2 years, 3 months ago
May I make a suggestion? I love the little "Ad Revenue Sharing" box on Q's and A's earning more than M$1; but, shouldn't it say...
... that "By asking and answering this question, users HAVE made ____ SO FAR!!!"
Example: http://www.mahalo.com/answers/coupons-deals/who-are-the-top-50-groupon-like-copycats-online-today-xtra-bonus-tip-will-be-paid-to-anyone-for-unique-unannounced-names-of-businesses
Example: http://www.mahalo.com/answers/coupons-deals/who-are-the-top-50-groupon-like-copycats-online-today-xtra-bonus-tip-will-be-paid-to-anyone-for-unique-unannounced-names-of-businesses
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M$1 Answer
I believe that is a difference in the way English is spoken in different countries.
In American English "People made $X" is perfectly fine. In British English, it is acceptable, but might be thought too informal in some contexts.
Another example of that is that in it is ok to say "I already ate" in the US, whereas in the UK, it's "I've already eaten".
Anyway, Mahalo generally tries to be an informal place, so it's probably just fine as it is.
In American English "People made $X" is perfectly fine. In British English, it is acceptable, but might be thought too informal in some contexts.
Another example of that is that in it is ok to say "I already ate" in the US, whereas in the UK, it's "I've already eaten".
Anyway, Mahalo generally tries to be an informal place, so it's probably just fine as it is.
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
Re: "Have made... so far..." Might be a good idea, not sure about that.
Re: Active vs passive.... active is generally easier to understand that passive. But the difference in American and British English is not about that.or about informal vs formal "I already ate" is in British English just an incorrect form that would be used by children or the not well educated. It's as if you'd said "I already eated", people would get what you meant but it would sound wrong.
:-) Thanks, fun chatting with you.
Thanks, Philip!
But, actually, what I was suggesting wasn't formal vs. informal, or American vs. British. Rather, it was past tense vs. present-AND-future tense. (There is probably some linquistic term for that, but it isn't coming to me right now.) I think Mahalo would like to convey the POTENTIAL for the page to earn more than the dollar - or pennies - that it has so far.
BTW, I neglected to cut-and-paste what the actual box currently says: "By asking and answering this question, users made ____."
Also, I have since noticed that box on pages which have earned LESS than a dollar - which is all the more reason that the potential should be stressed. (In fact, if it can be done without getting too wordy, it should add that it could earn up to M$200 for "users". Probably should re-word "user" or add "...LIKE YOU" to it.)
P.S. Re: the American vs. British point, Philip. I (in the U.S., some 40 years ago) was taught to try to use "active voice" in sentences more than "passive voice". Teachers didn't really present it as "informal" is better than "formal" (or American is better than British). I can certainly see where it may seem more informal; however, I do believe that using active past tense is significantly more interesting (to read) than passive past participle tense. (I was just discussing this stuff - note my American informality ;-) - with one of my kids last week. I'd welcome your further observations!)
But, why, philip, WHY? Why is the past participle preferred? (don't feel compelled to answer)
I don't know why.
Why spell "tough" t-o-u-g-h instead of t-u-f-f? English is just like that! :)