Proper grammar and pronunciation is sport in my home. We kid and tease each
other ruthlessly. Heaven help you if you use "between" when "among" is
called for, of worse yet "can" instead of "may". Tar and feathers is a
preferred fate. But, this practice is among dysfunctional family members,
not an open international forum such as this magnificent list.
I am always awed by our European and Asian members who display such
excellent command of English as a second (or third) language. Certainly far
superior to my command of French or German. Tis very simple to overlook the
occasional misspelling or misuse. I chuckle at the expressions and terms
used by the English and Australian members - proof positive we are peoples
separated by a common language. But I've learned to understand and accept
that a lens in good nick does not mean a lens with a good gouge or hole in
it. It means in good condition. In American, a good nick is something you
get shaving......
All typos should be unconditionally excused. We all make them, just as we
all will one day or another, send a private message accidentally to the
list. Ahhhhhhh, time and forgiveness will heal all things.
John P
______________________________________
My Grandfather taught me to live by two rules. Rule #1: Don't tell folks
everything you know.
-----Original Message-----
From: Chris Barker <cbarker@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: olympus@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx <olympus@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Saturday, September 12, 1998 12:43 AM
Subject: Re: [OM] Manners (NO OM)
>><<Anyway, while your above comment IS poor manners,...>>
>>
>>I've always wondered why urging that something basic be done correctly is
>>considered poor manners.
>>
>>My only worry would be that some participants in this list who do not use
>>English as a primary language might become unnecessarily inhibited. The
>>international scope is certainly a benefit to us all.
>>
>>Carl May
>
>It is a delicate subject which pedants like me have hesitated to broach,
>certainly 'in open List'. I believe that it might be worth pointing out
>mistakes (not typos) to our fellow English-speakers, politely of course;
>but to our clever friends who use English as a second language (I wish I
>had a second language) any correction should IMHO be private and in the
>spirit of helping them to learn more. I have German friends in Bavaria who
>welcome my comments (they say). However, I am very circumspect and
>occasional with any points of correction (I think).
>
>It's and its are my current bugbears but which I have not mentioned for
>some months. It's is short for it is, while its is the possessive pronoun
>- belonging to it.
>
>Chris Barker <><
>
>I don't believe that big is better; use Netscape and give MSIE a miss!
>
>
>
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