Editing topic titles, your opinions.

[Jack]

The issue has been raised of thread titles that include words misspelled and improper grammar. While it should be an easy process to proofread and make corrections before posting a new thread, it appears some members either don't bother or aren't aware of their mistakes.

It is not an assigned task of the moderators to correct grammar and spelling. However, if there are no objections from you, the members, I would have no problem with correcting obvious spelling errors and grammar without being asked. The alternative is that the errors will be left "as is" unless and until the thread starter sends us a PM requesting correction. This would only apply to thread titles. Misspellings and grammatical errors in posts would not be corrected except when specifically requested.

I'm not obligating any other mod with participating in this. This would be something I'm offering to tackle on my own. I'm usually around often enough, even when I'm at work, that I can usually catch errors within a couple of hours of their posting.

The English language is of particular interest to me, and grievous violations of the rules of English offend me as much as violations of the forum rules. In a textual environment like an online forum the words we use and the manner in which we use them can affect the perception of those reading them. Thread titles should clearly indicate the topic of the thread unambiguously.

So what's your opinion? Should I take it upon myself to correct English errors in thread titles or leave them alone unless and until the thread starter requests correction?

[SteveMcKay]

So what's your opinion? Should I take it upon myself to correct English errors in thread titles or leave them alone unless and until the thread starter requests correction?

Jack... as you know I support the practice of proactive editing on obvious spelling and blatant grammatical errors.... but how about adding a poll?

[Jack]

OK.

[Chris the Chees]

I've corrected a few obvious errors in titles before; I didn't realise that members took issue with it.

[Jack]

I'm not sure if they do or not. This is my attempt to find out. We need some more input... (hint, hint)

[Electric Hermit]

I, for one, would be grateful for such an effort.

You might also want to consider altering titles which are over-long and/or fail to clearly indicate the topic.

[Cruella]

Oh dear God, yes please!

[Electric Hermit]

Oh dear God, yes please!

You'll have to settle for Jack. Although I'm sure he is, in his own way, "divine".

[Jason]

Keep in mind that PMs are automatically sent to members whenever a title or post of theirs has been edited.

[Nono]

I'm sure you'll have a member or two accusing you of totalitarianism, but do persevere.

The English language is of particular interest to me, and grievous violations of the rules of English offend me as much as violations of the forum rules.

Yes, it's painful to behold. And there have been some gems lately.