The Rules, Posting Guidelines and Posting Protocols
I notice that all the rules, posting guidelines and new posting protocols are only given in English. Shouldn't they be translated into Spanish, too? Otherwise, how will a new English learner know what to do? Thank you.
8 Answers
To tell the truth, I don't like the fact that we have to tell a new English learner they are "breaking a rule" if the don't capitalize "Spanish" or "English" or the letter "I" because these are common mistakes of new English learners and we learn by our mistakes. We just used to say, "Welcome to the forum! I hope you don't mind if I make some corrections in your spelling and grammar. We have people learning English and Spanish here 
" Some people may feel guilty if they are told they have broken a rule and we don't want to have that, do we?
I would like to state my interpertation of "the rules, " if I may. As a moderator this is how I will apply them. I first check the profile of the poster. If the profile says, "fluent in," I think then it is to be expected that basic grammar, spelling and punctuation should be used in the language which the poster professes to be fluent. I have seen so many instances in which somebody who is "fluent, " refuses to capitalize the beginning of a sentence, use a question mark, or state "I" instead of "i'. Some have great questions, well written and comprehensive, but without a period at the end of a sentence, and no capitals or question marks. This is pure laziness. What about the person trying to learn the poster's language? Is this a good example to set?
Listen, we all make mistakes, it is not mistakes we are after(my interpretation), but rather, the all too common tendency to be lazy or take shortcuts. Learning requires a degree of discipline. Asking people to make an effort in this regard , in my opinion is not excessive.
Finally, in the cases in which the profiles are not filled in, most of us can detect by virtue of the context, or mode of expression, when somebody is not using their native language. In those cases, the "rules are applied much more gently. Sometimes by simply capitalizing a sentence, or adding a question mark(all in bold), so that the person will take note. We often wouldn't even comment on the error.
We are not, nor do we intend to be heavy handed with theses rules. There must, however, be rules, so that learning can be achieved in a predictable and consistent manner.
I apologize to the other moderators if including them by using "We," is unjustified.
Thank you for taking the time to read this post.
I notice the rule which says ," only post topics which help in learning "
although I agree with the sentiment , I feel that all topics are capable of
being used as a learning tool . Surely it is how the topic is used rather than
the content of it which is of paramount importance . But I am sure that we are
capable and willing to follow these simple rules , we are all
adult intelligent members most of whom have been to college
and therefore understand how to regulate how we learn and behave
in an environment of self regulation . But guidelines are important
and helpful , what is not helpful is being made to feel guilty if one
deviates from the rules , albeit innocently or unknowingly , but I am
confident that would not happen on SD , it being the best learning site
so far on the internet and will be for a long time to come with gentle intelligent
guiding hands at the helm to make sure that we are happy little veggymites.
Thank you Don José for clarifying some aspects of the rules. I know I am wondering now if I should answer a question that "breaks the rules". Apparently not because it says this:
"At times, members have replied in an answer to these questions that overlook the rules. We understand your enthusiasm and desire to help others and are grateful for your wealth of knowledge and willingness to share. We are asking for your patience, that when you see a comment from a moderator or a member in which a rule has been broken that you refrain from answering"
I just want to make sure that I am correct about this, Don José. If a question has errors in
? capitalization
? improper spelling
? punctuation errors
? incomplete question
? not detailed enough
? not being friendly, etc
Then, you don't want a member to answer it. Is this correct??
To whom it may concern,
I've never ever read the rules. I don't think many people do.
I try to answer , if I think I have a relevant answer, or sometimes even just a joke..
As I've progressed I've realized that some of my ealier answers were, actually, rather dumb. No doubt, in a years time, the answers I give today, may seem dumb ( kindly note the subjunctive implications here) .
I try to concentrate on the language rather than worry about whether I agree with the question or not.
I now feel very hesitant, should I ever try to answer questions again?
Mi forma de hablar es el chiste..lo siento.
Ray76 wrote:
But guidelines are important and helpful , what is not helpful is being made to feel guilty if one deviates from the rules, albeit innocently or unknowingly , but I am confident that would not happen on SD , it being the best learning site so far on the internet and will be for a long time to come with gentle intelligent guiding hands at the helm to make sure that we are happy little veggymites.
I agree with Ray, except that I am not confident in the proper application of the rules. I was chastised by a moderator for answering a question BEFORE the moderator had posted anything to the thread. Also I continue to see threads with errors that are being answered by members and I assumed all of them were receiving the PMs as well. Now Don-Jose says it is by discretion. This makes Sanlee's concern even greater because it requires a member to "read the minds" of the moderators to determine if it is "safe" to answer a question or if it is better just to not answer any question that has any errors in it.
As further evidence of the unequal use of this policy here is a link to a thread that was answered by a moderator that lacked punctuation. So if the moderators aren't going to follow the rules why are members being chastised for violations.
So if you are going to apply new rules and regs and enforce them then the enforcement should be consistent and uniform, not willy-nilly based on the perceptions of the various moderators.
@ Ray: Please, what is a veggymite?
I like Marmite a lot, is that enough?
I am apologising to you gringo and to all my friends who thought that I was
being flippant about these new rules and the way that they have been written.
I am no longer moved to anger by these inconsequential interruptions to the
comfort zone we wish to be in , what moves me is the plight of starving children,
battered wives, young women mutilated and killed for falling in love , these are
the things that we should be jumping up and down about not a set of rules which
although intended to help us learn , are in my opinion being misinterpreted and
distorted , the phrase " the breaking of these rules will be punished " should be expunged
immediately it is an archaic bible term which has no place in a modern learning
establishment, making mistakes is a method of learning , not a reason for punishment ,
so let us all get down to the business of learning, helping each other and enjoying SD .
