Got TechSpot?

I havn't been here that long so I dont have a comparison from previous years to use, but like howard said maybe the quality of the post seem to be not as great as they use to be or maybe its just the fact of having more members. Its harder to find what you're looking for when there are many more post to search through.

I think what makes a forum like this useful is that there are enough people here to keep every one posting on there toes. People come here for answers and they should be correct. If someone posts something incorrect it should be corrected and then we all will learn more and more.

Who needs formal training when you Got Techspot?

That doesn`t seem an unreasonable proposition to me.

Regards Howard

Most people come here to learn. They should be given that opportunity, even if it means editing their awfully bad posts. :blush:

The simple way to enforce posting propriety is to not answer posts that are unintelligible, or at least chide the poster ONCE to provide better info and THEN ignore them if they don't.

Not everyone coming here seems to speeka the anglish perfecto, dontcha know!

Everyone deserves a chance.


Then again, I am just an interloper here!

We've got alot of posts these days which have no structure whatever, paragraphing is non-existant, one liners such as "I need help, my CPU is overheating", SMS English, and all sorts of other equally irritating posts here.

Grammar is one thing, since this is an international forum, you can't expect everyone to have an excellent grasp of English. I tend to look the other way for grammar/spelling problems.

But still, generally posts are still alright, just that the irritating ones still pop out once in awhile....

Wow this is great, the thread turned into how to become a better TS member?

Some time ago, I read an interesting article about this, and below is my basic outline of what it stated (because I completely forgot where I originally read it):

Statistically, most computer enthusiasts have little or no tolerance for errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. This is because enthusiasts value intelligence, and when someone types in "MSN Language" or an equivalent (low) quality of language, they are regarded as lacking intellect. Though sloppy writing does not necessarily indicate sloppy thinking, the correlation is believed to be very strong.

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If you ask me, when a user's post is so sloppy to the point that it is impossible to understand, then they should just be asked to re-post in a more formal fashion of speech.
In my opinion, posts should always be re-read by the author to make sure that the point is clear and outstanding errors are non-existent. I (and I'm sure, many others) always re-read my posts before submitting.


Most of those who post in a form of "sloppy" language are largely young teens and kids (I think...). My guess on why this has increased is because of the growing percentage of young teens/kids who sit in front of the computer all day. Also, they use Instant-Messenger programs all the time, transforming their concept of English.
Then, when they come on Techspot looking for help with problems, they type in the only way they know of (which is the "MSN Language"), and fail to conduct themselves in a formal manner, which instantly results in their thread being ignored by those who are intolerant to this type of language.

I agree with the article, it happens quite often.

I agree with you. Some people may think it's 1337 to post in text message speak--geek like. One chance is enough, and they should have to edit their own posts. Why would anyone else?

I find myself editing my post often, either from leaving things out and leaving people clueless, or from just bad grammer. I think its gets all of us sometimes.

Lol, I think people talking in 1337 speak should be warned to edit their own posts. If they don't, nothing's going to happen to them. Literally. I'm sure none of us here would be bothered to translate 1337 speak to help someone we don't know, so they won't receive any help.

Which would encourage them to actually type in formal English.


Speaking of 1337 speak, can you believe they want to incorporate that as part of formal education? The argument for it is that it is being used so much now, its more or less part of everyday life..... sheesh. [/end out of topic]


As for editing your own post because you've left out something important, I reckon you should just post a new message. If you really need to edit the earlier post, mention in a new message that you've edited something important. I doubt many people actually re-read old posts to see if they've been edited...

I am a mod at a guitar forum. It irritates me as well to see people make meaningless posts. Especially the txt speak crap. Its one thing if a poster does not speak English well or has trouble spelling etc. You can usually tell this. But the txt speak thing, I simply edit the post. Delete what the poster was asking and simply type EDITED FOR IMPROPER USE OF GRAMMAR, or something to that effect. Doesnt take to long to do, and usually the poster will repost correctly. If they don't they get warned, if nothing else the post is deleted. But then again that site does not have the following that this one does either!

The other option here is, as someone already said, simply do not respond to the post. Or maybe a mod could just lock the thread. On another note, I would be interested to know what percentage of people here with more than 1 post. Are actually active on a regular basis. I have noticed lately that damn near every new post is by a new member. Or at least it seems that way.

that definately gets the point across.

Edited by Moderator: Removed quote. There`s no need to quote the post directly above your own, unless you`re only replying to a specific section, in which case you would only quote that section.

Wow, supersmash!

988 posts in just three months!

Since this thread seems to have turned into the what annoys you on Techspot thread, here are some of my pet hates.

1. Text speak(already covered).

2. Members who make posts one after the other, when there`s no need to do so.

What I mean, is a member will make a post, then decide to add something else. Rather than using the edit button to add the extra info, they make a completely new post. The only time a member should post consecutive posts, is when it`s completely necessary.

3. The inappropriate use of the quote feature.

There`s no need for members to quote the post directly above their own. Of course if they are replying only to a specific section, then only the relevant section should be quoted and not the whole post.

4. Premature thread bumps.

Members should wait at least 24hours without a reply, before bumping threads. I`ve seen thread bumps of less than 5 minutes. :knock:

5. Threads that are for computer problems get posted in inappropriate forums, such as the Introduce Yourself forum/Hot deals forum etc etc.

All the forums below, are off limits for computer problems.



There, I feel much better now I`ve got that off my chest.

Regards Howard