Google Answers Logo
View Question
 
Q: Spelling, Does it matter ( Answered 5 out of 5 stars,   6 Comments )
Question  
Subject: Spelling, Does it matter
Category: Reference, Education and News
Asked by: kemlo-ga
List Price: $2.01
Posted: 22 Mar 2003 01:37 PST
Expires: 21 Apr 2003 02:37 PDT
Question ID: 179483
Does spelling and punctuation really matter when asking a question or
posting a comment.
Answer  
Subject: Re: Spelling, Does it matter
Answered By: robertskelton-ga on 22 Mar 2003 02:07 PST
Rated:5 out of 5 stars
 
Hi Kemlo,

I think firstly I need to point out that:

1. Researchers are paid professionals. It is expected that they know
English well, are reasonably well educated, adn are smart enough to
use spell-checkers before posting an answer.

2. Questioners are customers, and customers are always right. 

As a questioner, apart from needing to use the English language,
anything goes. Some times questions are intentionally cryptic,
sometimes not. I think there was once a question which consisted of a
single character. We can always ask for a clarification if we are not
completely sure what is being asked.

As a commenter, if the comment doesn't make sense, it will typically
be ignored, with no harm done.

Punctuation isn't really a problem. Thanks to the popularity of the
Internet, we have learned that as long as the message is understood,
the medium doesn't matter. Personally though, it irks me to see cut
and pasted homework questions. Often they will appear in an ugly way,
with the questioner making no attempt to tidy it up. This lessens my
inspiration to answer the question.


Problems
--------

1. If a vital clue, like a product, place, web site or person's name,
has the wrong spelling, and it isn't obviously so, it makes it very
difficult for everyone. Some researchers are quite good at guessing
true spellings, but it shouldn't be necessary. Ultimately it usually
just means that many Researchers search in vain for something that
doesn't exist.

2. For some reason many clarification requests (often because of bad
grammar or spelling) go unanswered. I suspect that the customers might
have turned off email notification.


Personally
----------

I prefer answering questions which appear to be written by an educated
and reasonable person, who has put thought into their question and the
answer they expect. Poor spelling and punctuation suggests to me a
greater chance of a bad rating, without seeking clarification - or a
prolonged series of clarifications which drift from the original topic
and easily exceed the amount of effort I expected to put in for the
fee offered.

But ultimately the maxim remains - the customer is always right.

Best wishes,
robertskelton-ga
kemlo-ga rated this answer:5 out of 5 stars
A pleasent and succinct answer.
Thank you for your prompt attention to my question
Kemlo

Comments  
Subject: Re: Spelling, Does it matter
From: xarqi-ga on 22 Mar 2003 02:39 PST
 
"...well educated, adn are smart enough to use spell-checkers..."

:-)
Subject: Re: Spelling, Does it matter
From: robertskelton-ga on 22 Mar 2003 02:42 PST
 
It's called irony ;)
Subject: Re: Spelling, Does it matter
From: probonopublico-ga on 22 Mar 2003 09:43 PST
 
Pleasent, Simon?

Did you mean pheasant?
Subject: Re: Spelling, Does it matter
From: kemlo-ga on 22 Mar 2003 11:30 PST
 
Bryan,  I'm just a rude pheasent at heart. Hence my latest question (smilies)
regards Simon
Subject: Re: Spelling, Does it matter
From: neilzero-ga on 22 Mar 2003 16:16 PST
 
I frequently make spelling errors on the comments I make, partly
because answers google does not supply a spell check for comments (or
I don't know how to access the spell check?) Occasionally I look in
the dictionary, but this is time consuming if I am looking for enclose
which I think is spelled inclose. Generally people can figure out what
you mean if you make one or fewer errors per sentance, but on rare
occasions a serious misunderstanding occurs from a very minor spelling
or grammer error.   Neil
Subject: Re: Spelling, Does it matter
From: probonopublico-ga on 22 Mar 2003 21:26 PST
 
Hi, Neil

Sorry, but I can't understand your last SENTENCE ... Have you been in
JALE?

And which GRAMMAR are you REFFEREERING to? ... Is it yer MATERANIAN
WUN? Or t'other WUN?

The Big One

Important Disclaimer: Answers and comments provided on Google Answers are general information, and are not intended to substitute for informed professional medical, psychiatric, psychological, tax, legal, investment, accounting, or other professional advice. Google does not endorse, and expressly disclaims liability for any product, manufacturer, distributor, service or service provider mentioned or any opinion expressed in answers or comments. Please read carefully the Google Answers Terms of Service.

If you feel that you have found inappropriate content, please let us know by emailing us at answers-support@google.com with the question ID listed above. Thank you.
Search Google Answers for
Google Answers  


Google Home - Answers FAQ - Terms of Service - Privacy Policy