Punctuation on the Internet

[Flashdrive]

I'm sure most of us here have been to primary school at least and learnt how to read and write properly once upon a time. Why is it then that people feel the need to use excessive punctuation to get their point across on the internet. Why use multiple exclaimation marks to get your point across when just one will do? Or three full stops instead of a normal one? A full stop indicated a break, it doesn't need to be followed by another one, if you need a big break you can start a new line.

[purplefdu]

Do you realize your question is missing a question mark? lol.
I do think most people learned a minimal amount of grammar and proper usage. However when typing it is hard to get across your inflection without using other methods such as smilies or unusual punctuation. I tend to use "..." often to ad a dramatic pause (or so I like to think). I do think that many people also forget their grammar lessons once they step outside the classroom.

[snookumsnort]

Hehehe. Guilty on the exclamation points. But, I usually use it to get my emotions across. It's like a range starting with "!" to "!!!".

[aperio]

I don't know!!!!!! I am terribly guilty of the dramatic pause as well...

[barbiedoll1973_tn]

Originally Posted by aperio

I don't know!!!!!! I am terribly guilty of the dramatic pause as well...

Well Aperio......... I don't think that your the only one here that does this........
LOL......

[Junior]

We are living in an age where free speech has reach its highest level. Words are changing everyday and sentences are not so much taken into consideration. As long as the meaning is clearly said, it will be ok however it was written.

And it doesn't hurt to place !!! or ... or ??? which emphasizes more about what has been said or inquired.

[Toaster_Jesus]

"Hmm"....I don't think im quite following you, Could you elaborate!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?


I like.............................................. .................................................. .................................................. .....................................Pie

[fidget]

LOL! Y'all are funny.

Three full stops is actually correct punctuation. It's called an elipses. It is however grossly misused on the internet. I know I am guilty of it myself... (hehe)

Here is an explanation of how it should be used, just in case you're interested and want a little book knowledge:

Rule 1. Use no more than three marks whether the omission occurs in the middle of a sentence or between sentences.

Example:
Original sentence:
The regulation states, "All agencies must document overtime or risk losing federal funds."

Rewritten using ellipses:
The regulation states, "All agencies must document
overtime..."
Note: With the three-dot method, you may leave out punctuation such as commas that were in the original.
Example: Original sentence from Lincoln's Gettysburg Address:
"Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth, upon this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal."

Rewritten using ellipses:
"Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth...a new nation, conceived in liberty..."

Rule 2. When you omit one or more paragraphs within a long quotation, use ellipsis marks after the last punctuation mark that ends the preceding paragraph.

[NonSenseSuperman]

Very interesting indeed - I didn't realize that there were specific rules in place. From no on I shall count how many periods I type...

[aperio]

I want some extra credit for unknowingly using exactly three periods in my post above.