i don't really take this too seriously. i often type the way i talk, which is pretty informal. but i want to be able to understand what's being said, and yes, some little things that aren't absolutely essential to understanding, because we all know what the poster meant anyway (*deep breath*) do bug the hell out of me.

but i think it's interesting...while my interest as an english major has less to do with caring about grammar and more to do with caring about literature and all the good things that go along with that, i still enjoy discussion such as this for education. i don't take it too seriously, though...to me it's more important that the language be pleasing and enlightening than rigidly correct. however, that's the intent of many english rules anyway, so the two things do tie together.