Taylor
Former Stratics CEO (2011-2014)
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Communication in UO has its limits. It is challenging to have a real-time conversation via text-based interaction, especially for folks who are not adept typists. I also acknowledge the constraints of a character limit per statement. Nevertheless, for the sake of modern communication--not to mention my sanity--I must object to the overload of written "short cuts."
First of all, short cuts don't save as much time as you think they do. Sure, there are some examples of shortened words--such as "u" instead of "you." But how is "OMGLOLBBQ!" more convenient than "Hehe" or even "*laughs*". The point is, some slang is even more cumbersome than actual English phrases.
Secondly, some folks don't understand what you are saying, thereby defeating the purpose of typing the message in the first place. Presumably, when you form words and project them to other humans, you intend to communicate. If the meaning of your communication is lost on said humans, then the time that you spent typing your message was wasted. By avoiding shortcuts, communicated statements will be successfully translated by the intended recipient(s).
Third, punctuation matters. I try not to hammer this point, as English punctuation rules are generally mind-boggling. In fact, 90% of the time, I won't correct punctuation. However, there are times when the meaning of a phrase is completely altered by punctuation: e.g., "Jesus drawing is hard!" is very different than, "Jesus. Drawing is hard!"
This is one reason I like role-players. Although I have never RPd, myself, and really have no interest in doing so, I find it infinitely refreshing to be around these folks. Is it because of their broken, Shakespearean English? No! (Or, "Nay!", as the RPers might say). Rather, it is because they spell correctly? No--they don't always (nor do I)! It is because--both in character and out of character, whether spelled or misspelled--they tend to habitually speak in complete, properly-punctuated sentences.
Chances are, if I see you speaking in broken English in game, I will say nothing. The fact is, as subscription-paying adults, you are welcome to speak and play however you choose. However, I will think something--namely, "Sheesh! Can't (s)he speak in complete sentences once in a while?"
By the way, if we do interact in game, please feel invited to take as much time as you need in formulating your statements. Although I am not especially patient with shortcut-speak, I have just enough patience to wait for real, unadulterated English.
/End jest...er, rant
First of all, short cuts don't save as much time as you think they do. Sure, there are some examples of shortened words--such as "u" instead of "you." But how is "OMGLOLBBQ!" more convenient than "Hehe" or even "*laughs*". The point is, some slang is even more cumbersome than actual English phrases.
Secondly, some folks don't understand what you are saying, thereby defeating the purpose of typing the message in the first place. Presumably, when you form words and project them to other humans, you intend to communicate. If the meaning of your communication is lost on said humans, then the time that you spent typing your message was wasted. By avoiding shortcuts, communicated statements will be successfully translated by the intended recipient(s).
Third, punctuation matters. I try not to hammer this point, as English punctuation rules are generally mind-boggling. In fact, 90% of the time, I won't correct punctuation. However, there are times when the meaning of a phrase is completely altered by punctuation: e.g., "Jesus drawing is hard!" is very different than, "Jesus. Drawing is hard!"
This is one reason I like role-players. Although I have never RPd, myself, and really have no interest in doing so, I find it infinitely refreshing to be around these folks. Is it because of their broken, Shakespearean English? No! (Or, "Nay!", as the RPers might say). Rather, it is because they spell correctly? No--they don't always (nor do I)! It is because--both in character and out of character, whether spelled or misspelled--they tend to habitually speak in complete, properly-punctuated sentences.
Chances are, if I see you speaking in broken English in game, I will say nothing. The fact is, as subscription-paying adults, you are welcome to speak and play however you choose. However, I will think something--namely, "Sheesh! Can't (s)he speak in complete sentences once in a while?"
By the way, if we do interact in game, please feel invited to take as much time as you need in formulating your statements. Although I am not especially patient with shortcut-speak, I have just enough patience to wait for real, unadulterated English.
/End jest...er, rant
'tisn't 
topic !
soup question