How to Avoid Internet Misunderstandings

The following is a short script on how to increase your chances of being accepted into the online community.

Please note that none of this applies to any specific person on this forum, or even in the entire Internet.

N00bz. We have all seen them. Generally, there are people who don't really read much information and think before they type something. Now, I'm not trying to pick on anybody, I'd just like to prevent a few misunderstandings.

Now, what starts a misunderstanding? It's a lack of information, as stated above. To prevent these, simply look up your material. Those new to the Net may not be familiar with memes like "I TOOK AN ARROW TO THE KNEE!!!1!" so it's important to be patient with the newbies while they educate themselves in popular Internet culture.

Another factor that will encourage others to take people seriously is usage of proper grammar. I mean, I'm no grammar Nazi myself, but I like to use proper English when I'm on the Internet (even stooping so low to use GASP!!! Extended vocabulary!). Generally, people who use proper grammar are put into consideration more than people who type like the entire Internet is a text message. (I'm not trying to rag on you if you do. I realize it's shorter and easier.) It's okay to make spelling mistakes as well, that's what the EDIT button is for. But nobody would take you seriously if you argue that nobody cares about grammar on the Internet, and that it's the Internet and you can type however you want to. Technically, nobody is going to stop you from typing like a text message, however, I recommend, for a boost in dignity, that proper grammar use be utilized (unless you're just learning English, or haven't had a chance to practice the language well, that's understandable).

I'm not saying that you have to. I mean, you could make a perfectly valid argument in the form of a text message. I'm just trying to reduce the amount of misunderstandings.

Now. To identify one who would be the root of a misunderstanding, simply look for these traits:

-Talks like a text message
-Swears a lot
-Uses outdated/irrelevant information
-Trolls
-Argues that they're right and others are wrong
-Is unable to see the other side of the coin
-Rude
-Frequently misspells things without bothering to fix them (may be due to time constraints, be careful)

No single one of these traits by itself is a surefire way to identify someone like that (except trolls, but they should NEVER be taken seriously!). Don't immediately label someone as a n00b because they express one or two of these traits. In fact, the person should be observed for a significant amount of time before any judgement can be made, in order to prevent further misunderstanding.

It is human nature to judge, remember that. And be polite, too: if you think someone is a n00b, don't TELL them! If they get on your nerves, don't mind it. If they make a significant argument that makes sense, you should take that person seriously. And remember: opinions change. Be careful of your initial observations, but also be careful of the first impressions that you make.

This seems like a thread telling to not judge a book by it's cover and summery on the back, rather than showing who to take seriously or not. Don't get me wrong, there's good thoughts in here. It just seems like false advertising, and I don't think it would be possible to have a thread explaining this subject to people unless they're well versed in psychology.

also i can spell post or type any way i want. my grandmother was an english teacher and my mom is an english major. im smrt.

Hmm, now that I think about it, I hardly touched on the stated topic... I'd better change the title to be more content-accurate.

... I wouldn't say those people are "noobz" necessarily. a lot of people are actually more considerate and spend more time making logical, intellectually valid comments when they first get on the net. it's later on that we start to have these problems...

never the less, interesting to read, Minion #2. you should include a paragraph or two explaining "how to go about recognizing sarcasm", something many people on the net find difficult to master.

To EropsToad, What you mention are the very things I have always done while attempting to communicate on the Internet. I have found that I have been the source of misunderstands due to my using correct and clear language. Part of the problem also is that in writing, the inflection as expressed by the voice is not possible. People tend to write as they speak, which is most apparent. Many times what they write is not what they mean. That seems to be a major source of misunderstandings that lead to flaming and the impression of arguments. There are also a lot of passive people who may not have good communications skills. Many do not discern between someone posting an "opinion" over the posting of a fact. In my experiences, my posting of facts in a qualified statement have been taken as opinions. And when I've tried to create a realization of the difference, this has been taken as an argument. It is not a matter of my not accepting another point of view if the position is founded in reasoning. But this is the fault of many such postings that are not well grounded in reasoning and critical thinking. This, I believe is the major cause of such misunderstandings.

Surprise, I like the animation you display. It's excellent. I should know. I was an Animator.