How to avoid a question mark (?) in the topic headline
How to avoid a question mark (?) in the topic headline
Given that the identification of samples that we photograph is for most of us a hit and miss affair (it is very much harder than beginners like to think) and given that just using alga, diatom or amoeba is a little nondescript, I was wondering how to state in the topic description that a potentially more informative ID (though added in good faith) was open to correction; i.e. that one had some doubts as to its correctness.
This is especially pertinent when stating the genus but particularly so when going as far as asserting the species.
One could add a question mark at the end as I did with: Testate amoebae ? but I do not feel too happy with that solution.
I thought of adding possibly or its abbreviation poss. and then the Genus or that using instead perh. the abbreviation of perhaps might be better but I am not entirely convinced. So, looking for something better.
This is especially pertinent when stating the genus but particularly so when going as far as asserting the species.
One could add a question mark at the end as I did with: Testate amoebae ? but I do not feel too happy with that solution.
I thought of adding possibly or its abbreviation poss. and then the Genus or that using instead perh. the abbreviation of perhaps might be better but I am not entirely convinced. So, looking for something better.
Zeiss Standard WL (somewhat fashion challenged) & Wild M8
Olympus E-P2 (Micro Four Thirds Camera)
Olympus E-P2 (Micro Four Thirds Camera)
Re: How to avoid a question mark (?) in the topic headline
Aha - I see your point 75' - the ? seems a little 'bare and brutal' I suspect - how about 'IDTBC' for 'Identity To Be Confirmed'....75RR wrote:Given that the identification of samples that we photograph is for most of us a hit and miss affair (it is very much harder than beginners like to think) and given that just using alga, diatom or amoeba is a little nondescript, I was wondering how to state in the topic description that a potentially more informative ID (though added in good faith) was open to correction; i.e. that one had some doubts as to its correctness.
This is especially pertinent when stating the genus but particularly so when going as far as asserting the species.
One could add a question mark at the end as I did with: Testate amoebae ? but I do not feel too happy with that solution.
I thought of adding possibly or its abbreviation poss. and then the Genus or that using instead perh. the abbreviation of perhaps might be better but I am not entirely convinced. So, looking for something better.
A good question to ponder I think hmm.....
John B
Re: How to avoid a question mark (?) in the topic headline
I would tend towards "possibly". Simply because anyone not familiar with this thread etc. should be able to understand.
Just my 2 cents.
Just my 2 cents.
Re: How to avoid a question mark (?) in the topic headline
Yes, agree. Use of "plain english" would be preferred. Non native english speakers also tend to have problem understanding abbreviations. IDTBC would lead me to think of some special form of nasty TBC (Tuberculosis)
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Re: How to avoid a question mark (?) in the topic headline
hkv wrote:Yes, agree. Use of "plain english" would be preferred. Non native english speakers also tend to have problem understanding abbreviations. IDTBC would lead me to think of some special form of nasty TBC (Tuberculosis)
You know - I think you could be right!
Yuk...
John B
Re: How to avoid a question mark (?) in the topic headline
I vote for the ?
It's seems to be a universally understood symbol.
If it is a really pressing issue one can always go to the extreme... ???????????????????
BWTHDIK ?
It's seems to be a universally understood symbol.
If it is a really pressing issue one can always go to the extreme... ???????????????????
BWTHDIK ?
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Re: How to avoid a question mark (?) in the topic headline
I do not find the "?" objectionable, and it conveys the meaning quite well.
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LOMO Multiscope (Biolam)
Cameras: Canon T3i, Olympus E-P1 MFT, Amscope 3mp USB
Re: How to avoid a question mark (?) in the topic headline
Thanks for all your comments and suggestions
The point about non native speakers is well made, as is the general consensus to keep it simple.
I will go back to the question mark, but to avoid it giving the title the appearance of a question, I will put it in square brackets.
So Testate amoebae ? will become Testate amoebae [?], which I think is both neater and clearer.
The point about non native speakers is well made, as is the general consensus to keep it simple.
I will go back to the question mark, but to avoid it giving the title the appearance of a question, I will put it in square brackets.
So Testate amoebae ? will become Testate amoebae [?], which I think is both neater and clearer.
Zeiss Standard WL (somewhat fashion challenged) & Wild M8
Olympus E-P2 (Micro Four Thirds Camera)
Olympus E-P2 (Micro Four Thirds Camera)
Re: How to avoid a question mark (?) in the topic headline
75RR wrote:Thanks for all your comments and suggestions
The point about non native speakers is well made, as is the general consensus to keep it simple.
I will go back to the question mark, but to avoid it giving the title the appearance of a question, I will put it in square brackets.
So Testate amoebae ? will become Testate amoebae [?], which I think is both neater and clearer.
Hmmm - may look like a non-working link to a beginner....
John B
Re: How to avoid a question mark (?) in the topic headline
Why complicate matters why just put Testate amoebae species not known. Members your help is needed thank you.
Thank you
Best regards
exmarine
uses Watson 'Service' 1950 compound.
uses Watson Stereo 1960 ish.
Best regards
exmarine
uses Watson 'Service' 1950 compound.
uses Watson Stereo 1960 ish.
Re: How to avoid a question mark (?) in the topic headline
To me, two question marks are more like ??= a question. The identification section can also be used more.
Rodney
Rodney
Re: How to avoid a question mark (?) in the topic headline
Sorry members I still do not understand why the full 'English' meaning of the topic in question is not written out in full i.e. Genus Testate omoeba species not known members your help is needed please. Please I. D. its species for me Thank you.
Or another way might be ;
Testate omoeba found but species not known, members your help is needed do you know the species please?
Bed time I think good night!!!!
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
Or another way might be ;
Testate omoeba found but species not known, members your help is needed do you know the species please?
Bed time I think good night!!!!
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
Thank you
Best regards
exmarine
uses Watson 'Service' 1950 compound.
uses Watson Stereo 1960 ish.
Best regards
exmarine
uses Watson 'Service' 1950 compound.
uses Watson Stereo 1960 ish.
Re: How to avoid a question mark (?) in the topic headline
Wow!!! It's great to see how a simple matter of placing the simple question mark ?, in the right place has turned a simple question of the use of a question mark has turned into a good debating subject.
Now I am going to think of another good question regarding diatoms which hopefully will turn in to another good debating point.
I'll be back!!!!!
Now I am going to think of another good question regarding diatoms which hopefully will turn in to another good debating point.
I'll be back!!!!!
Thank you
Best regards
exmarine
uses Watson 'Service' 1950 compound.
uses Watson Stereo 1960 ish.
Best regards
exmarine
uses Watson 'Service' 1950 compound.
uses Watson Stereo 1960 ish.
Re: How to avoid a question mark (?) in the topic headline
Wow!!! It's great to see how a simple matter of placing the simple question mark ?, in the right place has turned a simple question of the use of a question mark has turned into a good debating subject.
Now I am going to think of another good question regarding diatoms which hopefully will turn in to another good debating point.
I'll be back!!!!!
Now I am going to think of another good question regarding diatoms which hopefully will turn in to another good debating point.
I'll be back!!!!!
Thank you
Best regards
exmarine
uses Watson 'Service' 1950 compound.
uses Watson Stereo 1960 ish.
Best regards
exmarine
uses Watson 'Service' 1950 compound.
uses Watson Stereo 1960 ish.