Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
rbattelle
TDR MEMBER
Let me begin by saying I am no English expert. I like to think I can write coherently, and that's about it. But I thought I might start a thread that gives some tips on how to write a bit more effectively.
Why would anyone be interested in improving their grammar on a web forum?
Because you'd be surprised how many people won't read your post if it's so convoluted as to be virtually unintelligible.
Some common "mistakes".
1. Capitalization.
Normally, capitalize the first letter of each sentence and only the first letter of the first word. Proper nouns (such as the name of a person, place, or business) should also be capitalized regardless their position in the sentence.
2. Punctuation.
The most common mark of punctuation is the period. Use this to end a sentence and signal the reader that a new sentence with a new idea is about to begin. Begin the next sentence 2 spaces to the right of the period.
Other common punctuation marks are the question mark (?) and the exclamation point (!). Question marks are used when you're asking a question. Exclamation points are for when you're excited.
The comma (,) is a little more difficult to use. Personally, I think of them as a "pause" in the reading. Here's a page that explains it much better than I can.
3. The Paragraph.
Use paragraphs to group related ideas, as opposed to a "wall of words" that is one giant block of text with no separation of main ideas. A paragraph usually starts off with a topic sentence introducing the content of the paragraph, then several sentences on that topic. It's not hard: when you conceive of a new topic that you want to write about, just hit "return" twice before you start the next sentence.
In a forum, use of paragraphs is particularly important, as readers are easily turned off by giant blocks of text. Here's an example of a "bad" post (in terms of paragraph use):
Usually in a post like that I'm "zoned out" within 2 sentences. That's a shame, because this person genuinely wants some advice, and his post should be given due attention. Here's a better way to organize it:
Granted, the 3 topics in that example would probably be better served as 3 separate threads, but you get the point I'm making: by grouping related ideas together it's much easier on the reader.
4. Proofread!
After you type a post, read it over! At least once, just to make sure you got your idea across. Forcing yourself to be the reader will make a big difference in your writing.
5. Be brief and to the point.
I've learned that the shorter your post, the more likely people are to read it. It's that simple.
For anyone looking for a quick way to make a huge improvement in their grammar, I suggest The Elements of Style. The book is very short (almost a pamphlet, really), but in many respects has become a "standard" in writing. It's written in plain language, and by simply following its rules your writing will improve by leaps and bounds.
I'm not being an "elitist" here, nor am I suggesting we should all become William Shakespeare. I just think if you keep a few simple principles in mind the "read rate" on your posts will be markedly improved.
It's my hope that others will respond to this thread with more suggestions.
Ryan
P. S. - man, I hope I didn't make any major grammar mistakes in this post!
Why would anyone be interested in improving their grammar on a web forum?
Because you'd be surprised how many people won't read your post if it's so convoluted as to be virtually unintelligible.
Some common "mistakes".
1. Capitalization.
Normally, capitalize the first letter of each sentence and only the first letter of the first word. Proper nouns (such as the name of a person, place, or business) should also be capitalized regardless their position in the sentence.
2. Punctuation.
The most common mark of punctuation is the period. Use this to end a sentence and signal the reader that a new sentence with a new idea is about to begin. Begin the next sentence 2 spaces to the right of the period.
Other common punctuation marks are the question mark (?) and the exclamation point (!). Question marks are used when you're asking a question. Exclamation points are for when you're excited.
The comma (,) is a little more difficult to use. Personally, I think of them as a "pause" in the reading. Here's a page that explains it much better than I can.
3. The Paragraph.
Use paragraphs to group related ideas, as opposed to a "wall of words" that is one giant block of text with no separation of main ideas. A paragraph usually starts off with a topic sentence introducing the content of the paragraph, then several sentences on that topic. It's not hard: when you conceive of a new topic that you want to write about, just hit "return" twice before you start the next sentence.
In a forum, use of paragraphs is particularly important, as readers are easily turned off by giant blocks of text. Here's an example of a "bad" post (in terms of paragraph use):
Usually in a post like that I'm "zoned out" within 2 sentences. That's a shame, because this person genuinely wants some advice, and his post should be given due attention. Here's a better way to organize it:
Granted, the 3 topics in that example would probably be better served as 3 separate threads, but you get the point I'm making: by grouping related ideas together it's much easier on the reader.
4. Proofread!
After you type a post, read it over! At least once, just to make sure you got your idea across. Forcing yourself to be the reader will make a big difference in your writing.
5. Be brief and to the point.
I've learned that the shorter your post, the more likely people are to read it. It's that simple.
For anyone looking for a quick way to make a huge improvement in their grammar, I suggest The Elements of Style. The book is very short (almost a pamphlet, really), but in many respects has become a "standard" in writing. It's written in plain language, and by simply following its rules your writing will improve by leaps and bounds.
I'm not being an "elitist" here, nor am I suggesting we should all become William Shakespeare. I just think if you keep a few simple principles in mind the "read rate" on your posts will be markedly improved.
It's my hope that others will respond to this thread with more suggestions.
Ryan
P. S. - man, I hope I didn't make any major grammar mistakes in this post!
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