The Agony of Poor Spelling

[Gandalf_theGrey]

Hullo Squatter of Amon Rudh,

In answer to your statement ...

that's the real nub of this gist: when you don't take care over your spelling and grammar, people think you're stupid;

... exactly so.

The silver lining being (to my perspective, anyways) that poor spelling and grammar can be a handy weed-out criterion when you're faced with limited time to spend at the Barrow Downs and only have time to read the most worthwhile posts.

When I must forego reading eloquent thoughts and viewpoints carefully expressed by witty wordsmiths and learned loremasters that recall the prowess of renowned minstrel Daeron of old, having given such wordsmiths top priority and having done all in my power to keep up with their posts but constrained by real life responsibilities such that reading all their gems is more challenging even than obtaining a silmaril, I feel a sense of loss and regret.

However, it doesn't take long to observe those whose consistent "style" features sloppy grammar, inattention to spelling, and mediocrity of thought. Ignoring posts made by people in this second category I do quickly and with nary a backward glance, feeling no qualms whatsoever.

Gandalf the Grey

[ October 20, 2002: Message edited by: Gandalf_theGrey ]