Use of text speak

[#1]

I'm pretty sure that legislation doesn't cover the type of text to be input or not and that sites must confirm to W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 1.0 Priority 1 which doesn't include a style of written English.
Full checklist here

[#2]

I've voted for the ban.
I've no disabilities etc, but I cannot read anything written with lots of text-speak in.  A lot of it is meaningless jumbles of letters .
Sensible well known acronyms (radar) and abbreviations (BBC) I can deal with, but using "pls snd me txt 2 confirm arr at mao from kwb" makes very little sense (can anybody guess the full version of this?).

[#3]

Quote from: Oldjim

m eight with a rising tone indicating a question

Microsoft Narrator in Windows 7 read it as abbreviation for mate.

[#4]

Can I just make the point please that this is a personal poll of Jim's – it is not on behalf of the moderators in general; we had no say in his posting of it. Please do not therefore think that banning text speak is an idea support by all of the moderators, and that we as a team are hoping to push this new rule on to the forum's users.
Although of course, if once the poll finishes we see that banning text speak is the favoured option, it is something that we as a team will consider.

[#5]

suRlE itz not so diFicult 2 undRstNd full txt spk?  I tink thisoldman mite hav a point!  Although, I do tink d 4m ruL bout "eng Posts" iz problE appropriate.
P.S.  I h8 txt spk.
B.

[#6]

I intensely dislike text speak and don't like to see it used on here; but no way do I think it is appropriate for it to be banned - all that will achieve is alienation of the people who use it.
The appropriate action is for gentle education, when text speak is used which you don't understand just politely ask for a translation. People will learn that if they want to be understood by all they need to post in a language understood by all and hopefully learn to get it right first time around.

[#7]

Tip: If anyone changes their mind as this discussion develops, you can change your vote by using REMOVE VOTE and then voting again.

[#8]

That is a valid point perhaps "discouraged" would be a better option.
I will try and change the poll to reflect this and as pointed out above the poll is set up to allow you to change your vote

[#9]

thank you jelv and Be3G for introducing common sense.
chris of plusnet has already said that irrespective of what the mods decide, text will not be banned.    Therefore any action by the mods to so do, will be contrary to the decision of plusnet and will lleave the mods responsible personally liable  for any action that may follow.

[#10]

I'd suggest that

Quote

Forum Language The official language to be used with all postings on these forums is English

gave sufficient authority for moderators to make suggestions to people who make incomprehensible posts and that no rule change was needed.
Maybe just add "Excessive use of acronyms or other forms of abbreviation which render posts difficult to read are discouraged"

[#11]

Chris of Plusnet said that based on the stated false premise that the majority opposed it's banning.

[#12]

I don't think Chris would have any say in the decision, except to cast a vote. Whatever is done will be decided by the moderators.

[#13]

Quote from: jelv

I'd suggest that Quote Forum Language The official language to be used with all postings on these forums is English gave sufficient authority for moderators to make suggestions to people who make incomprehensible posts and that no rule change was needed. Maybe just add "Excessive use of acronyms or other forms of abbreviation which render posts difficult to read are discouraged"

We do already have a ‘rubbish’ posting rule which covers really crazy writing, although it is admittedly rather vague – it's a rule that dates back to when the portal forums opened, and when writing it I knew roughly what I wanted it to cover but it was difficult to quantify precisely. I think we've had a couple of transgressions of that rule over the years, but that's all.

[#14]

Quote from: thisoldman

chris of plusnet has already said that irrespective of what the mods decide, text will not be banned.    Therefore any action by the mods to so do, will be contrary to the decision of plusnet and will lleave the mods responsible personally liable  for any action that may follow.

No he didn't

Quote

As per my reply on the other thread you've posted on about this issue, at no point has anyone said that text speak is going to be banned, this post was to gauge the community reaction. Obviously the reaction is not to ban it and therefore it isn't going to be banned.

That was based on a reaction gained by reading the responses rather than the poll results as they stand.
To be honest; what are the rules about joining this forum - surely all have to be PN customers?  If so, then it is strictly speaking a private club and you have to abide by their rules.  What next - is TOM going to be joining a ladies only gym?

[#15]

Indeed, it's Plusnet customers only – although we let users who migrate out to other ISPs hang around if they're not troublesome.