Why do some people get so upset over simple spelling mistakes?

Question

I grew up as a dyslexic in a family of quality spellers. So i was often taunted by them becasue of their superior skills.

As i grew up the problem went away (maybe i was just a slow developer) But the scar remains. Why do some people feel it necessary to taunt others for simple mistakes. People come on here to ask questions, not be put down for simple mistakes.

So why would someone deliberately look for errors and ignore the actual question?

I didn't really mean that people go looking for mistakes.

The type of answer is the one by 'John g'; He gave a compliment then stabbed me in the back. I think those types of answers are very cruel. It is ridiculous to answer questions by tearing people down.

I did my best to write the question in standard English but I'm not perfect.

Answer 1

You're Family were wrong to taunt you! Being able to spell correctly doesn't make anyone 'Superior'. I think your past makes you more susceptible to criticism but please don't let it bother you.

Ignore the people who don't answer your question except to point out the mistakes. They probably don't even know the answer. They are the inferior ones then.

If people do answer but then point out you have made a mistake don't automatically presume they are picking on you! Sometimes if it's not an obvious 'typo' then they may really mean to help. If in doubt about your spelling just use spell check before you submit it. It's actually a good way to learn how to spell!

Answer 2

I wish getting upset over spelling errors was a problem for me. I have real problems to deal with and I'm not in the least concerned about how someone spells as long as I can understand the question. I think maybe they can't understand it if it isn't spelled correctly. I say people should be grateful they don't have a spelling problem, instead of putting others down because they do. Its called education discrimination, and it is very petty. : )

Answer 3

I am in the granny-age, so was at school quite a long time ago - before dyslexia (and many other learning disorders) was recognised, it was a long, hard task learning how to spell correctly and in our ignorance we believed that people who had not learned to spell correctly just hadn't put the effort in, ( we know differently now). However, in this age of "spell check" etc. - I believe everyone should make the effort of using the tools available to present their questions properly, its just a right thing to do - its the written form of
communication, - all forms of which should be respectful. I do agree with you that alot of the respondents "pick holes" for the sake of it - I assume its because they do not know the answers!!!! x

Answer 4

I don't pick on people who make spelling mistakes, cos that is all they are, mistakes. It's just people who spell sentences like; 'dis is da best fing eva lyk!' it's okay if you're spelling like that in a text message on your mobile phone, it saves space which overall saves money. But on the internet or in an e-mail where there is a very high character limit it is plain stupid (and annoying)

Answer 5

It's just the way some people are. Actually, I am somewhat thankful of this trait in some. I used to to be a horrible speller (well, I'm still not the best) but through the constant correcting of some people I used to e-mail regularly, I am more aware of it.

Answer 6

Unless you are new to the English language there are no excuses for bad spelling.Bad spellers are probably intellectually lazy,speak atrociously and do themselves no favors by "accepting" their lack of ability to do better.
My opinion of someone will drop when I hear them speak or see their "spelling".TRY HARDER!!
By the way,they tried that dyslexia crap on me as an excuse for low grades...but the facts were I was bored and did not care to learn until it dawned on me that people thought I was retarded and then I got serious about learning.

Answer 7

Correct spelling are necessary to avoid every possible misunderstanding of our statement but
the actual problem is not spelling. It is in fact the behavior which is quite offending and abnormal. They should remember that when they have some qualities, at the same, they lack some. No one is complete.
If you point out to somebody with his abnormal behavior I have experienced that it almost stops him from doing this.

Answer 8

Have a star for that question. It really annoys me as well and I can spell. It is so pretentious and pathetic. Like these people that probably can't spell and use spell check are good at everything. I would like to see them do a 9000 word dissertation and pass it. Just ignore it hun.

Answer 9

I don't get upset about spelling mistakes. But I do usually make the minimal effort to use spell check and coherent writing. I appreciate when people extend the same courtesy.

Answer 10

The only spelling/grammar errors I find annoying are the excessive ones. Along with all of that "internet lingo" that kids think is so cool. Humans make mistakes...