Proffesionalisim on captalk

Started by Hoorah, October 14, 2009, 10:52:27 PM

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Hoorah

What determines "professionalism" here on CAPTalk?  I've been wondering as I have been ridiculed and humiliated a lot regarding my spelling.

notaNCO forever


C/MSgt Lunsford


Wright Brothers #13915

Cecil DP

If a person doesn't know you the way you speak and write is their only impression they get. Spell check helps, it also helps to make sure that your posts are pertinent to the discussion topic, add to the conversation, and are not self serving.
Michael P. McEleney
LtCol CAP
MSG  USA Retired
GRW#436 Feb 85

DC

Use spell check, proofread, and write sentences that actually make sense and are readable. Don't start threads that don't really have any purpose or discussion value...

I'm glad to see that you are thinking about this and are wanting to improve.

Hoorah

Any other suggestions for me and if I learn to spell check my posts will more people begin to respect me more? ???

EMT-83

Normally I wouldn't have mentioned it, but since you asked... your original post has 5 errors, counting punctuation. :)

People who have never met you, and probably never will, form their opinion of you based on what you write and how you write it. You may have noticed that some people here take it very seriously.

Eclipse

#7
Quote from: capcadetwilliams on October 14, 2009, 10:52:27 PM
What is determined professionalism on here such as correct spelling etc. I was wondering since I've been ridiculed and humiliated alot my my spelling. 

You're not helping your cause with the above sentence.

As a corrective suggestion:

What determines "professionalism" here on CAPTalk?  I've been wondering as I have been ridiculed and humiliated a lot regarding my spelling.

Now, having seen your posts, unless you have incredibly thin skin, or the bar on humiliation has been lowered pretty far, I'd say neither has happened (though I suppose "humiliated" like "hazed" is subjective to the beholder).

This isn't a social network, it's a discussion board.  If nothing's going on, it's OK to have radio silence.
It is hardly my call, but in my opinion, it should be primarily a place for discussions of issues which are subjective, difficult to find regulatory citations for, or have conflicting regulatory interpretations.

That and the occasional scuttle on the happening of our leaders, etc.

Throwing out random questions which are easily Googled, or which should be addressed by those in your local unit, pretty much misses the point.

"That Others May Zoom"

Hoorah

Quote from: Eclipse on October 14, 2009, 11:17:15 PM
Quote from: capcadetwilliams on October 14, 2009, 10:52:27 PM
What is determined professionalism on here such as correct spelling etc. I was wondering since I've been ridiculed and humiliated alot my my spelling. 

You're not helping your cause with the above sentence.

As a corrective suggestion:

What determines "professionalism" here on CAPTalk?  I've been wondering as I have been ridiculed and humiliated a lot regarding my spelling.

Now, having seen your posts, unless you have incredibly thin skin, or the bar on humiliation has been lowered pretty far, I'd say neither has happened (though I suppose "humiliated" like "hazed" is subjective to the beholder).

This isn't a social network, its a discussion board.  If nothing's going on, its OK to have radio silence.
Its hardly my call, but in my opinion, it should be primarily a place for discussions of issues which are subjective, difficult to find regulatory citations for, or have conflicting regulatory interpretations.

That and the occasional scuttle on the happening of our leaders, etc.

Throwing out random questions which are easily Googled, or which should be addressed by those in your local unit, pretty much misses the point.
I agree 100 percent with you.

dwb

Here are some tips for keeping the sharks off your tail:

1. Treat each post like it's a writing assignment for school: type out complete sentences, proofread, etc.

2. Try to separate the content of people's replies from the tone.  Even if someone is being a jerk, try to find the underlying message they're trying to convey.

3. Keep participating in the forums.  Don't be deterred by rude people.

Flying Pig

When I got into law enforcement, one of the first things you are taught is report writing.  All through the academy and on into you career, you are taught your written product reflects the type of officer you are.   Your reputation is based off of the quality of your written work.  Cases are plead out, tossed out, or sent to trial based on your written product.  The Attorney's form opinions of you without even knowing who you are based on your written work.
Grammar, spelling, punctuation are all key.  It was much harder when I started because we hand wrote our reports.  Now, with spell and grammar check, there is no excuse.

