Mastodawn

As a Dutch and severely dyslexic writer, I have learned that there are two types of pointing out an error on the interwebs.

One, cares about the content, spots a mistake, politely and discreetly informs the author.

The other, points at the error in full snark, does a spiteful little dance of superiority, loudly announces it to the universe, uses that small error to dismiss the entire content and belittle the author while snorting their own farts.

The difference is intent, if it's genuinely to be helpful, then by all means, reach out if you spot an error in any of my writing. I can be blind to them, so that genuinely helps me. But if you're simply looking for a reason to feel superior, kindly, piss off.

#writing #dyslexia

Owen G. Richards - ANTIFAscist Jun 7

I've seen both types, and would like to think I am the first kind. 😇

Although I have also discovered there are also two types of recipients: 🤔

- those who appreciate your efforts to be tactful and helpful
👍

- and those who are NOT INTERESTED in whatever it is you are trying to help them with. 🤦‍♂️

Lydia Vvinters Jun 7

@Owen_G_Richards

Ah, very true. And of course, you are. Your intent would always be to help.

That reaction might be because on some platforms, you're absolutely flooded with the bad kind of pointing out errors... It is tiresome and can make you assume all offered corrections are given with selfish intentions.

Fedi culture is much nicer in that regard. Here, you'll get all caps corrections if you misidentify a bird or type of moss, but that's not a case of snark, more a case of passion with a sprinkling of general neurospicy.

Owen G. Richards - ANTIFAscist Jun 7

When I make a suggestion - it is with an apology first (because I use DM to communicate privately with the individual concerned, because "we" have no need for public exposure) then with a suggestion/observation based on what I perceive as the concern. Always addressed as "IMHO - use/lose my ideas".

Lydia Vvinters Jun 7

@Owen_G_Richards

I wish the apology wasn't necessary, but because of the negative track record of the interwebs as a whole, for now, it helps. This is certainly the way to do it. Doing it like this shows an appreciation for the content and a genuine urge to help. I always feel a little honoured when someone takes the time to point out a mistake in such a way. I put significant effort into my writing, especially since it doesn't come easy for me, so I appreciate such help.

Owen G. Richards - ANTIFAscist Jun 7

When anyone helps me, I always feel (at least a little) honoured by their gift of time, effort and patience.

As one who has benefitted from such generosity, I repay those favours whenever I can, in the most appropriate manner - starting with the absolute minimum requirement: respect for the individual(s) concerned.

Simon J Ashcroft Jun 7

I find seeing my errors far more difficult on a screen than a printed page, for some reason.

Also, I know a dyslexic who finds it helpful to read on pink paper - I'm unsure if colour filling an electronic page pink would help.

Do you have any such strategy?

Lydia Vvinters Jun 7

Black text on a white background never works for me. The contrast is too high, and the letters dance all over the place. Dark mode helps a lot. So, even when I'm writing, I do so with inverted colours. For me, a dark blue works best with white text.

Open Dyslexic font also helps a bit. Helps calm that wiggle the letters can have.

But ultimately, to catch mistakes, I need to hear the text, so rely on various TTS software.

For brief intense reading, such as during exams, I used to use tinted glasses. But that only works for 45 min. Any longer and your eyes adjust so you have to take them off, take a break and let them readjust.

Simon J Ashcroft Jun 7

I now have a mental image of you swapping to ever darker glasses... 🤓😎😄

Lydia Vvinters Jun 7

I have colour changing glasses. They turn into sunglasses when it's sunny, but I got the funky purple ones, of course. So, sometimes, I look around for some sunshine, look up, let the glasses change, and then use them to read one of those old-fashioned IRL analogue newspapers.

Simon J Ashcroft Jun 7

Whatever works for you – particularly since I doubt you get blue newspapers. Though the Financial Times is (used to be...?) pink...

Debby ‬⁂📎🐧

disability_flag

@HeliaXyana 1/2 Oh, ik herken dat – iemand die je fout met volle hoon aanwijst is niet alleen vervelend, het maakt me ook onzeker over mijn capaciteit om me goed uit te drukken.

Debby ‬⁂📎🐧

disability_flag

@HeliaXyana 2/2 Using a screen reader to listen to posts instead of reading them visually,
I will never perceive any spelling mistakes. 👂

Also, as a visually impaired, multilingual, dyslexic person, I can make spelling mistakes in more than one language, often mixing them up.

But seriously, I am happy that the development of reliable, local source FOSS voice typing and dictation software make it much easier for me to express my feelings and thoughts.

Lydia Vvinters Jun 7

Yes, I'm done feeling excluded because of those who love to gleefully point out errors. I appreciate diligence and a love for language, but I have no patience for those who wield it to exclude folks.

Also, being between languages is a lot of fun. Those who can't marvel at the beauty of imperfections zijn gewoon helemaal betoeterd.

@HeliaXyana Well, that was a very well-written post. I agree.

Lydia Vvinters Jun 7

Thanks! Look a moment to write it.

@HeliaXyana Hah, for me, I appreciate the edit feature for the post-post oops discovery.