hehe, ya know, I was just thinking...it's a bit funny. to reiterate what I've said earlier, to determine my english-speaking competence or my intelligence based on my style of online communication is not only asisnine but absurd. pffft, does it look like I'm applying for a job here? no. as it is in real life, there is what we call discourse communities in "virtual life" (e.g., online discussion rooms). I sometimes deliberately and accidently butcher the english language when I am among friends; however, in a professional or formal setting, that is not the case. the same applies with written communication. when I engage in online communication, as I'm doing now, I don't try to impress a readership that really doesn't care much about grammar as it does about understanding what I'm trying to say--typos, grammar mistakes, poor mechanics, capitalization, and all! now, having said that, I think it's a bit absurd to clobber people with yer grammar baton. when I enter the virtual world, I leave my grammar police badge at home. now, if we're speaking about academic writing, writing that will have a diverse educated readership, or business communication, then I put on my badge and assume the role of grammar nazi! enough said.

keep in mind that how one speaks isn't an indicator of one's intelligence.

I think it's certain people who make grammar geeks look bad...like *********s. but you know who are the biggest *******s? those people who think they know english grammar well but really don't! they are the ones who criticize other people's grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc. online and off in a condescending, smarter-than-thou sort of way. what's bad and quite pathetic is when their grammar is not so great, yet just because they took a course in writing they think they know it all. or sometimes they will pick on an undercover grammarian, and when he or she reveals the official shiny grammar badge of doom, they suddenly shut the **** up!

sorry, but to assume my business writing is the same as my online writing (or typing) not only makes you look bad but also stupid.

no offense to anyone who may feel this post is directed at them.

and thank you for the encouragement and kind words of some here.