Should we allow SMS text in posts on CrazyEngineers?

[The_Big_K]

CEans,

Ever since CE started, we've been following the No-SMS-Text policy on our forums. Despite all efforts, we continue to get posts full of abbrivations (and I believe they are unreadable most of the times).

I've been told many times that the no sms text policy is ridiculous and we should give liberty to all CEans to use sms text, if they want.

What is your take on this? Do you think no-sms policy is good? If Yes, Why? if Not, Why?

I bet this will be an interesting debate

[ash]

No-sms text policy is good. Its simple really. Crazy Engineers is not a social networking site. Its a public forum that unites engineers around to the world to share ideas and assist each other in solving issues. This involves making sure the way we communicate is clear and understandable.

Using sms laden messages on this forum is just bad habit, not a really necessity. The reason why it was used in the first place is so people can fit their messages in the mobile within the limited spaces, as well as reply fast. It is also used in online chatting because its pretty much real time.. which require you to reply fast.

But on CE, you can take all the time you need. The computer is not going to explode if you don't post your message in time. Please consider the fact that not only students are viewing the forum, professional engineers around the world are viewing it too. If you want people to understand what you are trying to say, then make sure you use plain english. Remember that in engineering, it is very important to communicate clearly.

I know it may be hard to change habits, but as long as you have the intention to do it, it'll be alright. Obviously complaining about the policy shows you only care about your own convenience at the expense of others. Big K and the rest of the CE team has been trying very hard to maintain the good image CE has. Just look at the amazing interviews that have been conducted, as well as future ones that will appear soon.

I am a still a student, I still use all the slangs and sms codes in my mobile messaging and MSN with my friends. In CE, you are an engineer. In whatever they do, each engineer is a representative of the whole engineering community. So please make the effort! Even I type in the occasional "lol" here and there, but at least I try my best to type the whole message clearly. You dont need to be verbose or shakespearean in your language. Just clear and simple.

If I was in a more foul mood today, you'll see quite a number of bleeps here and there, in response to the lack of common sense in people. Please don't push it

Have a good day, CEans

[MaRo]

I prefer it like with no sms, keep it clean professional looking

[gohm]

Good write up Ash. I agree, no sms is needed. It's not like we are charged internet based on characters typed. Otherwise I'd be in debt, laugh. If you were to allow sms or slang or the like then you would have to also create a continually updated dictionary of these terms in a FAQ (frequently asked questions) section which would use up time and space that could be better allocated in my opinion to other things. Although I notice in my post I've technically used two- sms & FAQ.

[The_Big_K]

Ash & Gohm - when we say don't use sms, we're against such posts -

"hi...m ..frm antrtica.....jus ..wana say haiiiiiiii"

Of course, one can use lol, btw, and even some slang / sms text - as long as it doesn't hurt the eyes and brain. You got my point, I hope you did. We don't even expect our members to use high quality, correct English. Just a simple protocol that says type the words and don't use sms equivalents.

We aren't evil, you know!

[suyash]

Originally Posted by The_Big_K

Ash & Gohm - when we say don't use sms, we're against such posts -

"hi...m ..frm antrtica.....jus ..wana say haiiiiiiii"

Of course, one can use lol, btw, and even some slang / sms text - as long as it doesn't hurt the eyes and brain. You got my point, I hope you did. We don't even expect our members to use high quality, correct English. Just a simple protocol that says type the words and don't use sms equivalents.

We aren't evil, you know!

Dont be evil

Of course, even I'm of the opinion that some of the slang/sms text you have mentioned should be allowed as long as it doesn't become an eyesore. Though everyone loves to read clear english, it seems that most of the people don't want to write the same way !

however, a clear line must be drawn as to what is and what isn't allowed !

"bcoz in today's world, people are really in a hurrrrrry" hehe !

[ankur8819]

I feel writng in sms text should be avoided as much as possible..though i am not used to it but i try my best to follow No SmS tExT policy of the forum..sometimes it becomes too much of a bother..but thats how it goes!

[KINETIC_JOULES]

I say no sms because of this simple fact: Some people here on CE do not use English as a first language. Although they do speak it, (Yes I know, this is an English only forum) many people don't know how to read sms. And English is my first language, and I don't even understand some of the abbreviations. (this is also coming from a grammar freak). I try to use correct punctuation, spelling, and usage as much as possible, only because I'm just weird like that. I may misspell a word from time to time, but 90% of it is typos. (Yes, I know I'm getting off topic now.)
Anyway, To conclude my opinion, I think we still should continue with the no sms policy.

[The_Big_K]

Good to hear that most of us agree that we should not allow sms on CE. We don't expect our members to be English experts simply because English is not the first language for everyone. We only expect that the posts should be readable.

[sonasathish]

i do prefer SMS text bcoz its really hard to type all the words in their lengthy form!