3. Capitalization, the first letter of every sentence should be capitalized. All principle words in titles and headings should be capitalized. (Exception: In some formats of titles and headings this does not apply.) Proper nouns (names of persons and specific things) should be capitalized. (Exception, some brand names are properly written in the lowercase.)

Also, in some instances of in-formal writing when succinct and fact-based communication is the key aim capitalization (and formatting, see below) can be used to emphasis the key terms. (Example: I will Arrive at 2:42 PM, on Satuday. I will Bring Pasta, Salad, and Ketchup. I will Depart at 6:43 AM.)

4. Formatation, bold, italics, and underline should be used to tastefully show importance of terms and inflections of the voice.

5. Paragraphation, should be used to arrange your thoughts in distinct blocks, allowing the eye to more easily track across the line and to control how the brain takes in the information. Paragraphs should have a blank line between them, not simply a single line break. Monographs are the most telling sign that you are not serious about what your writing. If it's not distinctly broken up into blocks of thought in your writing then it indicates that you don't know how to Think. (In this instance, "Think" refers to the specific "thing" of thinking well. Not that you have thoughts in your head, but that your mind is Thinking Thoughts.)

Any thoughts? Agreements? Disagreements?

[Adamm]

It's a forum. People normally go to forums to relax and have a bit of banter. Grammar shouldn't be something anyone should be complaining about.. People aren't going to go to the effort of spell checking every word, making sure everything is neat and tidy for others to read and in particular capitalization.

When it comes to dealing with customers, business emails, etc.. then correct grammar should be used.

[bw9231345]

Originally Posted by Adamm

It's a forum. People normally go to forums to relax and have a bit of banter. Grammar shouldn't be something anyone should be complaining about.. People aren't going to go to the effort of spell checking every word, making sure everything is neat and tidy for others to read and in particular capitalization.

When it comes to dealing with customers, business emails, etc.. then correct grammar should be used.

+1 on what Adam said.

[jackson4Christ]

Originally Posted by Adamm

It's a forum. People normally go to forums to relax and have a bit of banter

This is a business forum, I would (and do) expect people to act in a businesslike manner. Banter is one thing, sloppiness in mind and writing is another.

Originally Posted by Adamm

People aren't going to go to the effort of spell checking every word, making sure everything is neat and tidy for others to read and in particular capitalization.

Rather, people don't. But I'm saying they should. It's up to them though, but I for one am not going to waste time trying to validate that someone can communicate well if their posts on a business forum such as this indicate otherwise. I'll move on to someone who has already shown that they can handle a the sort of communication necessary to successfully run a business.

That's my view.

[cecBUSINESS]

I agree that grammar should be correct, though whilst I disagree with using "slang", people shouldn't worry too much whilst on forums. As long as you can understand them, it doesn't matter too much.

[stephenallen]

& on an international forum such as this one people there are members whos' first language is not English so I don't think it's fair to expect them to have the posts completely correct!!

[Sterling]

I think this is for Jack to decide and nobody else. If we invite the grammar Nazis onto the forum all we will do is alienate people, push people away and create an uncomfortable atmosphere, as a forum owner myself, there is no way I would enforce this kind of policy on my forums.

[cecBUSINESS]

@Stephen Great point there, so many members are trying extremely hard with the language.

@Sterling Agreed, besides, as long as you can be professional with clients, grammar doesn't matter in business. Especially not on this forum, where we can appreciate some people may struggle.

[jackson4Christ]

I'm not complaining about people who have trouble with the language, I'm talking to people who's first language is English. And still, things like capitalization and paragraphing are (for the most part) language independent.

I know people make mistakes, I know no one (or at least very few) are writing like they'll get a grade. I'm not asking that these be requirements, I'm merely presenting them as ideals, or best practices.

By me spending X amount of extra effort I will save at least twice that amount of work for my readers not having to work to understand what I say. That's maturity people.

[bond]

I won't enforce it.