When a new member of another plant forum, where I am also a member, posted for the first time, he included a list of plants that he had begun his hobby with. Of about fourteen varieties he listed, all but 4 were misspelled or incorrectly written, or both. I pointed out these errors and mentioned where he could find a listing that included correct spelling and format. A long-time member on that forum, chastised me, in a following post to the same thread, for being too critical of this new member, so I felt a need to provide a more detailed explanation of my reasonings to him and the new member. This is what I said in response to his suggestion that we should not be overly critical in order not to frighten off new members. I thought my explanation might be illuminating here too:
It seems to be in our human nature to more easily dismiss those who are less well spoken, while those who speak and write well are automatically granted more credibility. Perhaps this is the way it should be. I choose to help encourage correctly spelling and formating the names of our beloved plants that everyone's credibility may grow.
[b said:Quote[/b] ]<span style='color:indigo'>I highly agree. And by no means would I try to foster an oppressive atmosphere, nor is that my intent, but I wouldn't feel right if I ignored such incorrect terminology. Their names and properly writing them are the only truly "universal" language we have when communicating concerning our beloved plants, bamboo included, especially in international circles. If others had not been bold or assertive enough to correct me, I would still look silly when trying to discuss the plants I love with others who are also interested in them from around the world. I am an avid follower of many plant forums, as I have a deep interest in many different plant groups. I frequently find threads with intriguing subject titles, and then I find that the author has used an unfamiliar nickname or has somehow mangled the format or spelling such that I have to ask in order to find out what plant species or variety is being discussed. Sometimes I even get excited that there may be a new species that I had previously been unaware of, only to discover after inquiry that it was only a misspelling. If I were the author and went to the trouble of writing a post, I would, at the least, want my audience to know which plant was being discussed, without having to guess or ask. That could be embarrassing. And if the errors aren't brought-out and corrected they will grow. Others new to these plants will accept the errors, they don't know better, and they will repeat them -- I know, I was there, and sometimes I still am. Overlooking and even repeating obvious errors in correct name spelling and format is a disservice to all who love these plants.
Everyone here, as anywhere, are at various levels of experience and those of us with more experience shouldn't be enablers of those less experienced, we should be mentors, sharing our experience, with the basics, not just our exciting experiences with our plants, but the tough, practical things, as well.</span>
It seems to be in our human nature to more easily dismiss those who are less well spoken, while those who speak and write well are automatically granted more credibility. Perhaps this is the way it should be. I choose to help encourage correctly spelling and formating the names of our beloved plants that everyone's credibility may grow.