Sure, this is an internet blog.  Many of us type responses between breaks, or, in my case, with my kids jumping on my head and the wife telling me to get off the computer.  In your case, your young.  Learn attention to detail now when it isn't that importatnt and learn it in a safe, controlled environment like this site where we have your best interest at heart.  Otherwise, you will learn it when you find yourself being tossed out on your ear after a job interview that went bad because you cant write.

(How many mistakes are in this post ;D)

Major Carrales

Quote from: notaNCO forever on October 14, 2009, 10:55:49 PM
Proof read and spell check.

That is the most asinine thing I have read in a while.  Yes, good spelling et al is important to communications, but good grammar does not a good person make.

The true answer to what makes a person here at CAPTALK one that operates in a professional manner lies in a few core/corps issues 1) CORE VALUES, does your message correspond to to the idea of having integrity, a sense of volunteer service, excellence and respect.  2) CIVILITY- is the tone and spirit of the response one that promotes a setting for fraternity among CAP OFFICERS and amid cadets 3) KNOWLEDGE- is the reply one solid in its factual nature.  4) FESSED UP- can one take responsibility for their words in context or in the action thereof, this means avoiding flaming, being able to say "I was wrong" and "sorry, I didn't mean to DESTROY you, young cadet, because I know you desire to learn."

That is what it is all about.  A grammar/spelling NAZI is still a NAZI none-the- less.  I was reading the CADET "Arnold" materials (Leadership-Chapter 2) and it says that when we correct each other that we do it to teach, not humiliate.  When all you "OFFICERS (sarcastic)" slam a cadet for something in a manner that humiliates and demeans, as so many of you often do, you don't measure up the even being a properly trained C/A1C.

Now, teach proper grammar on here if you must, but please do in in PM or the like.  I grow tired of all the pontificating.
"We have been given the power to change CAP, let's keep the momentum going!"

Major Joe Ely "Sparky" Carrales, CAP
Commander
Coastal Bend Cadet Squadron
SWR-TX-454

Spike

For CAP Officers; be a lady or gentleman, act civilized, write sincere and you will get that in return.

For CAP Cadets; remember this board is populated by many more Officers and Adults than Cadets. Treat them with respect and you will receive the same.

For everyone, this is a professional forum.  We are here to help each other.  I equate this forum to the Army's "Platoon Leader" or Company Command" forums, or Air Universities Leaders forums.  Replying to a post and not giving an answer to a question or advice, but just to critique spelling is shameful.  You really did not advance the discussion, and possibly set it back.

Now....I have lost myself in thought, said things I should not have said, was Angy or irritated and expressed those feelings/ beliefs toward people here.  For that I apologize.  I find that if I reply to a post, I read it three times through before I hit "Post".  It helps me not make a fool of myself or get in trouble with the Mod's!

I will always try to add constructive replies (unless the thread is humorous by intent to begin with  :) )   

SDF_Specialist

Hi Kyle,

It's not that people are out to get you on here, or degrade you. There are just somethings that people find annoying or irritating. Grammar and punctuation are definitely near the top. Just like everyone else has said, spell check and proof reading are key to a great reply. No one is out to get you, or humiliate you. Just to help you. If you're having a problem that you would like us here to answer, don't be afraid to post. The only dumb question is the one not asked. But, don't be a stranger to the search function. You could be facing a problem that many others have faced. Remember that CAP has been around almost 70 years. Some problems never go away. If you can't find the answer, ask away!! Don't be discouraged Kyle!
SDF_Specialist

FW

Of course our profesionlsm woud be hlpt if the spill chker progmam wrkt on this system..... ;D

DG

Very informal writing has become the trend.

Young people especially are so accustomed to text messaging and IM that they use the same writing style (and sloppiness) in all their written communications.

I think we may need to get used to it.

Because no one is making this an issue, generally.

Kudos to those on this forum who are making it a topic of discussion.

PS:  Topic subject is misspelled

Майор Хаткевич

Quote from: DG on October 15, 2009, 02:01:54 PM
Very informal writing has become the trend.

