Learn to say (or type) it right!

[Ray]

This may seem picky, but if we're going to keep our communication precise, we need to pay attention to detail and state things correctly.

I've noticed a lot of improper expression of orchid names lately (here and elsewhere) - species names capitalized, hybrid names not, etc., and those are "basics" we should all do correctly.

Another area that needs some "tuning" is the use of "variety" when "cultivated variety" or "cultivar" is actually appropriate.

I'm not picking on anyone in particular, so I hope the author understands this is just for an educational purposes for the correct use of terminology: In another thread, a plant was referred-to as "Zygonisia Cynosure var blue water sailing".

The proper way to document that name is Zygonisia Cynosure 'Blue Water Sailing'. Zygonisia capitalized because we are citing the name of a particular plant, not the hybrid genus in general, Cynosure capitalized, since it is a hybrid, not a species, and the Blue Water Sailing capitalized and surrounded by single quotes to indicate the particular cultivar.

Note that it is a cultivar, not a variety.

"Varieties" are very often true to type. That is, seedlings raised from that plant will generally carry on the notable characteristics - and "alba" variety, for example, when "selfed", will have mostly alba seedlings.

"Cultivars", on the other hand, are often not true to type, but are selected and singled-out by us due to some unique characteristic that might be considered a sport or mutation. Seed-propagated versions of those are unlikely to carry on the traits, and that's why they have to be asexually reproduced (cloned).

OK. Off the soapbox now.

[orchidsarefun]

I agree with you in principle, lets get it right. Starting with vendors as I copied this name direct from the name tag as I am sure most people do ! In fact I checked a sampling of tags from different vendors and only 1 was right according to what you have said. I will try in future to get it right but I am sure most people can't be bothered and that shouldn't stop them from posting.

[tuvoc]

I had an English teacher way back in grade school who was, as I thought at the time, way too picky about being precise with spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and all the other general rules of written communication. Over the years, I've become more sympathetic to her insistence on correctness, because so many times these days, I just don't know what some people are trying to say, because no basic rules are being followed, and not just here on OB. I guess I'm just getting too old and impatient to decode the nonsense I see almost everywhere.
In other words Ray, I totally agree, but I'm afraid this general lack of discipline has become a sign of the times.

Sorry for the mini rant. I'll calm down now. LOL

Kim

[tucker85]

I'm afraid I'm a serial offender. I'll try to correct my terminology but I'm sure I'll still make some errors.

[No-Pro-mwa]

Boy do I hear ya, don't get me started. I hate to say it but it is my generation that is spoiling there kids and on it goes. The next is worse.

As my husbands 97 year old grandmother use to say, "when people spoil there kids it means they are ruined" spoiled as in ruined. She was a wise one.

I fear I will never get just how to write things right. I read over your post Ray and I am still confused. Not your fault it's just my lazy mind I think.

Oh here's another of her good ones. This was referring to a grand child of her oldest son. " He was a very smart kid until he went to college and got stupid"

Sorry, I loved this women. She was very good with plants.

[orchidsarefun]

Originally Posted by tuvoc

I had an English teacher way back in grade school who was, as I thought at the time, way too picky about being precise with spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and all the other general rules of written communication. Over the years, I've become more sympathetic to her insistence on correctness, because so many times these days, I just don't know what some people are trying to say, because no basic rules are being followed, and not just here on OB. I guess I'm just getting too old and impatient to decode the nonsense I see almost everywhere.
In other words Ray, I totally agree, but I'm afraid this general lack of discipline has become a sign of the times.

Sorry for the mini rant. I'll calm down now. LOL

Kim

my favourites are loose instead of lose and anything which should have an apostrophe and doesn't. Then again it may be my English rules education vs the American way. Spelling is a total disaster when comparing - and I am not saying which is right.

[Paul]

The typical response I am used to hearing with regards to statements like yours, Ray, as well as statements about the desirability of using correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation are generally something along the line of -- "It's just a forum. There's no reason to be such a pick about how people write." And while I understand where they are coming from, I cannot agree. Proper grammar, spelling, punctuation, and correct use of nomenclature systems DOES MATTER.

1) Laxity/sloppiness tends to spill over into other areas wherein that skill is practised. It is true with speech as well as writing.

2) Such sloppiness does not reflect well on the writer or speaker. Whether you like it or not, people will be inclined to judge you on HOW you express yourself before they pay attention to the content of what you have to say.

3) Communication issues easily result from such laxity. Keep in mind we have members from all around the world. English is challenging enough as it is (particularly when you consider slang terms and the number of words with multiple meanings). Ignoring rules of spelling, grammar, and punctuation adds an unnecessary level of difficulty for people for whom English is not their primary language. It can even cause issues for those of us for whom English IS their primary language -- to which most any educator in an English speaking country can attest. Then there is the confusion that can result across the board when correct nomenclature rules are not followed.


Now, the majority of the above "lecture" pertains to those of us for whom English is the primary language. Those of our members for whom English is not their first language, obviously great allowances should be made. Personally, I have a great deal of admiration for anyone who is bilingual or multilingual. I do not expect those for whom English is a 2nd (or more) language to communicate in English error-free. I have, at times, politely corrected such folks with whom I was communicating, but only with the intent of helping them to improve their English skills.

People I have met who have handicaps such as dyslexia or dysgraphia I also give allowances. Such issues make writing challenging indeed.

Now, I will step away from the soapbox before the angry villagers with pitchforks show up.

[katrina]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

[AnonYMouse]

Please use punctuation marks.

[cbuchman]

I am the person who registers the orchids for our society’s exhibits. I am frequently surprised at the lack of proper capitalization and incorrect spelling from society members. I have learned to verify each and every name I get. I typically use Orchid Wiz and/or the RHS website to do so.

Frequently, the plant label had been accurately copied, but is itself incorrect, using quotes (“) in lieu of apostrophe (‘) around the cultivar name or leaving this punctuation out altogether. I have even seen incorrect genus abbreviations from vendors. (e.g., the abbreviation for Encyclia is E. not Enc. which is the abbreviation for Encheiridion)

When preparing an exhibit that will be AOS judges, the spelling, capitalization, punctuation and generally correct label of each plant is one of the judging criteria. My society had won several AOS awards for their exhibits and I like to think that my diligence in plant labeling has made a small contribution of our success.

Having said all that, I never had realized that there were rules around the name and the capitalization, punctuation etc. until someone educated me. Sometimes, what we all take for granted isn’t so obvious to the novice – education is good! So thanks Ray.