Forum etiquette about editing posts and replies

I edit my posts when I see something is misspelled or unclear, though usually that happens fairly soon after posting. I don't worry about it pulling the post to the top.

I’ve done the same thing, Joy. It really bugs me to find typos in my posts later so I’ve corrected too. I don’t think it’s that big of a deal. It also helped explain why some posts are bumped to the top with no new posting.

Well, both, I think.

If I catch a typo (of which I have many!!) right away when the thread is new I’ll fix it or maybe context/clarity issues. If it’s not still fairly active then I’ll leave it.

Do what makes you happy.

Few things are as obvious as typos after you post something online. I don't worry about bumping up a post because I fixed a few typos. In fact, it has never occurred to me that would be a problem.

Thanks for sharing! Makes me feel less guilty about it. :-)

I think for most of us, the main concern about edits to posts is that some folks will go back and delete their thread-starting post when they've received the information they were seeking. That wipes out the entire thread, which could have been useful to others. A lot of us write responses intended not just for the original poster but also for people who find the thread later. I read very, very many old threads and often glean excellent information from them. I've learned to copy information I want to keep, because the thread could disappear suddenly.

People might go back and edit mistakes they have made but I would not make correction edits to other peoples postings. Also note that some of the people giving advice do not have English as their first language and are therefore more likely to use incorrect grammar.

Old postings should not be deleted as many people doing research for trips can find them useful. People who write responses are aware that possibly many other people are reading them in addition to the person who posted the query.

What is annoying are the people who come on the forum with a question and then don't bother to acknowledge that they have even been back to read the responses. This is likely to lead to people with knowledge about places giving up on the forum.

People might go back and edit mistakes they have made but I would not make correction edits to other peoples postings. Also note that some of the people giving advice do not have English as their first language and are therefore more likely to use incorrect grammar.

I'm one of those where English is not my native language (though I've lived half of my life in the US). I don't think you can edit other people's postings. What I meant is correcting (sometimes for additional clarity) a reply to a post initiated by someone else.

I often go back & correct my wording. Sometimes it’s autocorrect that put a word I didn’t intend, or I reread it and realize it could be worded better for clarity. And if it’s a post I originated and replies are leading a certain unintended direction, I will edit the post to help pivot the answers to be more helpful.

Joy, it’s nice that you are even thinking about it. : )

I often correct spelling. If a thought or phrase didn’t post the thought the way I intended, I will edit it. Sometimes I add an additional comment to my post instead of adding a new post to the thread.

Bumping up a post is not a bad thing. I’d guess that most people don’t read posts beyond page 1 so there may be renewed interest.

I would not make correction edits to other peoples postings.

James, it is not possible to make correction edits to others' postings; only your own.

Joy, I'm with all the others. I don't worry about bumping it up when I make typos orwant to clarify something. In fact, I am a little OCD about stuff like that, so it would drive me crazy if I couldn't edit it, lol! Also, keep in mind that after six months of no activity, it's not possible to edit it anymore. As long as it's still active, though, you can always edit (and post).

Sometimes a bump can be a good thing. There are lots of posts that get bumped up that I missed the first time, and I'll see it when it gets bumped up. I can get some good information out of it at that time, or maybe have some information to share.

I'm in the keep it reading properly camp.

I always revise immediately after posting, fixing punctuation, grammar and spelling. And making sure that what I wrote makes sense. Or I hope so.

I've edited after learning something new, too.

I don't mind it bumping up. It would be very cool if the forum flagged changed posts so when looking for the new posts it would show why the post was bumped. Webmaster has his hands full so I'm not holding my breath.

Bumping up a thread does not create a hardship.

Hi Joy,
I always make intentional errors with a mind towards having to do corrections. That way, my posts about me will be topped. See, if I get 975,000 likes then National Geographic will present me with a red, sparkly armband that says: IWASATRAVELERBEFOREYOUWASATRAVELERESPECIALLYRENEEANDBILL

I have never understood this and other travel forums, so full of narcissists talking about themselves, when they should be talking about ME!
I am done. The end.