Writing

[David Walters]

Noisy here

My only objection to Dan's comments, retracted or not, is that it gives me, and possibly others, that being a 'true' sailor involves improving myself to the level of intellectual elitist and master engineer.Bunk! I don't need to be a good writer or an electrical engineer to make my boat go, and maybe even make it go better that others. Awww, the heck with it. Maybe I'll just go sailing and figure out how to go another knot faster and not worry about that extra amp hour my electronics are now eating. If I have time, I'll write a letter to my mother and see if she cares that my comma's and spelling are a wreck.After all, sailing is life, the rest is just details. Details, by the way, that I really could care less what others think about.

 

[Steve C]

And the boy came out of the womb a man

and there was nothing left to do ... Dan, you still don't get it. THIS IS the place to learn what the difference is between knots and knots per hour is. If I go off and learn everything I need to know before I post a question, then I don't need to post here, do I?If someone mis-speaks/mis-writes, they will be corrected and everyone is the wiser, it's not a big deal. There are folks here that are new to sailing, some will tell you that in their posts, read throught some of the posts and see for yourself. You would make a great teacher, Not! or Knot, or Knot's per hour, what is it Dan?If you see someone posting "knots per hour", and it bothers you that your fellow sailors are not more astute, you would be doing more to help your cause by kindly educating them rather than chastising them for "not doing their homework before they posted"

 

[Russell]

Worth the price of admission

Lets all remember this was started by an individual wanting us to be more accurate and be more proficient in our use of the English language. My first thought was to "lighten up" this isn't work, or a class room. This site is one of the best examples of what many dreamed the internet could be; a free flow of information without significant interference from an outside authority. Seems to me the grammar and knowledge police want to limit that freedom in the name of progress.Poor grammar, spelling mistakes or SHOUTING are not a big deal, and incorrect information is often challenged within minutes or hours.I like this site just like it is. Russell

 

[Tom]

I say correct people when they post technically

incorrect verbiage. Explain that "knots" is already "Nautical Miles Per Hour" . Some people might still not get it, but you might "turn on the light" for some people. Do it nicely and politely and try to go out of your way to just be helpful to make sure that other people down the road wont get confused. People will then learn from it and better understand things.(or are we all Engineers)

 

[Bryan]

hey, John N. no problem

nm

 

[R.W. Landau]

I agree with Tom!

Part of the actual sailing process is teaching the people that you know the things that you know. If you don't know the people, get to know them and help them put theory to actual application. This goes for posts also. We get alot of newbies to the site ( I know I was quite obnoxious when I first came to this site 4 or 5 years ago and probably still rub some people the wrong way. I think our HEAD MISTRESS has the most problem with newbies with questionable ideas.) and alot of knowledgeable people to this site. It is true that a WISE man, takes correction and wisdom from wise council.If you follow posts here, you will soon know that some people post misinformation regularly. They can post all they want but I would not take their advice because of the track record. What is nice is watching these people become more knowledgable. It shows in thier posts.Part of advancement of anything is the lifting up, educating, and reaching a higher standard. I am not a genious, nor do I claim to be greatly educated. But if the quality poster that posts here improves not only my sailing, mechanics, and my grammer, it improves not only the site but also my communication.It would be wrong to let bad posts stand without correction. Many people take the advice from this site as fact. If they take the advice, it should be fact! If not it could hurt their boat or them.We don't need to do the old "cut the end off the roast" like grandma did to find out that her roaster was smaller than ours. This is a great site and I think that posts should be as accurate as possible. Yes, there are alot of fun posts that accuracy just doesn't matter but when in comes to bad advice or advice that could be misunderstood, let's keep it a QUALITY site!great sailing,r.w.landau

 

[Brian]

context

If, sitting in my cockpit, it takes me ten minutes to tie a knot then I can claim six "knots per hour", on my C22, as about right.On my same C22 I have no battery charger. If I consistantly depart on Saturday mornings with a full charge (14.7 volts) and return, Sunday evenings, with only 7 volts would I not use 7.7 "volts per weekend"?The amazing thing is, I can do this all of this within one parsec of my home.)

 

[Mark Burrows]

This seems appropriate

Found this article about a worst writing contest. Seems rather appropriate to this discussion.Markdb

 

[Phil Herring]

Dark and Stormy Night books

Don't know if this is still the case, but you used to be able to buy a book compiled of winning entries from that competition.

 

[Mark Burrows]

Looks like you can get copies

Here is the link. Just put a www in front of a word and you can find just about anything.