Have you realised that sometimes some posts are almost impossible to read and you end up zoning out completely before you've finally reached the actual reason why the person created the post in the first place and you haven't even understood what he was trying to say so you just move on to the next post. Sometimes someone will make a single post and everyone has understood what he said and in fact have even responded to it but nobody even understood what you were trying to say rather they have completely misunderstood your point and it has even turned into an argument that you're not even part of?
Just like the one above, a badly punctuated sentence is an absolute pain to read.
Punctuation is not an option. It is a necessity. If you want to make a readable, enjoyable post that people respond to, use good punctuation.
Knowledge is the food of life, but punctuation is the salt, pepper and masala. The same food will not taste good without it and taste fantastic, if used well.
Sentences: Avoid long sentences. Don't type as you think, think first, then type.
Nobody likes long sentences. Keep the length of your sentences short and people will be able to read it easily. Even 2 words can make a fine sentence. Like this.
Periods: No, I am not referring to those heart-warming, delightful 4 days in a month that every married man looks forward to.
I am simply referring to the gaps, between your sentences.
Try to visualise yourself speaking. You have variations. Sometimes you pause while speaking, simply to allow the other person half a second to absorb what you just said.
The same applies for your post.
Use a single full stop, after each sentence. That's what it's for, isn't it?
More full stops, like this..... simply indicate an unfinished sentence (like stopping for a quick breath of air, in between your sentence). Why would you separate every sentence with it? It is an annoying habit and now against Team-BHP rules! (That's how annoying it is, lol)
Ending your sentence in a full stop, truly indicates the end of your sentence. If you wish to pause slightly, use the
comma
Did you know that the comma is the least used punctuation mark on this forum?
I would rate it as one of the most powerful, yet subtle forms of punctuation there is.
Read this:
He drove his car out turned left floored the pedal and zoomed off.
Now read this:
He drove his car out, turned left, floored the pedal and zoomed off.
2 commas have made sure that the post is very easy to understand.
Don't forget, all punctuations (. , ? ! : etc.) need to be followed by a space immediately after.
Capitals: It is very important to begin a new sentence with a capital letter. It signifies the beginning of a new sentence and is easier to mentally register, for the reader.
Remember, the following words need to begin with a capital letter
- The first word of every sentence (including names of new threads)
- Proper names, of cars, manufacturers or people (Team-BHP nick-names do not apply)
- "I" the article that refers to yourself
However typing completely in capitals, indicates either an urgency, or a raised voice, or just plain shouting (RUDE, RUDE, RUDE!!!!)
This is basic forum and chat etiquette.
Extra Blank Lines: On a forum, a whole bunch of words can often lead to confusion. I find that the change of topic, even slight, indicates the need for a new paragraph.
IMO the use of one or two blank lines, between points, makes it easier on the reader's eye.
While, this is not necessarily correct English, it does make your post more readable. Do consider it.
Brackets: A fantastic tool, to say something, without taking the limelight away from your actual point.
Read this:
Let's say you like the Red SX4, or even the white SX4, will you pay so much for it?
And now read this:
Let's say you like the Red SX4 (or even the white SX4), will you pay so much for it?
Easier to understand, isn't it? It's also great for an OT quickie. (heh heh)
Hey, I saw a bottle green Palio parked outside!! (I was with my girlfriend, having coffee at the time) BIU: You see the 3 signs there, on the top left hand corner. Bold, Italics and Underline. Use them to highlight important parts of your post.
Quote: When you want to quote someone, what need is there to quote the entire post?
If you are commenting on a particular part of the post, just leave that part in. Don't de-emphasize your point by quoting a complete post, most of which is probably irrelevant to your answer. By quoting just the required sentence, your point will have come across immediately.
Language skills: Always remember, it's not the words you know. It's how you use them.
You don't have to use big words to sound educated. You can make a wonderful post, using simple, everyday English words.
These are just a few points I thought of. I am sure many more will follow as this thread chugs along.
Cheers,
Sam