To me, overlooking typos and understanding that busy people don't have a lot of time to devote to wordsmithing posts is a matter of politeness to posters. So when people misuse a word they are likely either in a rush and/or, understandably, don't prioritize careful copy editing of their posts. I'm willing to assume that most people who post here (Carolina Jazz excepted) are educated, reasonably intelligent people who know how to spell and have a college-level understanding of grammar and word choice/usage. I'm also willing to accept that many posters here don't prioritize satisfying grammar scolds over posting quickly and getting on with whatever else they are doing.
Usually, I have a visceral aversion to grammar scolds (many of whom correct grammar and spelling as a means to assert superiority or to belittle), but you are the exception. You are always well-mannered and a consistent voice of reason on this forum. I would never accuse you of bad will or being rude. I do, however, disagree with you on certain points, and this is one of them. But we can still be friends
In related news, I was looking at a scholarship website today. The instructions on their application form (a web form) said, "We recommend you type your application in M.S. Word so you can use spell check and grammar check, then paste it back into our web form." I kid you not.
Made me sick to my stomach that the implicit assumption is that the applicants would not be able to check spelling and grammar on their own without the help of M.S. Word.
If I had written the instructions, it would have said something like, "We recommend you check your spelling and grammar carefully before submitting our web form, because you'll look like an idiot if you haven't mastered basic junior high school English while applying for a college scholarship."
