I was deeply upset by the comment a member left on my crash course on HAVE. I was depressed for a few days. She was right to point out the mistakes but she did not seem to understand how these mistakes came from. I know how to use HAVE, I simply forgot to remove some parts from my other crash course (the one on BE). I often use the copy-and-paste technique and sometimes I forget to remove some parts (very silly!). Sometimes mistakes come from the typing itself. What affected me most is that it was the first time this person left a comment on my work and it was a negative comment. But maybe my crash course on HAVE was the only worksheet she was interested in. If she downloaded my other worksheets, she never left a comment, not even a �Thank you�. So I guess some members never leave positive comments, only negative ones. How nice!

It was probably a little childish from me to feel so down in the dumps but I would not have minded it at all if the comment had come from one of my regular �downloaders� (domnitza, Miriam, vanda51, meuge, jecika, spring, wakebeauty, icha, and many other members too, who regularly leave a nice comment!), because THEY know how I work and they usually appreciate what I do and the time it took me to make my worksheets.

Some people obviously do not know that words can hurt...

 

If there is an error on a worksheet it is perfectly reasonable to point out the error to a colleague. 

 

I have had errors pointed out to me before and it has resulted in me improving my worksheet for the benefit of everyone.

 

 

The comment you have copied and pasted debauer, is perfectly reasonable.  You did make a mistake, the person has very nicely pointed this out, while telling you what a wonderful piece of work you have contributed. I invite Liana to make such nice comments on my worksheets whenever she wants.  What a fantastic person Liana is, not only has she thanked you for your worksheet, she has cared enough to try to help you out.  She had no way of knowing that you had �accidently� made an error.  She may have assumed that you were not sure on the rule and was trying to help you. 

 

FrenchFrog - I am so sorry to hear that someones comments affected you so negatively.  You are a wonderful contributor who is extremely creative and helpful to all in this community.  From our interactions i have found you to have a great sense of humour.  I hope in future you can consider these comments in a positive way - someone reaching out to help a fellow teacher.   

 

 

We are always encouraging people to leave comments.  Do you only want �thank you� posted on your worksheet - or do you want genuine feedback?  If you just want �thank you� posted then we can ask Victor to do this as an automatic reply everytime someone downloads your worksheet.  I prefer honesty and critiquing myself.

 

I look forward to hearing other peoples views. 

 

 

 

 

 

Let�s go back to work!

Frenchfrog

I also wanted to add that in France, we tend to focus on mistakes a lot: this is the first thing we notice. So, you basically grow up in the fear of making mistakes, and as a consequence, you may start to have some bizarre reactions (like feeling very much ashamed of yourself)!!!

Thanks Domnitza for understanding me!

Frenchfrog

I agree with everybody that it�s good when others tell you about a mistake in your worksheets. However, they should do this in a nice way to avoid hurting this person�s feelings. You don�t correct somebody else�s mistake just to show off how much you know. Being kind and sensible to others� feelings show you respect and care for them. Many of us, non-native speakers, have made and will continue to make mistakes, and we would like others to tell us but please be nice when you do so.

Thanks!

 

 

But I totally agree with Frenchfrog when she said:

 

IT�S JUST HOW THINGS ARE SAID!

 

Thank you for your nice words!

 

Daniela

 

 

 

 

Personally (that�s me!!! I know another member will have a different reaction), when I read something like �You should know the word ADVICE is uncountable�, I cannot help thinking �As a teacher, you should know ... but it is obvious you don�t, shame on you...�. This is my first reaction.

I have just checked the definition of SHOULD in the Oxford Advanced Learner�s Dictionary, and the first definition is: �used to show that what is right, appropriate, etc., especially when criticizing sb�s actions.� (and I think that it is the negative meaning of �criticize� that is meant in the definition). The idea of giving advice comes in second position.

 

Here is the comment I got on my crash course: