Hello all. Upon seeing some of the posts (and having seen the posts in the past), I thought I would post a small reference guide to new users to help with the overall syntax and semantic errors of various posts and threads.

First of all, you must remember something: Mythbusters is an American show. This means that the primary language that the Mythbusters' fansite/forum users are fluent in is English. For those who either have difficulty with English or do not have English as a first or second language, try your best to make a message as clear and concise as possible. If you only have an understanding of words no real knowledge of grammar or sentence structure, see if someone else on the forums can speak your native language or can understand what you are trying to say. This way, if there is some question as to what you are meaning, they can be a 'translator' of sorts or a reference for other users so that we can attach meaning to your message.

Second, bear in mind that the Mythbuster forums are not chatrooms. If it can be avoided (and I don't believe that there is a valid reason why it can't be), do not use chatspeak. For those who do not know, chatspeak is a series of abbreviations, slangs, and words composed of a mixture of letters and numbers. For example:

"Dude, that myth was gr8. Adam really made me lulz B4 he l0st an Ibrow "

While that isn't a severe case, some messages are so abbreviated and full of chatspeak lingo that they are very difficult for people to read. If someone has difficulty reading your message, they are less likely to respond to it or are more likely to insult you; thus sparking a flame war that the lovely yet terrifying Mythmod will have to deal with (no brownie points intended).

Also make sure that your capslock is disengaged (turned off). If someone types in all caps, then:

1. It is percieved as shouting on English speaking forums; and therefore, rude.

2. It can be difficult for some people to read, and may cause eye discomfort.

Lastly and most importantly: make a conscious effort to communicate as intelligently and clearly as you can in English. I understand that English is not everyone's first language; in addition to being among the most intricate and complex languages in the world. However, the reader is making a conscious effort to read and understand what you are trying to say. As the writer, you should put forth an effort to make it as legible and comprehensive as you can. Why write something that will trigger a migraine like...

"hEy mithbuter s. i Was wundring if you could BUSt te mth taht a 50 call cna blo sumones hed of?"

...when you could post:

"Could someone tell me what a .50 cal can do to a person if they are shot by it?"

At most, it just requires more time and effort, but will bring a better response than the former. Even if the weapon experts here are sick of hearing about the .50, they will at least appreciate you asking in an understandable way. Again, if you really have little or no understanding of how to speak/type English, ask someone to translate your myth/post; or even if they would post it for you.

Now to all of you who get frustrated with bad grammar...

If someone's english is so horrible, so abysmal, such a heinous crime against the language; try to remember that they may not speak english well, or may have limited knowledge of it. If you are faced with such a person...DON'T BE RUDE, DON'T BE UGLY, AND DON'T MOCK THEM. Not everyone has a clear grasp of english, and that isn't their fault. Don't take it out on them, and don't antagonize them for it. Be kind, courteous, and do your best to understand what they are saying.

We all have to share this forum, so let's try to get along with each other and develope an understanding and tolerance for those who have difficulty with grammar and spelling. This is a public access forum, so anyone can come here: english speaker or not.

On an ending note, not everyone will read this. However, that doesn't mean that it won't serve a purpose. If there is a slang, chatspeak word, or other word that you don't understand, post it here and I will try to find the meaning. If you are fluent in 'chatspeak,' it would really be helpful if you would post some of the words and meanings here.

Hope this helped and contributed to the betterment of the forum.

~ Vince

Please forgive the double post, but I thought I would show some common errors and couldn't edit my previous post.

- Affect vs. Effect

Affect is the action, while effect is the result.

"That medicine affected me in a strange way"

"That medicine had a strange effect"

- With a few exceptions...

'I' comes before 'E' except after the letter 'C'

"I hope he isn't telling a lie"

"You were lucky to receive this package on time."

- Double negatives

In english, two wrongs do make a right:

"I don't not" = "I do"

The only exception that I am aware of is:

"No, I/you/they don't." or "No, he/she/it doesn't"

-Hypothesis/Estimate/Theory

Hypthesis: an educated guess that is SCIENTIFICALLY TESTABLE and supported by some facts and data

"Our working hypothesis is based on the observations of how mice react to electronic stimuli"

Estimate: an educated guess; a best guess

"I estimate about three hours until the program starts."

Theory: a hypothesis that is supported by ALL available facts and data.

"The Theory of Relativity is supported by all the data I have collected."

- 'No' vs. 'Know'

No: a negative response

"No, I don't believe so"

Know: to have knowledge of

"I know a thing or two about this."

- Bullet vs. Cartridge (for the weapon forum)

Bullet: a chunk of metal; the projectile.

"I dug the bullet out of his leg"

Cartridge: the total package. A primer, propellent, bullet, and casing.

"Load the cartridge into the gun"

- Two/To/Too

Two: the number '2'

"I have two cats"

To: a preposition and part of an infinitive

"To go"

"I'm going to Disney Land"

Too: excees. Also a synonym for 'as well'

"We have too many people"

"I want to go too."

That concludes this exercise in grammar for now. I will post more at another time. Thank you for reading.

~ Vince

Wump,

I think the only thing I would add is to your first point, regarding English.

If English IS your second language, don't be afraid to say so. People will be much more understanding, and much less likely to gripe about your communication skills.

I'd have to agree with that, killick.

There are posts from members who are known to be in other countries with English as a second language. If they use the wrong word here or there in their posts, I don't bother correcting them, but just carry on with the discussion. (After all, what would my posts look like if I attempted their language?)

