If you make spelling mistakes, does that make your answer less valuable?

Question

I've seen a lot of foolish people shout down a question on this 'YAHOO ANSWERS' web site just because there were a couple of spelling errors!!!

some have actually said... bad spellers were not even human and that they were stupid and ignorant.

That's like the pot calling the kettle black. ( I don't mean to infer that the pot is a bigot)

Anyways, I'm appalled at that kind of true ignorance.

Answer 1

I know what you mean. I am a stickler for good spelling- but even more for a convincing argument or a sincere query, especially from someone young seeking answers, or someone whose mind is bursting with good ideas. Should we all become the rigid grammarian, and discount the value of someone's ideas because they misspelled a word or two? I am sure the people we have witnessed being mean about spelling are very superficial, and don't want to give any true thought to answering someone's question. They feel more important when they can judge and think they have superior breeding or something. True class eludes them.

Answer 2

if someone actually takes the time to correct a person's spelling, or even bothers to make fun of a person's spelling or errors... then I always feel bad for them... I think "does this person have nothing better to do?"

it's Yahoo Answers people... not an exam... it's a little website that doesn't mean anything in the end... if you care that much about it... then you have a VERY, VERY, VERY PATHETIC LIFE AND NO SENSE OF PRIORITIES OR WHAT IS IMPORTANT...

that being said, I try and use spell check, most of the time... just for clarity purposes...

and to be frank... I often find those that pick at spelling and punctuation have nothing to add to the question and have no answers what so ever... that's the real driving force there... grammar is all they have to offer...

Answer 3

When someone answers with a correction to someones spelling, I don't bother further reading their answer. Some people don't have the patience to use the spell check button, and they aren't overly concerned about their spelling or grammar, just the subject they are posting about. I'm a freak about spelling, but I don't expect everyone else to be. There are plenty of other ways that people show their ignorance, spelling is the least of it. I couldn't do an algebra problem to save my life, but I resemble a walking dictionary at times. Everyone has different areas they are weak in. Mine is math, another person may be challenged by English, no big deal.

Answer 4

Jim-Bob Walton, is that really you?? Well, some people who rant on, talking nonsense, are the real targets for people shouting at spelling errors. If the bad spellers offer postings, which they think are intelligent, but are full of spelling errors, they leave themselves wide open for criticism. There's a box above where I'm typing now, that checks spelling, so why don't people just use it and not risk being called ignorant?

Answer 5

Well, really bad spelling can make an answer hard to read, and today with spell checkers (including a non-obtrusive one built in to Firefox 2.0 and one in the Google toolbar) it's not to hard to spell check something wither with a computer or even (gasp) by reading it over yourself.

That said, if you make the occasional error, I don't care. But you should be careful when asking a question, as there is no reason you shouldn't'.

I also have a sneaking suspicion that the people who attack others based on spelling have no good answer.

Answer 6

Some of those responses are extreme, but there is a valid point there. If someone doesn't take the time to check for and correct basic errors and gross misspellings in their question or their response, then they show a lack of desire to communicate their point clearly, and a lack of respect for the others involved in the dialogue. A kneejerk response is not as valuable as a thoughtful, well-considered response.

Which critique would you be more likely to listen to?
-well U R more stupider than he is u shudnt have doen that
-I think your reaction to the situation was understandable, but a little extreme.

See what I mean?

Answer 7

As a matter of fact, I would say that if your answer or question has errors in it, it is less valuable.... to YOU!
Think about it. If you decide not to take the time to proofread your posts, what does that say about you? If you care about your question or answer, you should do your best to make sure that it is readable and free of errors.
And not to rub it in, but Yahoo even gives you a built in spellchecker! People need to take responsibility for bad grammar and spelling.

It amazes me how many people misuse this wonderful language. Communication through language is one of the things that makes human beings unique. Embrace it!

Answer 8

When the question is also incoherent, along with obviously ill-thought out and attention trolling, yeah, it's less valuable. If I see it's a well constructed question except has spelling errors, I don't care.

Answer 9

I couldn't agree with you more. I call those folks Grammar Nazis and I think it is silly and mean they way some of them want to complain about spelling and grammar. If you can't say something nice, I think you shouldn't say anything at all. There are lots of questions here - it would be better is they just stay away from the ones they don't like.

Peace!

Answer 10

Depends.

If the person is not from an English-speaking country, it is excusable.

But for an American, Brit, Canadian or Australian? Nope! I don't mean minor errors but big ones are not acceptable. Still, I would not go as far as to get it shut down. That's rather mean.

But there is a type of answer I would vote to shut down. Teenspeak! You know, the kind that goes "hey wut can sum1 help me 2 do my hmwrk". It is way, way more annoying than bad English.