I think we need to remember
@GardenGerty (157722)
United States
April 27, 2016 3:20pm CST
In the guidelines for the original or Ancient myLot we were told we should not criticize others for their usage or grammar as this is a site where many do not have perfect English.
Some of us do not have perfect typing skills, either, or perfect eyesight.
I checked, and the same paragraph or bullet point is still there
Criticizing users for bad or broken English - We have users from all around the world, and they are welcome regardless of their proficiency with the English language. In fact, a lot of users come here to get better with their English skills. Let's help them out! This does not mean you should feel free to criticize
When I was a young child I would correct my much older (9 years older) sister publicly. It embarrassed her and hurt her feelings.
I think we should not correct people publicly . If you Absolutely Must correct someone, do it in a private message. Then you do not look like a bully and they do not feel like a fool. This even goes for native English speakers.
This has been my myLot public service announcement for today.
17 people like this
19 responses
@GardenGerty (157722)
• United States
27 Apr 16
If I correct things, it is to myself and in my own head. I get corrected enough by spell check. There are many people here on the Lot that have poor usage, one time or another. I would include myself in that multitude.
4 people like this
@marguicha (216082)
• Chile
27 Apr 16
I´m glad you mention it! Some people are rude with other lotters who have not all the skills in English. When someone says something about my English, I want to ask them how is their Spanish
I always have trouble with some prepositions. Nothing I can do now.
I always have trouble with some prepositions. Nothing I can do now.4 people like this
@GardenGerty (157722)
• United States
28 Apr 16
I am in awe of all the people around the world who work hard to write on myLot.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (157722)
• United States
28 Apr 16
@marguicha 
yes they are and they deserve a big thumbs up.
yes they are and they deserve a big thumbs up.@marguicha (216082)
• Chile
28 Apr 16
@GardenGerty There are so many languages that are SO different to English. The people who work here in spite of that are awesome.
2 people like this
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
27 Apr 16
right on thanks as this did need to be said to remind us all none of us really l i kes to get critilcisms like that and I s ure do not myself.I will soon have a new keyboard andmy critics will have to f ind someone else to prlvate message.
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (157722)
• United States
27 Apr 16
I look at it this way. You do know that you have problems with that keyboard from time to time. If I were to say something to you it would be in a private message.However, I already know that you know so why should I waste my time and keystrokes over it!? It would not make me feel any better nor would it feel good to you.
1 person likes this
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
27 Apr 16
@GardenGerty very true you are as always one smart lady lol
2 people like this
@quantum2020 (12040)
• Ciudad De Mexico, Mexico
27 Apr 16
It is true! Criticizing others publicly can be embarrasing for them. I feel thankful that Mylot is not too demanding regarding this. I hope everyone can gain the writing skills so they can participate actively here on Mylot.
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (157722)
• United States
27 Apr 16
If people are encouraged to come read and write at myLot they improve automatically. I would rather read what you write, in your own "voice" than to correct you to sound identical to me.
1 person likes this
@quantum2020 (12040)
• Ciudad De Mexico, Mexico
27 Apr 16
@GardenGerty That is how one learns about diversity among different cultures!
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (157722)
• United States
28 Apr 16
@quantum2020 I love myLot for making all people welcome.
2 people like this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
28 Apr 16
I did read that in the guidelines and I would never feel the need to correct someone's English unless it was a particular friend who I knew would want to know they had made a mistake. I think it is more important to be kind than perfect.
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (157722)
• United States
28 Apr 16
And if you corrected a friend it would be subtly or in a private message.
@GardenGerty (157722)
• United States
28 Apr 16
@BelleStarr I like that so I will quote you "I think it is more important to be kind than perfect."
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
28 Apr 16
@GardenGerty absolutely or I would add a comment and say delete this after you read!!
1 person likes this
@sgbrown (1638)
• United States
28 Apr 16
I agree with you, @GardenGerty This is not what I would consider a "professional writing" platform. This is a place to come and discuss what ever is on your mind with friends and make new ones. I would not want to embarrass anyone or hurt their feelings.
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (157722)
• United States
28 Apr 16
And if you and I were talking you would not be starting your conversation with me by correcting me. It is just fun, and laid back. As I told another user, I want to hear his voice not a copy of my voice.
1 person likes this
@peavey (16936)
• United States
27 Apr 16
I don't know what might have caused you to post this, but it's a good reminder. If anyone has a perfect command of the English language and never makes a typo or other mistake, then I suppose that person could police us... otherwise, I don't think so.
2 people like this
@peavey (16936)
• United States
28 Apr 16
@GardenGerty I'm glad it wasn't anything serious. You're right; there are ways to correct someone if it's really necessary. No need to make a public fuss about it.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157722)
• United States
28 Apr 16
@peavey I have also seen a fellow user almost in tears over a typo situation, so I thought I would dust off that reminder.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157722)
• United States
28 Apr 16
It seemed timely. I was corrected recently. It did not bother me, but a friend was bothered on my behalf. There are ways to let someone know there is an error and maybe we should if it changes the meaning of the post but none of us is perfect.
1 person likes this
@allknowing (130233)
• India
28 Apr 16
Because myLot is not particular there are countless typos and grammatical errors not by just those whose first language is not English but more from those whose first language is English,
You are right about that rule but there is a way in pointing it out. I have noticed how people correct you without hurting you.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157722)
• United States
28 Apr 16
I am pretty thick skinned but I have seen others hurt. I know people can say things like "did you mean grass or glass?" and that is not rude or offensive. A really big mistake should be handled in a private message maybe? myLot wants people to be comfortable when they come here to interact.
