How to make your posts easier to read and understand for others. [ Edited ]

[ynot22]

Lately I have noticed some of you seem to have no concept or regard as to when you should begin or end a paragraph.

I won't mention any names here lest I offend some people.

I thought about posting some of the more egregious examples here, but again, my intent is not to offend. My intent is to educate.

Too many posts here contain HUGE blocks of text that seem to go on endlessly covering a myriad of unrelated issues. I'm sure some of the more literate here have noticed this.

These gargantuan paragraphs make reading posts difficult, especially for those of us who tend to "skim" posts.

Now, for you offenders, the rule is simple and brief. Please memorize it.

Start a new paragraph when there is a change of topic or subject.

There. It really is pretty darned simple, yes? Please try to follow this rule.

We'll deal with run-on sentences and the punctuation that prevents them at another time.

[AndyfromVA]

Where would we be without your sage advice.

[geatdanemomDT]

 Thanks for that "More literate than thou" Sunday morning post.

[ynot22]

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AndyfromVA wrote:

Where would we be without your sage advice.

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Somewhere in the land of long, unwieldy paragraphs?

[deemure]

Well, it's evident that the OP skims posts, all of them. It really is pretty condescending to post this thread. Some people here actually post from their NOOKcolors where one must use html for his "approved" formatting. Some don't know how, but it also is more cumbersome. But, then someone with some knowledge would know that. For the record, I think this person got banned using a different id and is now imparting wisdom all over the place.

[RSC_Nook]

Thanks for that great advice.  I will begin to use it immediately.  Well not immediately.  I need to go mow the grass this morning first.  That is if I can get my mower to work. Which is funny since it is almost brand new.  A lot like my television is almost brand new.  I love watching tv.  What is your favorite shows?  I like the singing shows.  I also like to sing in the shower.  Speaking of showers I think it may rain later today, thus I better go mow the grass. OOPS OOPS OOPS I should of had a lot more paragraphs... yikes...

[ynot22]

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RSC_Nook wrote:

Thanks for that great advice.  I will begin to use it immediately.  Well not immediately.  I need to go mow the grass this morning first.  That is if I can get my mower to work. Which is funny since it is almost brand new.  A lot like my television is almost brand new.  I love watching tv.  What is your favorite shows?  I like the singing shows.  I also like to sing in the shower.  Speaking of showers I think it may rain later today, thus I better go mow the grass. OOPS OOPS OOPS I should of had a lot more paragraphs... yikes...

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That's OK. At least you're beginning to understand the problem. And for that your are to be commended!

Now go back and re-read the rule... several times.

I'm sure, or at least I hope, it will sink in eventually.

Keep up the good work. You'll get it one day!

[ynot22]

I have noted that some lovely soul has been tagging my posts with UPOS.

I believe this is an acronym for: UNREADABLE PARAGRAPH OFFENDERS. STOP.

Your efforts to help me rid the board of long, horrible paragraphs is appreciated more than you will ever know and I appreciate the time you spent adding all those UPOS.

Please correct me if I'm mistaken about the meaning of UPOS but I'm almost certain it means, "UNREADABLE PARAGRAPH OFFENDERS. STOP."

If, by some remote chance, UPOS does not mean, 'UNREADABLE PARAGRAPH OFFENDERS. STOP," would someone please tell me the true meaning?

[ynot22]

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AndyfromVA wrote:

Where would we be without your sage advice.

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The above is a question.

If it's not too late, please go back and edit your offering by deleting your incorrect punctuation and adding the correct punctuation.

(HINT -./ +?)

[ynot22]

This is very, very gratifying.

In a very short period of time the person who was perhaps the worst "paragraph offender" has taken to the paragraph rule like drunken sailor to a bottle of cheap booze.

I would love to post some "before and after" examples of this persons writing but this would tend to identify this person.

But you know who you are.

Congratulations.