Some people may say "well then how will they learn?", but that's secondary. If the poster is making valid points and offering good information, why degrade the thread into a grammar lesson? They can pick up your corrections through context. If you use the correct word or phrasing in your reply, without beating them over the head with it, the discussion can continue AND they can improve their ESL skills.

But then you do encounter the posts that appear to be written by a nine year old on acid.

A few notes I would add:

If English is not your primary language, please tell us first thing in your post. People tend to cut you some slack when they know it is someone dealing with translations and not some lazy kid writing the message.

Next, summarize and get to the point. It can be very annoying trying to read though a 20 line long paragraph that is filled with useless information. State your question up front and then give us any necessary information. Also consider what you are saying. If it doesn't have anything to do with your purpose, don't include it.

Finally, be open to different ideas and points of view you can learn a lot from others here.

Happy posting.

There, there, their grasp of an incredibly mucked-up language compared to the one they're used to may be taxing, but bear in mind, English is barely comprehensible to those born knowing it, although a less than thorough knowledge of the idiosyncrasies through the language can throw a lot of people through a loop, which can be rough.

quote:

...those born knowing it

Got a reference for this? How can I be sure my daughter was born knowing English and not Gaelic?

One other thought that people posting myths need to keep in mind:

Being told "No, it won't work" is NOT THE SAME THING as being told "No, they shouldn't do it on the show".

Think before you post. Could the Mythbusters have tried this before? Possibly, so do some research. And (again) please, please, for the love of God, country, and small, furry-fingered peoples of Finland, please use the Find button before you post.

quote:

- With a few exceptions...
'I' comes before 'E' except after the letter 'C'
"I hope he isn't telling a lie"
"You were lucky to receive this package on time."

Isn't science weird?

quote:

Isn't science weird?

That's covered by the preceding line you didn't quote:

quote:

- With a few exceptions...
'I' comes before 'E' except after the letter 'C'

quote:

Being told "No, it won't work" is NOT THE SAME THING as being told "No, they shouldn't do it on the show".

I think this is a very important point. There are many myths that, while many of us know the outcome, would none the less be fun to watch. And every once in a while we see an unexpected result.

quote:

Originally posted by roofingguy:

quote:

Isn't science weird?

That's covered by the preceding line you didn't quote:

quote:

- With a few exceptions...
'I' comes before 'E' except after the letter 'C'

You're too quick roof. I immediately noticed I had left that off my post and went back and added it back in.

lol... ok, so I have no life

quote:

Originally posted by killick123:
Wump,

I think the only thing I would add is to your first point, regarding English.

If English IS your second language, don't be afraid to say so. People will be much more understanding, and much less likely to gripe about your communication skills.

Excellent point. I didn't even think to say that. Thanks for pointing that out.

quote:

Originally posted by roofingguy:

quote:

...those born knowing it

Got a reference for this? How can I be sure my daughter was born knowing English and not Gaelic?

.
I've seen babies in Germany who speak German.
Now that's a more difficult language to pick up than English, having had to do that.
My amazing adaptations of English syntax to the hard rules of German brought many a puzzled look to those up with whom I was attempting to speak to, over there.

Another thing that should be told to new members is to never post contact information on a public forum.

You need to register an e-mail address to create your account. That address is stored in the EVE software and is accessible to the moderators and show producers if they need it.

Never post your e-mail address in public. You probably get enough spam already. Never post your real name, phone numbers, or mailing address in public. You would be surprised to see what information you can learn from a simple search. Protect yourself by not letting everyone in the whole world see it.

Discovery Channel/Mythbusters can get a hold of you if they want to without you posting information for every little scary person in the world to see.

Also theres are kids on the board so try to stay G. Also if you see someone being R help out Mythmod and send her a Email.

quote:

Originally posted by Ming, Merciless the:

quote:

Originally posted by roofingguy:
[QUOTE]...those born knowing it

I've seen babies in Germany who speak German.
Now that's a more difficult language to pick up than English, having had to do that.
My amazing adaptations of English syntax to the hard rules of German brought many a puzzled look to those up with whom I was attempting to speak to, over there.

I have never understood how English made it as a world language. Whilst I agree that German sentence structure can be cumbersome, have you ever tried to explain to a non-native English speaker why bough, rough, though, through, thorough and the like have the same -ough letter combination and yet are all pronounced differently?

Come to that, how many English speakers understand the difference between "license" and "licence" or "practice" and "practise". Why can I not be gruntled, tressed or shevelled? Why has what I have assembled not been "membered"? Should I be turbed, gusted, or may I display total dain for this discussion?

How many English speakers agree on the pronunciation of "Controversy", "Scone", "either", "neither" - let's call the whole thing off.

The examples go on and on. At least in German the rules of spelling and pronunciation are not confused by countless exceptions.

quote:

Originally posted by thewumpus:
Mythbusters is an American show. This means that the primary language that the Mythbusters' fansite/forum users are fluent in is English.
~ Vince

Perhaps you should also specify that you mean American English. Don't forget that Britain and the USA are two countries divided by a common language.

You may well check under the hood and fill the trunk before setting off in your car with the bent fender to arrive at a parking lot where you stand in line still wearing your pants and sneakers.

I would check under the bonnet and fill the boot before setting off in my car with the dented wing to arrive in a car park where I would queue still wearing my trousers and trainers.

If a man wore suspenders in Britain we would call him a transvestite. And please don't talk about a girl's fanny - to us, that is something we are likely to encounter most often in rather intimate circumstances.

All I am saying is: please be aware that differences do exist, and can be the cause of major embarrassment. (guilty!)