A modest proposal from Uncle Fly.

[FlyRod]

I've been mulling this one over for some time and I admit I've been waffling re whether or not to post that which follows this paragraph. Still, though there may be those that react negatively, the time has come. I hope those who read it will realize that it if offered in a kindly spirit.

All too often someone's post, be it a request for information or a response to same, a "report", a jest, an offer to buy or sell, or a general observation, is so poorly written as to be virtually or, at best, painful, to read. Sadly, this is not exclusive to our younger members.
I realize that this is intended to be a "fun" place, and in that mission it generally succeeds, but it could be far more rewarding if posters would make an effort to apply the basic rules of grammar and expression. Spelling could use some work as well.
I've lost count of the times I've read, re-read, and re-reread posts in an attempt to ascertain just what it was that the poster meant. I'm certain that I'm not alone in that experience.
To those who post I offer this; Read your post before you hit "Submit". Then read it aloud to yourself...I'm serious. Then, edit it to take off most of the rough edges. Then, perhaps we won't have to waste time asking for clarification so that we CAN answer a question, laugh at a jest, purchase an item you're selling, or offer congratulations, sympathy, or condolences as the case may be.
Learn to use capital letters (they're free, you know.) as well as those cute little commas, periods, and yes, even the mysterious and misunderstood semicolon (always scary for me, I admit.)
I'm not speaking as one who considers himself to be better than someone else. I'm doing so in order that we might better communicate. I fully realize I'm not an expert grammatician, but I do try to respect our language. I ask all to do the same.
One last little item (I'm on a roll here!) Read other folks' posts thoroughly before tapping the keys. All too often someone responds in a manner that seems unrelated to the post that triggers said reply. Also, when someone offers and answer to your query, don't ask the same question again. (See: Recent thread regarding a certain exotic "goldfish", as in "Koi".

(Let's see...helmet, flak jacket, tank parked at the ready. Hit "Submit" and mount up.) OK, let the flaming begin.

FlyRod
Who means well.

PS: Ease up on the (over)use of "!", OK?