Grammar Poll
 

Just so we know, how important to you are spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc. on Greek Chat?

I don't care that much about the little stuff, but if I need an interpreter to figure out a post, there is a problem.

Important, but not important enough to overlook the occasional mistake and typo. I do it all the time.
However, if you have a blatant disregard for grammar and spelling, then I will judge you accordingly. As men and women who are theoretically in college, have graduated college, or are actively working toward college, we should appreciate how important written communication is.

What you said. We all make mistakes, but they should be the exception rather than the rule.

Communication is the goal, and if grammar and punctuation get in the way of communication, it's a problem.

And text-speak is just plain lazy and annoying.

I don't necessarily care as much as some other people on the board. However, as said in my rant in a recent thread, a poster is often coming onto this site to ask for advice. Often they are looking for advice on how to join our organizations. We are alums. They should be respectful and ask us (and respond!) in a polite manner. Be professional and show that you would be an asset to our organizations.

Your writing is a reflection of YOU. You give an immediate impression in terms of your intelligence, education and background when you write. Why would you NOT want to give the very best impression you can at every opportunity? Typos are one thing - blatant disregard for spelling and grammar are another.

I put very important. It doesn't mean you can't make mistakes. I do all the time. However, we are a community of college educated people and should reflect that in the way we communicate with one another. Some of us are more dynamic than others. I'm a more concrete writer, but I've got a basic science not liberal arts background. I try to make my points understandable. If they aren't, I try to do better.

We've all flubbed with a there instead of their or they're but when there is more than one error per sentence, and there's no punctuation or cReaTiVe punctuation, and the choice of words is just wrong, then I have a problem and won't keep it to myself.

Now, if a rushee is asking questions about rush, recs, etc. and uses a word incorrectly, like alumni instead of alumnae, I think I'm doing her a favor by correcting her before she embarrasses herself to someone important.

When I'm at work, I cover all spelling and grammar errors before I submit anything. On here (GC), I'll make edits if necessary, but if I miss something, it's not that big of a deal, to me.

Copy editor. 'Nough said. If anyone is interested, I WILL accept money to edit your grammar on here instead of doing it for free and annoying people. Just let me know. :)

I agree that everyone makes mistakes now and then, and should not be beaten over the head about it. However, when a new poster comes on here with text speak, poor grammar and no clue about punctuation it does speak volumes about him or her. If you are truly seeking advice about how to put your best foot forward for recruitment, then make a good first impression and do it the correct way.

"It's a competitive world, everything counts in large amounts." <Depeche Mode> Yes, I know I am showing my age.

While typos are usually no big deal to me, I find it utterly impossible to take someone's problem or question seriously when the post looks ridiculous. It's not hard to write with basic grammar, and I take it as a sign of respect and courtesy.

I understand that writing in forums don't demand formal language, but why would anyone use text-speak, not use punctuation or proper spelling, or write huge blobs without paragraphs? It makes me wonder how their minds work or how they communicate verbally. It's fine to be casual, but the rules of grammar and correct spelling help convey thoughts.

Typos and misuse of words happen to everyone once in a while. There's a huge different between these occasional mistakes and a rampant disregard for, or ignorance of, the proper way to spell words and construct sentences.

It's disrespectful to not take the time to make sure that your writing is easy to read and understand. GC has a spell-check here. Another tip is to read your post out loud to see where punctuation and new paragraphs belong.