Grammar test on forum signup

[grandpa_spec_F6]

I don't mind internet speak, I grew up with it, and grew out of it just as fast.

I don't even give a damn if people miss out a letter or misspell a word, however after observing a number threads on a variety of forums, I propose a simple grammar test before users can sign up.

Example: http://www.anglolang.co.uk/cgi-bin/w...gi_quiz_form=1

While perhaps the solution would be to simply limit where users could post, rather than deny them the ability to view and contribute to the forums all together, it would mean a far more user-friendly experience overall... until someone gets drunk and starts posting

Some people can't seem to string a basic sentence together, and it's quite worrying, especially considering even at a year 10 level of education most should be able to write a letter with even rudimentary grammar and punctuation.

Call me a snob, say I'm discriminating if you wish, but I'm sick to death of having to spend 5 minutes deciphering what on earth the post is about.

[StrikeTwiceXR6]

I agree 100%

[zetec]

I agree with you. When you see the same incorrectly spelt word more than once in a post and you realise it's not just a slip of the typing fingers... it really grates me.

In saying that, we also don't want to discriminate to anyone who's mother tongue is not english, but there's certainly a lot of people who hav sum pritty atroshus speling on hir.

[grandpa_spec_F6]

Originally Posted by zetec

but there's certainly a lot of people who hav sum pritty atroshus speling on hir.

I see what you did there

[vztrt]

But if we do this how are people who have nothing constructive to add to the discussion gonna try and win if they can't pick on someone's spelling and grammer?

[auxr]

i dunno wit ya talkin bout - c i pist ma englash ixaminatin wid flyin kolas.


\Seriously though, I do tend to agree with you.

[DJR David]

Correct. I am a terrible one for typos, but as far as the basic use of the english language, we are doomed!!!


The requirements for signing up to any forum should be a test.

1- Please define bought and brought

2- Explain when to use a full stop

3- Explain the difference between weather and whether

4- Explain the difference between their, there and they're

Should the user fail with any of these questions, then a virus should automatically be sent to their computer and it should explode!!!

thanks!!!!

[FordACE]

I don't really agree with this at all. Some people are genuinely not good at learning, so we should banish them from fordforums and perhaps society? Just the way you've learned to write English correctly, perhaps it's time for everyone to learn how to tolerate others misfortunes.

[Road Games]

Tubble typing? Grama n ishoo ??, puncha wha???

[Road_Warrior]

Or the gibberish posts could simply be moderated.

Someone who is posting that has difficulty with the english language is pretty easy to spot compared with SMS type posts or posts from someone who is just being a moron. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm sure the moderators do this sort of filtering all the time.

[Geez Louise]

There are a few people on here who are dyslexic. What would you want done with them?? Drawn and Quartered?? I don't agree with this at all. As mentioned, for some members, English is their second language.

Where is the forum love? Yes, reading some posts can be a tad bit annoying at times, but a little patience and understanding goes a long way.

If we were all so great at spelling and grammar, then perhaps we should all be English teachers.

[XR6_661]

I think the only requirement should be that your post won't be displayed unless it is in proper paragraph.

[pottery beige]

wow big things in life to worry about.. quiet day at work??.......

[gcg2503]

Very elitist. Not everyone was born to program space shuttles.

[Yellow_Festiva]

Don't agree with it one bit to be honest.

This is a laid back place where a bunch of people share thoughts and ideas. We have a say, bag others for their opinions and the diverse mix of people, both educational and otherwise makes it an interesting place to frequent.

If you were at the pub with a bunch of mates doing the same (correcting every mistake made) you would last all of 5 minutes.

Just let it go!

There are much greater things in this world to worry about.

[3vXT]

I may be an incredible jerk but I actually enjoy stumbling across peoples typos and mistakes. I very rarely point them out (unless they have typed something so awesome that it is not possible to hold back a comment). I occasionally have a bit of a chuckle and then ignore it. I don't think I have ever come across a sentence so bad that I couldn't decipher the meaning, I think people are overstating the impact a bit.

EDIT: Wow, I am a jerk. Look how many times I referred to myself in one little paragraph

[galaxy xr8]

Originally Posted by Geez Louise

There are a few people on here who are dyslexic. What would you want done with them?? Drawn and Quartered?? I don't agree with this at all. As mentioned, for some members, English is their second language.

Where is the forum love? Yes, reading some posts can be a tad bit annoying at times, but a little patience and understanding goes a long way.

If we were all so great at spelling and grammar, then perhaps we should all be English teachers.

This post is the only one that makes sence,
Not everyone has had the luxury of being taught to an extent of other's who seem to think their s*%t don't stink.
I'm sorry but we have had thread's like this before and like all of them, they only bring out the one's that tend to think they know all, but they really need to go back over their own post's and re-read, as some of them fall into this topic that they themselves are complaining about,
Pot-kettle-Black......

