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Is it really important to spell correctly?
There has been a lot of discussion here on the FFN about spelling and grammar usage. Having been off from work for the past four months, I came across this memo from one of our investigators and thought I'd ask you if your department has the same level of awareness to be grammatically vigilant.
The investigator offers one suggestion for spell checking while writing reports, this could also affect your pc's ability to underline misspelled words when posting on FFN. I wanted to note that if you are using MacBook Pro, place your cursor over the red-underlined (actually red dots) and press ctrl, a window pops up and offers suggestions for correct spelling.
I hope this is one of those "helpful posts". TCSS, Mike from Santa Barbara
"I have recently assumed responsibility for providing reports to Insurance Companies, Law Firms, and other subjects requesting your reports. Many reports, primarily in the "narrative" section, contain significant spelling and/or grammar errors. One method to improve the reports is to use lower case text, which will enable the spell checker resource. When you enter all "CAPS" spell checker ignores the errors. I plan to provide further information regarding reports and other investigation issues in the near future, but did not want to delay notification to those who may benefit from this simple resource.
I certainly hope this message is written correctly; if not, please disregard the information above."
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Michael Eck on
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Good thing this is not a report that would be called to court. I would think most people would know the difference. Have you ever been to court? Have you ever had your reports examined by lawyers? I have, and I was able to stand behind them all the way, no mistakes and a clear description of all events. If you see no problem with people thinking that you are an idiot because of how you present yourself that's fine by me. I just like to present a professional image.
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Permalink Reply by Jay Nicholson on
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Perhaps I have taken an old history teacher I had a little too serious. He was more interested in his students being able to communicate. Since he was a History guy and not an English guy, he didn't break out the "red pen of correction". There are many posts here that after the first sentence, I can't continue to read them. Those post have failed at communicating their idea to me because of their spelling/grammar. Others get there point across even when they don't know when to use there/their/they're. Just my .02 cents.
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Permalink Reply by Becki Turner on
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I was glad when I saw this post. I am an English Major, and poor spelling and grammar have always been a "pet-peeve" to me. It's always bothered me, even when I was in high school. The other classes and mistakes made just passed on by--not a problem. However, english seemed more important, even then. Not that I get all touchy about it, I'm just glad that someone else thinks it's important!
Becki Turner
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Permalink Reply by Michael Vito on
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its ben provn tht yu dnt hve to spl evrythng crrtly for peple to undrstns it. peple skp ovr crertn lttrs in ech wrd so evn splld like this u cn undrstnd it.
I don't know if its true, the Philippines is the sms texting capital of the world. Texting is cheaper here and we don't call a lot. Like you guys in the states do. But a lot of people I know when they write emails or correspondence. Come across some shortened words like sample reply above by Just Plain Craig. I admit had a bad habit myself in correspondence he he he. Thanks mike for insight.
i lyk ur cartuns! (I like your cartoon)
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Guys, admit it. We are great firefighters. But sometimes, we are poor in writing correspondence. Correspondernce that is critical to our passion to keep our organization up and running (especially us - vollies).
When I was a reporter in Highschool official newspaper. I always keep in mind : "the power of the pen."
So when you don't have that power = no bucks, no buck rogers.
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Permalink Reply by Tony P on
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Not always. Here you can make an affirmation if you like. Not everyone is a practising Christian after all.
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Everyone makes spelling mistakes. Hell, even I do! But as with some of the posters above, too many mistakes and I stop reading. No punctuation equals too hard to read. Sentences that make no sense I stop reading. (And there're a lot of these!) And as for those posts that are typed solely in CAPITALS, well, I don't usually even bother looking at them - they are simply too hard to read, I don't like people shouting at me.
Am I picky? Not really, I just prefer to read things that are likely to make sense. It's similar to when I used to employ people for my organisation - if they had dirty shoes/fingernails they had no chance, if their clothing was dirty, then no job for them. I didn't care if the clothing was cheap or expensive but it had to be clean, as did their fingernails and shoes. A poorly written job application would get a prompt knockback for the writer. As with that so with this; if a person takes no care with their writing, do they take care with anything?
There are people who think that it's different if you're writing here, that it's casual and doesn't matter. Yes it does. Sloppy here probably means sloppy everywhere. Even when texting I use proper English. Notice I used the word 'proper', not perfect. My spelling isn't perfect, nor is my grammar. But both are acceptable.
PS. The post-nominal’s that I can use denote Science, not English.
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Permalink Reply by Brian Dumser on
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I realize that bad spelling/grammar do not necessarily indicate a person's education level, but that's the general impression. Some of the posts here on FFN are downright painful to try and read because people don't take the time to proof read their posts. I cannot emphasize enough that you cannot type the way you talk! How can you expect people to respond to your posts when they can't make sense out of them in the first place?
I've been through all the grades of school, but I'm not the world's greatest speller either. My solution is to keep a small dictionary at my desk. Then, before I hit the "enter" key I proof read my post to ensure that it makes sense to those who will read it. A little effort goes a long way. Hope this helps...stay safe!
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amen, Tony and Brian
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Permalink Reply by lutan1 on
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I think we need a bit more guidance for this discussion- are we talking about spelling here on FFN or our reports?
Two very diferent situations- one needsto be spot on, the other doesn't...
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Speaking for myself, our Fire Service reports need to be spot on (that's for you Lutan). As far as FFN, I'm just saying it would be nice if people would put some effort into spelling and grammar. Some posts are so bad I get a headache trying to decipher them!
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I'm with you Brian.
Reports? Try for 'perfect'.
FFN? At least TRY! I still think that if someone is that sloppy here, then it's likely that they're that sloppy everywhere.
Some of the writing here is simply appalling. If someone spoke to me in the manner of a fair number of posts, I'd be saying "Say again please".
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