What is correct SPAG?

[John]

As for members playing mods; this is a problem we're currently dealing with.

[MarMar]

The problem with "wannabe-mods" is that they have no authority, and post whatever they feel like in the thread where problems occur. We as mods don't do that, unless it's very, very important to get a message across (like, a member not reading any PMs sent to hm/her, and the member is being very insensitive/needs to be made aware of something/etc). We do all out business through the PM-system, because other members don't have anything to do with us sending warnings for breaking forum rules.

[Liz]

I am writing a letter of application for Summer work and I can *never* remember how to end a letter correctly.

When addressed to "Sir or Madam", should the letter finish with "yours sincerley" or "yours faithfully"?

[Cal]

Yours Sincerley, I think.

[Pierced Musie]

Yours faithfully... I think. Sincerley is when you address an actual person.

[Cal]

Yours faithfully... I think. Sincerley is when you address an actual person.

Oh!!! Thats right!!

[Liz]

Merci, mes amis.

[Pierced Musie]

That was my helpful deed of the day. Now I'm going back to being angry.

[Loz]

I don't think anyone here actually criticises the way people use regular language. People using text speak and similar are usually asked not to by the mods, which is fair enough. But people who are dyslexic or just aren't naturally great at grammar / spelling aren't hassled about it.

I do think the wannabe-mods make the rule look more unforgiving than it really is. As John says, the wannabes with nothing to better to do than post 'Please use correct SPAG' (or something less polite) after people's posts, rather than join in actual discussions, are much more of a problem. I've actually seen posts where one member bags out another's SPAG in fundamentally incorrect SPAG themselves. It drives me nuts.

I actually fear that if the mods don't make a point of expecting people to attempt basic 'correct' SPAG, the board will totally slide. But there will probably always be problems with people posting in text speak or made-up abbreviations - it's an effect of having such a large membership with such a high newbie rate.

[Frankie]

I've actually seen posts where one member bags out another's SPAG in fundamentally incorrect SPAG themselves. It drives me nuts.

Me to...that bugs me far more than poor SPAG actually...I agree we need to be encouraging rather than condemnatory.....as sometimes people can get a bit defensive when they are asked to stop using txt spk...I personally don't mind the use of things like TPTB, IMO, or BTW, as long as its not all the time...I use those myself so I can hardly criticise someone else for doing so...you can usually tell when someone has problems with the written word..either with dyslexia or basic literacy skills...and I think we are pretty inclusive where these people are concerned..well I think we try to be...I suppose the bottom line is that if people spent more time contributing to a discussion and less time bagging others out we would all be a lot happier....

It's interesting that the subjectof SPAG generates so much debate...and such strong feelings...from both ends of the spectrum...I haven't figured that out...are we wrong to want to encourage good commmunication..or do people not just care..or is it the way we do it?...It is a puzzle.....