This seems to be a European issue perhaps? I've never once been confused by a comma in a number. In fact, it makes them easier to read, not harder.
Can you describe your experience with numbers? Are you a mathematician or in some other scientific field?
Also, it seems odd to make a request like this of a (seemingly) random author on the internet. It feels similar to making a demand to change writing style. (ie, oxford comma, em-dash, etc...) Do you think it's reasonable to ask someone else, for what seems to me, is a cultural or occupational perspective should be adhered to just because of an individuals momentary state of confusion?
You must be American then because that's the American format.
Different countries and languages have different format of numbers. That's one of the most common issue in internationalization.
If you send a bill for a 5,000 dollars service, expect your international customers to send you back five dollars. The comma is broadly interpreted as the decimal separator.
I think it's less to do with country and more to do with language. All English speaking countries use the comma as separator, and the decimal point as the decimal separator. So, if you're reading an article that is written in English, from context you know that decimal points will be used as decimal separator and comma will be used as digit grouping. No confusion.
However, confusion happens when non-native English speakers start using their native language's digit grouping and decimal symbols when writing in English. They should use the English scheme when writing in English.
We told you that Esperanto is a better choice, but since you insisted for English to be world’s language, please let us write how we like. I’m not going to isolate me from the world of non-native writers in favour of English sirs’ better understanding of digits. Sorry for my tone if I got wrong feeling that your comment is arrogant.
I did not mean to tell you what language to use. You can write and converse in whatever language you please.
> I’m not going to isolate me from the world of non-native writers in favour of English sirs’ better understanding of digits.
It's not about which system is better, but it's about following the grammar and conventions of the language you are using. For example, would you knowingly use the wrong verb form in an English sentence just because it resembles the usage in your native language?
> Sorry for my tone if I got wrong feeling that your comment is arrogant.
I don't think it is possible for my tone to be arrogant in this regard since I myself am a non-native English speaker I meant no disrespect :)
I'm saying that the alleged comma users are actually mixing both dots and commas.
Western keyboards descended from an American layout that's missing the comma. It's common for comma users to use a dot instead, because they don't have a choice. Also, a lot of software will refuse the input even if they go out of their way to write a comma.
China and India have numerous languages with their own numeric representation. It's not really relevant. Don't think for a minute that there are any standard for the entire population.
I was actually taught the SI English style in school in Australia (i.e 1 108 512.33) but the comma style (i.e 1,108,512.33) seems to be a lot more common here in everyday use. I guess the SI version is mainly used in scientific publications?
Can you describe your experience with numbers? Are you a mathematician or in some other scientific field?
Also, it seems odd to make a request like this of a (seemingly) random author on the internet. It feels similar to making a demand to change writing style. (ie, oxford comma, em-dash, etc...) Do you think it's reasonable to ask someone else, for what seems to me, is a cultural or occupational perspective should be adhered to just because of an individuals momentary state of confusion?