I think that was really well put Magenta. I employ the 'preview post' button (sometimes repeatedly) and make the 'necessary' changes...sometimes I give up without posting as I am not confident I have worded something properly..I use them in a limited way, to reinforce something I'm saying, so I might write "Thank you, that helps "
I don't rely on what are, after all, nothing more than a grouping of punctuation marks alone to communicate the inflexion of my voice or my facial expression, so I wouldn't use them in an attempt to turn a sarcastic comment into a light-hearted one, unless I knew the person I was addressing very, very well - and I don't know anybody on here sufficiently.
When they are used in that way, I find it a bit arrogant (for want of a better word) because the writer is expecting the reader to make the effort to understand what s/he means, whereas I think the onus is on the writer to make him/herself clear. Having a joke and a laugh can often be done far better orally than in writing. My personal rule of thumb: if it reads snidey, sarky or mean without the emoticon, re-write it until it doesn't.
I think that was really well put Magenta. I employ the 'preview post' button (sometimes repeatedly) and make the 'necessary' changes...sometimes I give up without posting as I am not confident I have worded something properly..
I also think you're very accurate with the onus being on the writer as well as the reader...good post.
I think an easier method of communicating would be to use proper grammar, Capitalize the names of songs, albums, singers names, books. I have yet to see an emoticon in the dictionary that is my guide to proper spelling and grammar. Probably why smilies and such are not supposed to be used on this forum I think if you have to use one of these, 8+) at the end of every sentence to suggest a joke or sarcasm then your writing skills need improvement. 8+)
I hate them.
I'm a younger person.
It's got nothing to do with age.
I think an easier method of communicating would be to use proper grammar, Capitalize the names of songs, albums, singers names, books. I have yet to see an emoticon in the dictionary that is my guide to proper spelling and grammar. Probably why smilies and such are not supposed to be used on this forum I think if you have to use one of these, 8+) at the end of every sentence to suggest a joke or sarcasm then your writing skills need improvement. 8+)
is that how to spell misspellings? ......Jonny Sumo; making new friends with his dubious communication skills.......and, oh yeah, misspellings! .....
I think sometimes people choose to misinterpret what we are trying to say; either by the spoken or written word.
The responsibility then is to ensure that you have acted innocently and appropriately yourself
A little empathy goes a long way....there shouldn't be a 'generation gap' on here really, we are all interested in the same thing
is that how to spell misspellings? ......Jonny Sumo; making new friends with his dubious communication skills...
I am so pleased Magenta, I also notice that I am elevated from to a awesome!You are brightening up my day, sir!
I am so pleased Magenta, I also notice that I am elevated from to a awesome!
I do have a small issue however; the young man who started this thread seemed to cause some 'offence' in another thread. I am sure that is not his intention, he sems a genuine young man (why do I need to mention his age? Is that even relevant?)
My point is; he mentions in the thread title 'elder', he implies that it is age that causes these 'communication breakdowns' (yes, I am a Zep man) and I must disagree for all the reasons that you and I have agreed upon and that others have stated - what he needs to acknowledge is experience, not age.
Don't tell anyone I'm back...they didn't like me before and probably won't etc...glad you're 'laffing' (presume thats the welsh spelling) Magenta; I found that, previously, many peeps took themselves much too seriously on here...not healthy, most chilled person I ever met was Thomas Lang; he wanted to talk about my cd not his career...nice bloke, sloppy drummer..I felt it was the very least you deserved, in the circumstances.
If today's contributions are typical, my man, I'm glad you came back! You've had me laffing out loud today!
I wish I could write like you do...'you had me at hello'....I felt it was the very least you deserved, in the circumstances.
I reckon there definitely is a different culture between the young, from that which exists between the less young. But just as we British have to find a way of expressing ourselves in a way that will be understood by our international DW contingent - which does not mean spelling things differently, or using different words (although it can be helpful to provide translations into American sometimes!), but rather ensuring that our meaning is clear - I can't see why a younger person, especially a literate, articulate one, should have too much difficulty expressing him/herself in a way that can be understood by all other members.
Younger people may be more likely to be very informal and to use emoticons as a form of shorthand. But while this is a friendly and welcoming forum, there is an issue relating to appropriateness. I don't think it is appropriate to speak to what are, essentially, strangers in an overly informal way, and as you say, Jonny, miles on the clock are worthy of recognition, if not necessarily agreement.
If today's contributions are typical, my man, I'm glad you came back! You've had me laffing out loud today!
People can mis-interpret what you have written. I know because it's happened to me on here.
Emoticons aren't the answer. Clearer expression is the answer.
and thats why Bermuda is a moderator and I am still on day release...beautifully put broAgreed. While age may dictate percpetions and real-world experience, I don't think it must necessarily affect the ability to communicate. Misunderstandings occur for a variety of reasons, but in a text forum like this, where there is ample opportunity to make a point clear and even go back and clarify (edit) as needed, there's no reason to not get it right.
I think emoticons are fine, but not as a method to spin words or thoughts that should be obvious on their own.
Bermuda