[Andy A.]

The most important tool you will ever use is language.

Like screws, you need the right type of the tool for the job. Maybe sloppy spelling will do the job in Instant Messaging with friends, but it won't here. The people you are talking to are diverse, but many are adults. Professionals who's job here is to give you an idea of what it's like to live and work a career in science and technology.

Part of that lifestyle is communicating very complex and abstract ideas in a written form. The only way that works is if the message is spelled right, has correct grammer and uses accepted terminology. Obviously a post doesn't have to be 'term paper perfect', and accepted terminology is pretty easy around here. It's OK if doesn't follow correct grammer but sounds right outloud. But your posts should be spelled correctly and readable.

Don't worry about getting it right 100% of the time. No one is grading this. But what you get out of FIRST is equal to what you put into it, and spell checking is a pretty minor effort.

As an example of how important proper communication is, I have a relative who frequently contracts manufacturing to a factory in Taiwan. Communication between the US and Taiwan is difficult most of the time, but by adhering to the rules of the languages, their interpreters have a chance. By using the correct terminology and notation the engineers can understand each others drawings. Misspellings and slang from either party would just kill productivity. Asking what the weather is like is still hard, but they can get work done.

When in doubt, don't be afraid to delete and start over.

-Andy A.