1 person likes this
@allknowing (130233)
• India
28 Apr 16
@GardenGerty I certainly would not mind someone telling me "did you mean grass or glass" (lol)
@Teep11 (7674)
• United States
27 Apr 16
Corrections help us but sometimes it's the way people say things that may upset another. Sometimes the information is projected in a cruel manner. I don't mind being corrected but if it's being overly critical then I may raise my eyebrow but keep it moving.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (157722)
• United States
27 Apr 16
A friend of mine was offended that someone corrected me publicly in a discussion. I had let it pass when it happened but that type of correction would have been better done in a private message.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157722)
• United States
28 Apr 16
I think admin is aware of some of the issues of correcting others, so I did not report it. If I see much of it I would. If you see something questionable do tag or message Alex.
2 people like this
@poehere (15126)
• French Polynesia
28 Apr 16
I have to agree with you on this one. I am one of the people on the site that English is my second language. I try hard to control my errors and mistakes. However, at times things are overlooked or skipped. I make errors so there is no way I want to correct the errors of another person.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157722)
• United States
28 Apr 16
Yes, from what you have told me about your history I have known that English is not your first language but you do remarkably well. What we know and understand of another language may have an effect on how we interpret things as well. Honestly most people would not know that English is not native for you.
@poehere (15126)
• French Polynesia
28 Apr 16
@GardenGerty Thank you so much. That was kind of you to say that. I just think that everyone should try and help each other out and not criticize them for their errors. I also believe there is a better way to help people learn a second language and to give a few helpful hints can really help a person out. I have done this one a few posts I didn't understand. I ask the writer to please explain what they had written. In the explaination, it was so clean and easy to understand. I told them that next time they might want to consider writing it like that. This helped them out and they were grateful that I suggested this to them. I think kind words and helpful suggestions goes a lot further in helping people learn from their mistakes.
@GardenGerty (157722)
• United States
28 Apr 16
I am not perfect, and sometimes if I make a mistake I may be too tired to go back and correct and edit. I try to usually.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157722)
• United States
28 Apr 16
@just4him My computer tells me when I am wrong by a red squiggly underline. I think it is Firefox running those notes. A gecko is a lizard and a Geico is an insurance company that uses a gecko as a spokeslizard. Evidently there is a GECCO which gives scholarships. You have made me smile with this reply.
1 person likes this
@just4him (307773)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
28 Apr 16
@GardenGerty When I see a misspelled word, except for a comment I made yesterday, I gave up on that one, I'll just never get that word right, I usually end up going to the dictionary to get the correct spelling. I absolutely despise typos, especially my own. To me that's unforgivable. However, I'm always harder on myself than anyone else. I overlook spelling errors in everyone else. Just not me, except for yesterday's word. Someday I'll figure out how to spell gecco. Definitely not two c's, but one isn't right either, so there must be more letters to this lizard.
@GardenGerty (157722)
• United States
28 Apr 16
For some people it is just an old habit that will not die. I have had people make a suggestion that I look at my title again or the second sentence down or whatever. That is not calling attention to the mistake but does give me a chance to edit.
2 people like this
@creativeintelligene (133)
•
28 Apr 16
That is true. It is not right to criticize or condemn others. Everyone will learn in their own time and at their own pace. Judging and pointing to others mistakes is none of our business. Thank you for reminding.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157722)
• United States
28 Apr 16
There are writing sites where perfection in language is important. In myLot we emphasize the interaction more than the grammar.
@GardenGerty (157722)
• United States
28 Apr 16
@creativeintelligene I am just a long time member. I believe each day as we interact we are creating our space here.
@creativeintelligene (133)
•
28 Apr 16
@GardenGerty This is a nice platform for sharing and learning. I am thoroughly enjoying it. Thank you for creating it.
@cherriefic (10400)
• Philippines
28 Apr 16
That's right. We have to help each other out as not everyone here is a native speaker.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157722)
• United States
28 Apr 16
No, we are not all native speakers, and if we try to help it needs to be in a way that does not belittle someone or make ourselves look big and important and like an expert.
@GardenGerty (157722)
• United States
28 Apr 16
Exactly, and you can appreciate that public correction can hurt some people's feelings. Not sure if my punctuation is correct there but that is how I am leaving it.
@Jessicalynnt (50525)
• Centralia, Missouri
28 Apr 16
I have politely pointed out a typo, generally because it was a tad funny, or because it was in a title. But rarely.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157722)
• United States
28 Apr 16
Your style when you have pointed things out seems to be very light hearted and is not rude. I think you have asked me something like, "Did you mean to say bug, or was it big?" That is funny because then I got to think about the sentence if I used the word "bug" in it. You did not correct me but gave me a chance to correct myself.
1 person likes this
@Jessicalynnt (50525)
• Centralia, Missouri
29 Apr 16
@GardenGerty I try to be super polite, and yeah, often only point out ones that are either funny, or in the title, which people want might want to fix, but never doing it rudely!
@GardenGerty (157722)
• United States
28 Apr 16
We can be perfectly kind and considerate.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157722)
• United States
28 Apr 16
MyLot and its members in general work to encourage others.
1 person likes this