Young people especially are so accustomed to text messaging and IM that they use the same writi...

I do text shorthand, but I don't use it for messages like this.
My issue really is that the outside touch screen on my LG EnV Touch is pure crap...

More often than not my text have typos due to the [darn] screen and me trying to send a quick message.

blackrain

Quote from: Flying Pig on October 15, 2009, 01:34:23 AM
When I got into law enforcement, one of the first things you are taught is report writing.  All through the academy and on into you career, you are taught your written product reflects the type of officer you are.   Your reputation is based off of the quality of your written work.  Cases are plead out, tossed out, or sent to trial based on your written product.  The Attorney's form opinions of you without even knowing who you are based on your written work.
Grammar, spelling, punctuation are all key.  It was much harder when I started because we hand wrote our reports.  Now, with spell and grammar check, there is no excuse.

Sure, this is an internet blog.  Many of us type responses between breaks, or, in my case, with my kids jumping on my head and the wife telling me to get off the computer.  In your case, your young.  Learn attention to detail now when it isn't that importatnt and learn it in a safe, controlled environment like this site where we have your best interest at heart.  Otherwise, you will learn it when you find yourself being tossed out on your ear after a job interview that went bad because you cant write.

(How many mistakes are in this post ;D)
Well said.

Sometimes I think civility get's tossed out because we don't have to actually talk face to face.

Also we miss a lot of non-verbal clues/signals that don't come through while typing.

By the way I'm a big fan of private messaging depending on the circumstances.
"If you find yourself in a fair fight, you didn't plan your mission properly" PVT Murphy

SarDragon

As the forum member who probably instigated this thread, I guess it's time to add my 2 cents.

After a newbie has had 15 or 20 posts under their belt, and most are poorly formed for one reason or another, I send them, via PM, a canned message asking for them to take a closer look at their writing skills. I will reproduce it below, as sent to the OP.

Quote from: SarDragon
Welcome to CT.

I think you would gain much more credibility and get more answers to your questions if you took a closer look at the grammar, punctuation, and/or spelling in your posts. Using the shift key on your keyboard more often is also a plus.

While this is an informal forum, many posters try to make their posts look good for those reasons. Readers will treat your posts more seriously if they see that you think they are important enough to use correct English.

Your posts are a look at you and your attitude. If you don't care how your posts look, a lot of folks aren't going to care enough to help you out. There are also all kinds of people reading what you write on CT who could help decide your future.

Your languages skills will be more and more important to you as you go through life, and it's never too soon to work on them. CT is a good place to practice them and get meaningful feedback.

just a friendly reminder

This was about 11 months ago. If any of you see anything demeaning or humiliating, please feel free to comment. This was vetted by two other parental unit friends before I started sending it out, and neither saw any problems with it.

Some time later, I sent this PM in response to a string of posts in some thread.

Quote from: SarDragon
Quote from: OPA post, actual content redacted.

Quote from: Someone elseSpelling correction to that post.

When you see a response like this, it is usually a spelling correction.

What you wrote is the possessive of accessory - belonging to the accessory. What you meant was the plural - more than one, the bolded word above.

You really need to work on your writing skills. You are doing yourself a disservice by continuing to make such poorly written posts. As I said some time ago, your need for these skills will only increase as you progress through school and CAP.


Again, demeaning or humiliating? Commentary invited.

My main message is to impress upon the recipients the importance of good writing skills, and the opportunity to practice them in what should be a friendly environment. I send out a lot more PMs to the cadets than I do to SMs, because the SMs seem more set in their ways, and are a much less receptive audience. Some flat tell me that they don't care, and to MYOB. So much for setting a good example for the junior folks.

YMMV.
Dave Bowles
Maj, CAP
AT1, USN Retired
50 Year Member
Mitchell Award (unnumbered)
C/WO, CAP, Ret

Short Field

Proffesional is as Proffesional does....
SAR/DR MP, ARCHOP, AOBD, GTM1, GBD, LSC, FASC, LO, PIO, MSO(T), & IC2
Wilson #2640