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Journal Chacham's Journal: Too much "I". 22

Journal by Chacham

That last JE used the word "I" too much. And, the capitalization is getting to me. Someone pointed out to me, that for watever reason it started, English capitalized just one common word, the one that refers to self, and that reflects the importance of self in the US set of values.

So, i think i will try to not capitalize it now, and see what happens. Kind of switch an "i" for an "I". i find experience to be an excellent teacher.

Or, maybe, the sentence shouls be written in such a way to remove the *need* for self-reference. Maybe that is even a better approach. i wonder.

i remeber when i stropped shaking people's hands for that reason. i just couldn't figure it out. Eventually, it became more clear.

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Too much "I". More

Too much "I".

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  • I think... (Score:3, Insightful)

    by bethanie ( 675210 ) on Thursday June 26, 2003 @05:51PM (#6306691) Journal
    ...that refusing to capitalize the letter "I" when referring to oneself amounts to pretentious false humility. But you're welcome to play around with it. If you don't care how easy it is for people to read and/or understand what you're trying to say, it doesn't really matter. But in the end, it's a lot easier on others when you use conventional spelling, grammar, punctuation, and capitalization. Of course, that takes a modicum of effort and consideration of others; I know a lot of people can't be bothered with those things anymore.

    ....Bethanie....
    • to pretentious false humility

      Why? I understand what you are saying, but i disagree.

      If one starts with that, it ends up affecting the person.

      that takes a modicum of effort and consideration of others; I know a lot of people can't be bothered with those things anymore

      Yeah, too bad, so lets just insult them now. :)

    • ...that refusing to capitalize the letter "I" when referring to oneself amounts to pretentious false humility.

      i thinked not capitalizing the word "I" was edher poor gramma er self hatred. Wiz i, tiz burth! ;-)

      • i thinked not capitalizing the word "I" was edher poor gramma er self hatred. Wiz i, tiz burth! ;-)

        Maybe you should capitalize it when at the beginning of a sentence? :)

        • Maybe. ;-)

          I don't understand why you are writing in your journal about how or if you should use the word "I". I think it is more important to try to get your ideas across than to worry if you are not speaking in the "correct" way.

          Why not just experiment? Try different methods when you post to slashdot. Not talking about the methods, but using them. See what happens. Moderations and replies can give good feedback, and rereading your posts after you are done may give you insight too.

          • Why not just experiment? Try different methods when you post to slashdot.

            Good point! I agree completely. :)

            However, i have another "problem" that might be best to overcome. That is, being extremely private about everything. So, mentioning things in a JE, helps combat that. As a side effect, people can point out things that may have other gone unnoticed. And, even if i disagree, i always am appreciative and affected by others' viewpoints.

  • Comment removed based on user account deletion
    • that we capitalise proper nouns, too. Like Sam. Or Bethanie.

      That is fine, since it denotes that it is a proper noun as opposed to a common noun.

      In English, however, the only capitalized pronoun is "I".

      My guess is that our capitalisation rules are derived/descended from other languages,

      I thought it was to differenciate between "i" and "l".

      not some psychobabble about the sense of self-importance in the US.

      I figure that's why it caught on. Just a thought though.

      Besides, you'll remind people of ee
  • Why not become fully Y2K compliant and change all of your 'y's to 'k's. Thus:

    Dear Sir,
    We finished our Y2K check on Tuesdak. I found this to be verk enjokable and I am happk we finished in a timlek mannar.
  • I've been thinking about this JE for a while, trying to formulate a coherent response.

    I do, firstly, agree that this change on your part will make life harder for those around you.

    But the question then becomes, does the gain justify the cost?
    Is this a form of civil disobedience?
    Will you strive to share your insights with those who will bear your burden?
    will *they* consider the loss of readability worth the eventual insight?

    Now, from what you've written earlier, I conclude that you are observant to th
    • I've been thinking about this JE for a while, trying to formulate a coherent response.

      Thank you. I appreciate it.

      I do, firstly, agree that this change on your part will make life harder for those around you.

      Maybe it'll make them start thinking too!

      But the question then becomes, does the gain justify the cost?

      Good point. I don't know yet. I need to try it out some more.

      Is this a form of civil disobedience?

      In today's attitude of "be yourself", i don't think so.

      Will you strive to share your ins

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