Native English speakers' blogs

I know most of the members here are English learners. Some of them may come here from all over the world just for improving their English skills. So, here come my questions:
1. Learners should only read the blogs by native English speakers? Learners want to learn standard English (AmE or BrE). They read and learn, but, if what they read is full of grammar, spelling or expression mistakes, what's the point of reading such blogs? Maybe you don't care who the blogs are by. Maybe you just want to communicate, not only to learn English, then it's fine. Maybe you'd say blogs by native speakers contain a few such mistakes, too. What's your viewpoint?
2. Do native speakers really want to come here and leave some comments for the learners? Imagine, if your mother tongue is Spanish and you see so many learners want to learn Spanish here, do you really want to take the time and respond to any questions? In doing so, what's the benefit you'd get? So, what could be the motivation for a native speaker to come here often? No wonder, learners often value the blogs by native speakers most! What do you think?!
All the possible comments are welcome and would be highly appreciated!

Thanks Tara! I hope more members will join us in our discussion, too.
Yes, it's not so easy a job for learners to recognize the subtle differences between words. But, sometimes we need to use another word to express the same thing--making our writing colorful. Bearing that in mind is the key to a good vivid writing. A handy dictionary of synonyms and antonyms might be the answer.
Another point: Learners should pay more attention to 'Collocation' (a word or phrase which is frequently used with another word/phrase). We say 'worry about', 'make mistake', 'good idea', 'keep/bear in mind', 'agree with/to' etc. Sometimes we make mistakes even when we use a very common word. For example, how do you think my sentence :'Maybe you're worried to read my mistakes!!! '? Do you think I used the word 'worry' correctly?

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Comments

Tara Benwell April 10, 2009 17:23

I'm so glad to see this discussion back up! I'll do my best to "spread the word" with new members. Welcome back!
Expector Smith April 10, 2009 15:33

Hi Everyone,
Oh, very very good to retrieve this blog, which was once the most popular one, where you can now continue to add comments to it. You can't imagine how surprised and pleased I'm now. To be honest, I've tried to get it back with great effort and I succeeded. 'Words fail me'--how good and how lucky!!! I really know so many members here love this blog, too. Do you remember we once had a wonderful discussion here?! Sorry to take so long to get it back. Oh, you can't imagine...

'words fail me' (idiom)--->I can't express how I feel
Expector Smith February 21, 2009 12:37

Hi Everybody,
Thanks very much for the comments. And so sorry for not responding in time. I've been trying to get access to this website, but always failed to. I don't know why--maybe something wrong with my computer or the Internet service agents. Every time I tried to sign in, some warnings, such as 'you need to enable JavaScript or cookies', appeared. Eventually and thankfully, I managed to get in here by a proxy. Anyway, I'm very glad to be here again and hope everything will be back on track again.
nezha February 18, 2009 21:07

Hello, I'm a new member here. I find this discussion interesting and I'd like to leave a comment.
I think that native speakers are the best source to learn English; there are always new informal words; collocations, proverbs, in bref words used in native speakers' daily life and which are related to their culture and society.
I still have a question and hope I get everyone's opinion about it. Can the learner of English master it like a native speaker?!
Thank you
Expector Smith February 15, 2009 22:52

Thanks, Tara! You changed your avatar (profile picture) again--'Change we can believe in'! Yes, I'm trying to do my best to help learners here improve their English. I hope they learn more. 'On Twitter', really? Good to hear that! I admit I'm not familiar with 'Twitter', which I've heard of but never used. It might be a type of 'Instant Messaging' (somewhat like here). Maybe I should check it on that website.
Incidentally, I just contributed a short story to your blog! Hope you like it!
Tara Benwell February 15, 2009 17:22

Nice corrections expectorsmith! Your readers will be very thankful for your help. EC featured your popular blog post on Twitter last week. Are you familiar with Twitter?
Expector Smith February 14, 2009 23:14

Hi Jack,
After reading your comment again, I really found something inappropriate and want to point it out just for you to improve (you said you want others do so for you):
1. "if I begain to write some essay,"----if I write something/some essays,
2. " many faults in my artical "-----many mistakes/errors in my article
3. "sign my mistake out."-----point my mistake out
4. Some typos (spelling mistakes): 'begain'--begin; 'artical'--article; 'they many'--they may.
Just for your reference! I hope to see your comment again!
Expector Smith February 14, 2009 11:00

Hi Jack,
Thanks for your comment! Yes, English is now becoming a global language. So it's important to us all, not just to you. I'd say you already have a good English. Don't be afraid to make some mistakes here and there. Making mistakes is just part of the learning. With more practice, your English is sure to improve. Hopefully, other members here will point out any mistakes you made and correct you. I didn't find any errors in your comment!
Chinese language is so cool now. But I have to say most of the members here are learners of English. Anyway, thanks for your offer!
jack February 14, 2009 7:40

1:I am a chinese university student , I am here because to me english is very important . if I begain to write some essay ,there are always many faults in my artical . so when other members read it ,they many get the same mistake from me .but I must write ,or I will never get better.so ,I always anticipate other readers can sign my mistake out.
2:If someone want learn chinese ,at the same time ,I am available to help ,I will do it.

IZUMIO-the magic
Expector Smith February 12, 2009 23:52

Thanks Tara! I hope more members will join us in our discussion, too.
Yes, it's not so easy a job for learners to recognize the subtle differences between words. But, sometimes we need to use another word to express the same thing--making our writing colorful. Bearing that in mind is the key to a good vivid writing. A handy dictionary of synonyms and antonyms might be the answer.
Another point: Learners should pay more attention to 'Collocation' (a word or phrase which is frequently used with another word/phrase). We say 'worry about', 'make mistake', 'good idea', 'keep/bear in mind', 'agree with/to' etc. Sometimes we make mistakes even when we use a very common word. For example, how do you think my sentence :'Maybe you're worried to read my mistakes!!! '? Do you think I used the word 'worry' correctly?

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