- last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT
If the goal is indeed clear communication, which I certainly subscribe to, then it is true that spelling, punctuation, grammar, and diction are all means to acheive this goal. The written and spoken language are no where near as complex as thought and emotion. Thus, in order to relay these abstracts to another person one must employ the aforementioned tools to the extent of his/her ability. So, as such, while I agree that the goal is very important, I believe that means are so critical in affecting the goal (clear communication) that more emphasis than is typically placed on them should be imposed. The better one utilizes the tools of communication the better one can communicate their ideas, thoughts, emotions, etc.
Evolution made higher communication possible. Language, both written and spoken, have evolved with humanity out of necessity. A dependable exchange of ideas has always been a goal whenever 2 or more -blam!- sapiens gather (whether it be online or face to face)/ Were grunts (the noise not the covie peons) and hand gestures sufficient, language would never had developed. Take that a little further; it's evident that many varied words, with clear grammatical and punctuation rules, and distinct spellings are all better than the typical sort of fodder we're supplied with in these forums. The better you write/speak - the better you communicate. Period.
Again, while I agree the destination is the apex, the road and map to it is equally important.