Why Some Questions Might Get Little Response ...

[Rael]

This will probably make me sound old--but I am.

Some of the questions posted in these forums don't use capital letters; and some also use unknown acronyms. I read them, but don't know what is being asked.

Those who do not understand the question, cannot answer it. If it is an old versus young thing, then we with the most experience and perhaps knowledge are unable to help.

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[3pdl]

we all have to look up an acronym from time to time but capitalization throws you? srsly?

 

[Crew4991]

we all have to look up an acronym from time to time but capitalization throws you? srsly?

IKR? ABITHAD. SMH, LOL.



Translation for those that need it: I know right? Another blithering idiot thinking he's a doctor. Shaking my head, laughing out loud.
FYI OP I'm joking, just trying to sound like the sarcastic smart ass I always am.

 

[Rael]

Lack of capitalization might slow me down, but it doesn't throw me.
I was trying to make the point that some of aren't going to look up acronyms just to read someone's posting.

This tells me it is an age thing.

 

[luca1290]

This tells me it is an age thing.

I'm 34. It throws me off and English is not even my native language.
Probably most of them are writing from a smartphone, so don't be surprised. Those things tend to "simplify the mind", to put it mildly.

 

[ORRadtech]

Lack of capitalization might slow me down, but it doesn't throw me.
I was trying to make the point that some of aren't going to look up acronyms just to read someone's posting.

This tells me it is an age thing.

Nah, I'm almost 70 and know most of them.
If the question or post intrigues me enough I'll look up an unknown acronym. I'm on the internet anyway, opening another window to Google something is easy.
If that's the reason to ignore something you think you might help with well, my thoughts on that wouldn't be helpful...

 

[MrMike]

 

[Snakebyte]

Kudos to those whose primary language is not English, who contribute to this forum, and even seek information on this forum.

Of course between us U.S. English speaking folks we sometimes are challenged to communicate....much less between the U.S. and other English speaking countries. For instance, when someone talks about a bonnet, only older women in the U.S. wear bonnets, and a Mustang bonnet just doesn't look right on my wife.

Anyway, I value being part of a great, internationally recognized site of people helping people with their common love, regardless of their knowledge and use of the English language. I do have to use Google to figure out the abbreviations, but it keeps my mind engaged.

 

[Rael]

Those who think I am complaining about something have missed my point completely.

 

[JimC]

Capitalization and punctuation, along with spelling, are a problem. Then we have the "sale" or "sell" conundrum, and "to", "two", "too" or "there", "their", "they're".

I see across forums people post a "wall of text" which uses no capital letters and no punctuation. Just a llllooooonnnnnnngggggg sentence. The only way to figure out what the person is asking is to parse the text and break it down to make sense. Most of the time my attitude is "who has time for this wall of text" and move on.

Periodically I teach at one of the law schools as an adjunct professor. The first class I tell students that they are free to text or email me with questions. BUT if they insist on using text-speak rather than writing for clarity I won't respond; you are in a professional school and going to be in a profession where words matter so you have to interact with me in that manner.

 

[Snakebyte]

Those who think I am complaining about something have missed my point completely.

I think we all know you are trying to help. We all have a different response methods. Some of us are jokers, some serious, some reflective, and others???? well I just don't know.

 

[Corporate_Rebel]

Agreed with the wall of text. I get lost in those, heck just use an extra paragraph to create a new thought. Not grammatically correct but it works.

Dive into the boosted threads and you'll learn the acronyms quickly enough, even if you have to google. On the plus side I learned what a BAP (boost-a-pump) is the other day.

Worst case post the wrong answer, someone will definitely come explain it to you.

 

[LOL WUT]

LOL WUT

 

[young at heart]

Never mind acronyms, etc. I’d be happy just to know what a “power adder” is?? Does the term only refer to a supercharger? And doesn’t a FBO add power?

 

[Skye]

Not being aware of the acronym is an opportunity for me to search for and understand the topic.

Reading isn't the same as doing. While I can't comment on those subjects, having a greater awareness of them gives me a better insight how a vehicle works, things which could affect its operation, best practices and fixes.

I get it though. I strive to spell out the acronym, to include as many people as possible.

Single, ginormous paragraphs are an impediment. I have difficulty processing one huge chunk of text that appears to be a single run-on sentence. These often go in the fail bucket, along with those wreaking of attitude, drama or posting something of a political reference.

Some threads might fail to attract attention because they seem so obvious. But what's obvious to many isn't to another. I'd like to think being attentive and responding will encourage most to return, so they can help others.

Poor spelling, grammar and formatting are challenges. I'm not sure how many people realize it hurts them, not necessarily here, but in the real world, with resumes, applications and the like. One responsibility my cubemates and I have is to review resumes of prospects. We toss roughly 30% due to poor formatting, bad grammar and lack of spell check. We're not expecting the Queen's English, but it continues to surprise me what some job seekers send us.

People posting from overseas are often some of the best threads, simply because they are way "over there", have a Mustang and are seeking help, often in the most difficult environments. Any concerns I might have of the topics above are set-aside.

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