Posting advice: "I can't do this, ...I don't understand you"

[cmonkey]

I saw a post asking why no one responded to the OP's other posts and it got me thinking. I should point out that this has NOTHING to do with her(?) posts other than it started the gears turning, but when I see a post written in txt, I shut it down and move on. If I see a post with a paragraph-and-a-half and no punctuation in it, I move on. If English is your second language, of course people will make allowances. But if you were raised with it, I make none.

I know it's expedient to use shortcuts. I know we're used to it because of the texting we do. That does not make it okay here. I got wall post on Facebook from an old boyfriend and I couldn't even read it because he refuses to spell things correctly. (Really, that's the only reason. )

If you want help, if you want to be taken seriously, IF YOU WANT GOOD GRADES, start using standard English. Please. Use proper grammar. Use punctuation, even if you're not sure if you're using the right ones. TRY. You can txt all you want in your off-time, but here, and at school or work, you need to communicate in a way that other people understand without having to translate. You will have to write papers in class. You will do a LOT of writing. If it's unintelligible, your grade will reflect that. It's in your own best interest, honestly.

Best of luck to you all. I hope you get accepted and shine in your programs,

cmonkey

[Argo]

Check your grammar before you slam on others for using PROPER english. There are a ton of errors in your statement.... However, I understand your point and agree with it. Make sure and note that there are quite a few foreign nurses that post on here from other countries and most likely are doing there best to translate, if not using a computer translation program.... I dont really care or typically comment on bad grammar though....

[CuriousMe]

Check your grammar before you slam on others for using PROPER english. There are a ton of errors in your statement.... However, I understand your point and agree with it. Make sure and note that there are quite a few foreign nurses that post on here from other countries and most likely are doing there best to translate, if not using a computer translation program.... I dont really care or typically comment on bad grammar though....

No one's perfect, but her post is readable! Too many here aren't.

The posts that are the most difficult to read are filled with text speak, so it's unlikely that the reason it's unreadable is a translation program and likely it's because someone didn't bother to write in English.

[HoneyDew70]

Cmonkey, I do get what you are saying. On a forum, it doesn't cost more if you spell out the words as they are commonly used. I can understand it a little when you have to pay for each text sent. It makes me work harder to decipher what is being said.

I have friends who use text-speak all the time and it is tiresome to read an entire email with numbers for letters, for example. This is how they also write when it comes to their paperwork and unfortunately, it causes a lowering of expectation from the bosses and work mates. They aren't taken seriously, and that is sad.

[K.P.A.]

God texts Moses

M, pls rite on tabs & giv 2 ppl

no1 b4 me. srsly

dnt wrshp pix/idols

no omg’s

no wrk on w/end (sat 4 now; sun

l8r)

pos ok – ur m&d r cool

dnt kill ppl

:-X only w/ m8

dnt steal

dnt lie re:bf

dnt ogle ur bf’s m8. or ox. Or dnkey. Myob

[HoneyDew70]

God texts Moses

M, pls rite on tabs & giv 2 ppl

no1 b4 me. srsly

dnt wrshp pix/idols

no omg's

no wrk on w/end (sat 4 now; sun

l8r)

pos ok - ur m&d r cool

dnt kill ppl

:-X only w/ m8

dnt steal

dnt lie re:bf

dnt ogle ur bf's m8. or ox. Or dnkey. Myob

ROFLMBO!

[chenoaspirit, ASN, RN]

I dont see the big deal myself. Its not like people use ALL abbreviations, just maybe a few shortcuts. I guess I can understand how it may bother some, but I couldnt care less. Im just glad to have allnurses.

[P_RN, ADN, RN]

In a profession where a mere dot/period can KILL someone, there is no room for misunderstanding. You might as well learn proper ENGLISH writing skills NOW!

The texting goes on your Blackberry or I Phone, the rest should be pure unadulterated ENGLISH.

[chenoaspirit, ASN, RN]

I agree, but whew, it feels good to be on here and not worry about "killing someone". ya know?

[mamamerlee, LPN]

I started a thread on this about two months ago, and I heartily agree. I am sometimes a bit frightened about the poor language.

Two examples I have seen lately that disturbed me are 'dunno' and 'prolly'. At least I understood what 'dunno' was supposed to mean, but it took me a minute to get 'prolly'. I am concerned that the person who used it may not even know the correct word.

No one expects perfection, but many of us are concerned that there are professionals whose nursing notes may be judged poorly if they are ever seen by outsiders.

Okay, I'll stop whining.

[caroladybelle, BSN, RN]

ya know?

No, I don't know.

Sorry, I have to fully agree with the OP. While I do not expect perfect grammar and punctuation, I do expect reasonably understandable English.

I do not text. I do not accept text messages. And my child does not text. If it is that important, it rates being fully/clearly communicated.

And when I see people using texting, or poor/lazy communication habits on this BB, especially when complaining about "mean nurse directors/fellow nurses/human resource personnel/teachers" that are so hard on them, I automatically click off. If one does not have the common courtesy of communicating like a professional, I see very little need to answer a professional question or waste bandwidth on giving professional advice.

I used to be more relaxed and answer everything politely and professionally. But over the years, I have learned that the posters that communicate poorly or use meaningless phrases/slang, are generally the least appreciative of good advice and more of drain on the regular posters. Thus, I avoid those posters until they improve their communication.

YA KNOW!?!?!

[llg, PhD, RN]

I spend a lot of time here and make my share of grammar mistakes and typos. So, I am pretty tolerant of those -- in moderation. The same with txt language. A little is OK, but a lot hinders communication and understanding by making the post more difficult to read.

What really bothers me -- and the posts I don't read -- are those in which the writer doesn't even try. They write long posts all in one paragraph ... no spacing ... no spacial division between key ideas, etc. Those posts are REALLY hard to read, so, I rarely bother.

I also hate when people are too lazy to use punctuation marks or capital letters. Again, it makes their posts almost impossible to read.

If the reason behind posting is that you want people to read and understand why you write ... then why make it so difficult? Make it easy to read, and you'll get a lot more readers and a lot more sympathetic responses. At least make a reasonable effort.