[G4] Proper English and good writing [WAS: Re: Classic or Native]

[keith_w]

Interesting comments, Ronald.

I got interested in English and writing clearly in college, and that was 
whetted by working in engineering departments here and there, doing a 
stint in technical writing...all of which has made me more and more of a 
pain in the butt when I read other's writings!
As the years go on, either people are getting more and more sloppy in 
all aspects of their writing, or...I've crossed the line and become way 
too critical in my reading.
I am continually asking (under my breath) what do you MEAN? Define your 
terms, etc. Mumble, mumble...

The use of correct grammar has deteriorated drastically, seems to me. 
Correct spelling is almost non-existent. Complete sentences are no 
longer important.
Ah well, I didn't mean for this to become a rant, but... things aren't 
getting better, are they. <g>

Thanks for a good message on the subject.

keith whaley

Ronald Steinke wrote:
> On 18 Jun, 2007, at 3:14 AM, keith_w wrote:
> 
>> Writing clearly is not a simple task, sad to say...

> Alas, much of my writing experience has been at the direction and 
> oversight of departmental heads. For that, I can write a dry, factual, 
> and concise record of events within my sight and hearing.
> 
> It is when I experience the writings of others who have not made basic 
> definitions readily available to the reader that I sometimes have to 
> interpret their statements with the knowledge of my experiences. Working 
> for the State of California does not always give a person the proper 
> tools to understand clearly terms that have not included their own 
> individual explanation.
> 
> Thus, when Apple makes a certain statement, I have to interpret it 
> within my knowledge/experience database and try to research some of the 
> terms by consulting with peers or advisors who are willing to share 
> their knowledge. I do not always get pertinent and factual definitions 
> from others and do depend on the added education provided by this 
> bulletin board and others that I follow.
> 
> When I am in the position of instructing a Macintosh novice, I always 
> ask whether or not he/she has clearly understood the lesson and ask 
> him/her to give me their own explanation of what has been learned so 
> far. I found that this sort of dialogue helps them as much as me to be 
> sure that they understand the procedures and mechanisms being taught. If 
> all sounds good, then I proceed to the next phase of instruction.
> 
> Courtesy costs nothing and reaps many benefits.