[auxr]

To agree or not to agree with the op's thread.

This thread may well go the way of many others with links to social skills, educational background etc.

Responses tend to vary from a cross section of the forum - but at the end of the day, this is what putting a thread out for discussion creates.

[Burnout]

Originally Posted by Geez Louise

There are a few people on here who are dyslexic. What would you want done with them?? Drawn and Quartered?? I don't agree with this at all. As mentioned, for some members, English is their second language.

Where is the forum love? Yes, reading some posts can be a tad bit annoying at times, but a little patience and understanding goes a long way.

If we were all so great at spelling and grammar, then perhaps we should all be English teachers.

Arrogance is the purview of all long term governments......politicians.... forum members....

[gossy]

Originally Posted by Geez Louise

There are a few people on here who are dyslexic. What would you want done with them?? Drawn and Quartered?? I don't agree with this at all. As mentioned, for some members, English is their second language.

Where is the forum love? Yes, reading some posts can be a tad bit annoying at times, but a little patience and understanding goes a long way.

If we were all so great at spelling and grammar, then perhaps we should all be English teachers.

^^^^^^^^^Well said.

The old phrase of "if you have nothing nice to say,don't say it", is losing relevance in today's society.

Constructive criticism and tact, are what is needed if you do not agree with what is put in front of you.

[max]

Perhaps IQ and psychometric testing might be in order too? Seriously, one musn't be too hard on those less endowed with literary cudos, must one?
Honestly, I do love 'ishoos'!!!!

[b2tf]

wtf u on bout mi spellin is fine m8

[Road Games]

Originally Posted by b2tf

wTf u Oon bOut Mi sPelLIn Is fINe m8

lil coreckshun ther ....................

[DJR-351]

I have no problem reading the below paragraph, so a couple of spelling or grammar mistakes on a forum is neither here nor there they're their aw **** woteva!!!!

I cnduo't bvleiee taht I culod aulaclty uesdtannrd waht I was rdnaieg. Unisg the icndeblire pweor of the hmuan mnid, aocdcrnig to rseecrah at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno't mttaer in waht oderr the lterets in a wrod are, the olny irpoamtnt tihng is taht the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rhgit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it whoutit a pboerlm. Tihs is bucseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey ltteer by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Aaznmig, huh? Yaeh and I awlyas tghhuot slelinpg was ipmorantt! See if yuor fdreins can raed tihs too.

[grandpa_spec_F6]

Some interesting responses, and I fully agree with Geez Louises post, there are those who have learning disabilities, and that is why I don't believe such a system would be fair, or even work for that matter. I was more hoping to see what people though on the matter were, and I'd have I got some good responses

Comparisons with speaking at the pub are interesting, generally when mates and I are down the pub, we know what each other is on about, and we don'talljustkeeptalkingaboutourdaythentheweekendan dthispersoniscomingoverandimsellingthisdog.

I've worked in retail for a number of years, and more recently in IT doing customer support. I've been up against language barriers, learning disabilities, physical disabilities, you name it. However, I've always been able to communicate with most as they actually try to make an effort to be understood.

The main thing I guess I am getting at here is people who think contributing to a forum requires no effort or though in regards to the content they are posting for others to see.

*stirs pot*

[Bud Bud]

I would like to see "mobile phone style texting " comments shunned or even banned in the same way that if someone is USING CAPS as everybody is all over them like a rash for shouting because it is considered rude. I feel the same way about "mobile phone style texting" as well, it is just plain rude.

I do not want to see people shunned for poor grammar however as you just do not know their personal circumstance.

There is nothing wrong with showing some form of social grace and etiquette, but there is plenty wrong with making people feel like dummies.

I can tell them apart and if I feel that they are genuine I take the time to decipher what the content of the comment is, but if I see someone who is just "plan lzy" or are treating us like their "bros on da fday nite" then I just ignore the comment anyway.

Bud Bud

[Road Games]

Originally Posted by DJR-351

I have no problem reading the below paragraph, so a couple of spelling or grammar mistakes on a forum is neither here nor there they're their aw **** woteva!!!!

Qoute:I cnduo't bvleiee taht I culod aulaclty uesdtannrd waht I was rdnaieg. Unisg the icndeblire pweor of the hmuan mnid, aocdcrnig to rseecrah at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno't mttaer in waht oderr the lterets in a wrod are, the olny irpoamtnt tihng is taht the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rhgit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it whoutit a pboerlm. Tihs is bucseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey ltteer by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Aaznmig, huh? Yaeh and I awlyas tghhuot slelinpg was ipmorantt! See if yuor fdreins can raed tihs too. :Unqoute

What is that word ?

[Geez Louise]

Letters is that word Daz.

[DJR-351]

Originally Posted by Geez Louise

Letters is that word Daz.

[sbcb]

Ford fans and smartz, hmmmmm.... lonely club