ot: netspeak

[The_One_Ring]

why can't i use netspeak??? i don't have a problem with it! i use it all the time! cant just some abbeviations be allowed???

[dianasmama]

I think it's because we also have quite a few international members and English is not their first language. Therefore, we might confuse them even more with lots of abbreviations. We get questions all the time from our USA members about some of the abbreviations! [img]tongue.gif[/img]

And, I guess you could just call me old-fashioned, but personally, I don't like it (netspeak) at all. I think it's fine for text messaging on a phone, but I don't like to read it online at all. And I hate spelling errors too, but I know people are in a hurry and don't always use spellcheck, but that's always just been a personal pet peeve of mine.

Laurie

[moderator]

I replied to the previous thread about this (entitled: "sup"), but it looks like the thread was erased. You might want to write to one of the moderators for clarification about netspeak. There aren't any rules against netspeak on the board as it stands right now. Instead, members were offering their opinions.

In running a forum for almost 10 years, people have told me two reasons they don't like it being used:

1) New members have explained that it makes them feel left out, or as if they are entering a clique. They don't understand what is being said. This can be people new to the Internet, or even just new to the group, since group members often form their own specialized codes. (One of the more confusing ones here is "PM" ("private message" OR "pre-Mattel!") There's also AG, MCM, AGT, AGoT, etc.).

2) Non-native English speakers feel like they have to learn a new language; it is understandably very difficult for them to read non-standard English.

I think the best way to find out the answer to your questions is to write to a moderator, though. From what I know, it is not forbidden on the board. In fact, the FAQ encourages netspeak it to some degree: http://www.geocities.com/ann_kirstin/faqs.html

Good luck! [img]biggrin.gif[/img]

<font color="#051E50" size="1">[ January 15, 2006 01:21 AM: Message edited by: Melissa ]</font>

[GreyMyst]

If a moderator told you that you could not, take it up with them in PMs.

Otherwise, no one told you that you couldn't. We were just offering our opinion on the subject. Most of us explained why we felt that way on the other thread.

I know a lot of younger people use it, but that is a very narrow cross section of people (and by extension , a narrow section of this board).

You are going to get people with differing opinions wherever you go. If you want to keep using it, and a moderator hasn't said no, go ahead. You need to be aware though, that it drives many of us crazy and take that into account.

[dianasmama]

what other thread? I couldn't find one...

Laurie

[GreyMyst]

Originally posted by dianasmama:
what other thread? I couldn't find one...

Laurie

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">It was deleted either by her or a moderator.

[caroloto]

"cant just some abbeviations be allowed???"

Sure why not in some case. We all do, but even so it's hard for those in other part of the world whom don't speak English to have any idea what we are talking about. The English language is the hardest language for example in English to say: "Hello, how are you?" is 4 words in German it's translated into 3 words. When members from other countries are on the board the board is seen in their language, if their language can't translate the words they are missing maybe a great post.

Now we want all to enjoy your posting from all over the world. You're an interesting person and I enjoy your post, but let the rest of the world have as much enjoyment.

[dianasmama]

When members from other countries are on the board the board is seen in their language, if their language can't translate the words they are missing maybe a great post.

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Miki.....where are you....?????

Is this true? Your English is just impeccable and I thought you read this board in English, or are you really reading it in German?

Laurie

[vew-tori]

What does XD mean? I've seen it in several posts. I asked once but either missed the reply or it wasn't answered. I'm fairly computer savy, plus I teach high school so my students keep me up to date but I don't know this one.

I don't like texting in general because it is such a distraction in school so when I come here I like seeing good old fashioned English. I missed the other thread so I don't know what was said. I'm sure we will have many differing opinions though [img]confused.gif[/img] .

[Kathrine]

[quote]Originally posted by dianasmama:
[QB]

When members from other countries are on the board the board is seen in their language, if their language can't translate the words they are missing maybe a great post.

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I haven't posted in a while, but I read the board quite often, and as one of the non-English speaking persons around here I have to say that the very little use of net-speak is one of the reasons I really like this board.
As for the above quote I have to say no, I don't think any of us translate. I have seen boards with automatic translation and it usually turns out English with French sentence-structure or very weird translations like "He turned on the hot rooster" (Directly translation of what in Danish is "He turned on the hot tap"), often funny, seldom very accurate!

-Kathrine