Just wondering.........

[Jules]

Since I've been a teacher for years and can practically grade papers w/my eyes closed (not really! :p ), I tend to notice misused commas, misspellings, etc. pretty quickly. However, I'm hesitant to point them out in the critique forum because I don't want to pour cold water on somebody's hard work. However, I also think that they perhaps WANT to know if there's a boo-boo.

I'm not too confidant about commenting on writing styles at this point since I am such a newbie......I prefer to leave that to the folks who know what they're talking about! (It's easier for me to do that sort of thing at school w/my students because I know what is expected for a particular assignment-duh! I'm the one that gave the assignment! And also, I can talk w/the student one on one to find out where they're going w/a particular piece........can't do that here!)

My question is........is it appropriate for me to put my "teacher" hat on and point those sorts of things out (not in regular forums, most folks don't care there, just in the workshop forums) or not? I truly don't want to step on anybody's toes or overstep my own boundaries. I know for myself, I WANT to be told when I've made a boo-boo.

Just needing to know what's OK and what's not.

Thanks. :)

And also, just another dumb "new user" quesiton...... :o what's the difference between the guided mode and the enhanced mode at the top of the message posting area? Just wonderin'.......... :rolleyes:

[AngelAzariah]

_____Commas are always argued over. If you could provide exact rules, I guess it wouldn't be that bad. Pitty editers even argue over those exact rules.
_____Misspelling and incorect word useage is always welcomed. Just spellcheck what people ask for help on though. For people like me, I don't care what I spell like online.
_____Just jump in there and be as clear as you can, without reapeating old news. :D

[BrotherDave]

I open to grammer corrections. Tell me what is wrong and then give me the rule that you would quote to your students. It could only help!

brotherdave

[LesCam]

I can't spell, and I can't punctuate, and not sure if I was traumatised or it's a reclusive croma-something (in the jeans)? And yes, feel free to correct me, but it's hard for me sometimes: the simple stuff. But I'm still learning, and inculcation does work. And yes, I can write: I mean I can write... well, some anyway, you'll see, and still having trouble with my narritive, but the punctuation, for me, is hard as anything (and sometimes I'm just sloppy on line). But mostly, I'm just worried about sharing my stuff, Thanks

[edmmom]

Jules,
I can only speak for myself, but, at least for me, I would hug your neck if you'd point out my grammer and spelling errors, along with any other criticism you might have about my writing. After all, if no one ever points it out, how will I learn?

[rodojeki]

I have had to humble myself a thousand times since I started to write and admit that I hate punctuation (mostly in poetry) and I know the reasons for it. I take the comments people offer and try (I did say try, ahem) to never argue cause I know I am WRONG and they are right...I would never whole heartedly reject someones corrections. I even tried to take courses as an adult on grammar and punctuation, but never completed them. Sometimes it is very discouraging to have this mindset, I just havent overcome it yet and I am not a stupid person. However, spelling is one of my greatest pet peeves, so I welcome corrections. So, my opinion on the whole matter, is yes, by all means offer the corrections.

My questions to punctuation has always been why do you need a comma to read a sentence can't you understand it without one for instance did I just ask you a question without using the question mark and cant one figure out where the sentence ends just by understanding the words that are written see I told you I was stubborn Blessings
Donna

[Diannecp]

Assuming we're all posting our best stuff here, and running spell-check, etc. prior to posting, then I'd say yes - grammar check away! (I'm a former teacher too, so my red pen is usually itching for action.) For those who know they struggle with grammar & punctuation, I'm sure they find this information helpful, but I personally would not check an entire piece for grammar and punctuation unless specifically asked to do so because I wouldn't want to assume & offend. Also - some people write "rough" and need feedback while the piece is still in the "rough."

If we're looking for specific feedback on a piece, it might help if we mention that when we post it for critique. But I love how each different person adds something to the critiquing process; that's the beauty of the "group" thing! I learn something from reading each and every critique.

[Jules]

My questions to punctuation has always been why do you need a comma to read a sentence can't you understand it without one for instance did I just ask you a question without using the question mark and cant one figure out where the sentence ends just by understanding the words that are written see I told you I was stubborn Blessings
Donna

:D

my message has to be at least ten characters so i'm adding to it w/o any punctuation but who cares all i wanted was the laughing face anyways!

[rodojeki]

Thank you Jules...I was hoping for some humor this morning LOL
:p :D !thumbsup! :)

[AngelAzariah]

Jules,
_____Forgot to mention that you should probably ignore my post. I keep from posting in the workshop, and often respond to people with e-mail. It just seems cleaner to send a .doc with red ink than trying to show things with code {./please insert girder}. :D

girder: 1. A beam made usually of steel; a main support in a structure. 2. One who, or that which, girds. 3. To gird thyself. 4. Oh just forget it -- it's a Futurama joke.