When to edit vs. when to make a comment
I'm reaching point where I'll be eligible to make edits, but I'm a bit unsure of the protocol.
I've read that edits should be used to correct a "poster's" mistakes, but I've also read that corrections should be suggested in "comments" and the original "poster" should then make the corrections.
And yes, I understand that in either case, corrections should be constructive and courteous.
I've searched and can not find any good guidelines for this. Are there any guidelines for editing?
Thanks,
Frank
6 Answers
Ask yourself who you are editing for, generally the answer is not "for the person who made the mistake." It is for the people who are learning the language and who might be hindered by improper use of the language they are learning. Commenting can be courteous to the person who made the mistake, but not really necessary or to the point. The exception to this rule are the places where we come to practice, the "daily threads." In these threads you should only use the edit button to correct the original post (if you see an error in directions or some other mistake of this type) and to correct your own post. Otherwise, leave a comment.
- A user has posted a question and the words are misspelled or the structure makes no sense.
If they made mistakes in the language they profess fluency in, correct it immediately, no need to make a comment about it, simply correct it. If they have been extremely bad about it (ignoring punctuation or capitalization) you should comment if only to reinforce the fact that we have learners of either (and sometimes both) languages and correct spelling etc. is a benefit to those learning both English and Spanish, but if it was simply a typo just correct it and move on.
If they made a mistake in the language they are learning: You should correct spelling and punctuation by editing. Again, no need to comment about the editing. If they have committed an error in structure, you're going to have to use your best judgement. There are cases where correcting the structure of a question makes sense (sometimes getting a correct answer requires that the correct structure be used) Usually the answers to the questions will provide corrections to structure. So if they have a structural problem or an issue with information, let the answers do the work, don't bother editing.
- A user has posted an answer to a question and the words are misspelled, the information is wrong, or the structure makes no sense.
In general, in either language, if it is a typo, error in punctuation, or capitalization, then edit it, add a comment such as "fixed a typo," or "edited a few missed periods" or some other comment to let people know what type of error merited the edit button.
If the information is wrong then you may wish to add a comment expressing the fact that you believe the person is wrong. Generally this is not necessary since usually there is at least one right answer, and you can just vote up the correct answers. I prefer to vote up the correct ones and add a comment to the correct one saying I agree with their take if there are other answers that I believe are incorrect. If there is only one answer and it is wrong, then you really should comment, say that answer is wrong (politely) and then (if you know the correct answer) post what you believe to be the correct answer.
- Heidita has said something
There is probably a typo in there somewhere, just fix it and move on.
In short, don't edit anything that changes the content of what a person has said. Typos get edited. Informational errors should be commented about.
. Unless they have used profanity or something, then you should edit out the lewdness and hit the flag button.
Sometimes people change someone's wording in the Q&A section to make it more understandable, and that seems to be more helpful than invasive. However, I like to put my suggetions in the comments section and allow them to change their own. I've changed capital letters in English posts before mainly so those learning English don't get confused. In the age of texting "post-ers" often leave out punctuation and capitalization.
One thing I think is important to rememeber is that SD hosts many cultures. US cultural correctors are often to the point in their corrections, and forget that other cultures are sometimes offended without some kind of relational niceties to 'soften' the correction.
Cogumela has asked this before, have a look.
Do you think it's intrusive to edit others' posts?
Please edit my typos, I have always said that, I usually pass a spell check, my typing is hopeless.
I don't agree with no editing...I do so all the time, especially for correct spelling etc.
Excellent question, and bully for you for asking it. I'm with qfreed. I'm very reluctant to edit someone else's post, unless it's obvious that a little bit of html or whatever will fix the problem.
The only other times I do it, and I never hesitate, is if someone is purposely trying to make this place less fun, as in posting obvious nonsense, or trying to "pass notes in class", or posting objectionable language on purpose.
I will also edit objectionable language posted by accident, though I will always also post the reason. Sometimes people will ask for translations of things that shouldn't be posted on a "family friendly" forum. I was raised a Navy brat and hung around with sailors and marines as a teenager in a couple of different countries, so I can swear in a few languages, but there's a time and a place.
Anyway, I think this is a great question and should probably be added to a F A Q if we ever get around to making one.
Personally the only time that I edit someone else's post is when I think they need help posting a picture, making a link clickable, to help with formatting, et. al. I don't think that you should edit someone else's post and change the content.
I agree mostly with everything that has been said here, however, I propose that if a message is going to be edited, then it should be after the original writing and after the word EDIT:, like I've done in many of my posts. That way the original is preserved, so that people learning can spot the errors. All of the learners, not just the OP.
What do you think?
EDIT:
It is often that you see an edited post and in the comments you just see a thank you note for the edition, but there no clue as to what was the error, so you are left wondering. Besides, comments cannot be embellished etc.
I am still waiting for the powers that be to implement some kind of button to choose the color of the text, just as you can choose bold or italics
