Proper grammar and spelling are very important in written debate.

As I have stated, it is very important that the writer use correct spelling and grammar in written debate. I will use my first round of arguments to illustrate the importance of correct spelling and grammar. My second round will be used to rebut my opponent's argument. As I stated before, I would like to keep this debate informal, if possible. The first, and most obvious reason why spelling and grammar are important in written debate is so people can read and understand the arguments being presented. It seems quite simple that if a word cannot be read, the argument being presented cannot be fully understood. Moreover, there is a spell check tool to help the writer with some mistakes. It seems like the only reason not to use this tool is shear laziness. I would like to add that typos simply happen. Even the most eloquent and successful writers misspell a word from time to time, but they certainly do not make a habit of it. Also, there are many people on this site from other countries, and I believe they would certainly be more able to read and comprehend a debate if it is written properly. For those of us who grew up in the U. S. , and were required to learn English, there are some mistakes that really are unforgivable. For example, when someone uses the word "to", instead of "too", the entire meaning is changed. This is an elementary mistake that I see often, and do not fully understand. Just to name a few others, I will list them below: -You're~~Your -There~~Their~~They're -Then~~Than -Here~~Hear There are more, but the readers get the point. These words are NOT the same. When someone uses the wrong word, it changes the meaning of the whole sentence, or takes all meaning away. Even if the reader can understand what is meant, some might get a bad taste in their mouth for having to translate the argument. Also, part of the voting is based on grammar and spelling. Why wouldn't someone try to guarantee that vote by simply using proper grammar and spelling? It makes no sense to give yourself an immediate disadvantage by butchering the English language. I have actually had to stop reading some debates because I had NO idea what the person was trying to say. This is a written debate, not a text message. I would like to include two links to debates. I am not going to categorize them, but I assure you my opponent and the readers can. One will be a debate using proper grammar and spelling, and the other one, well, you get the idea. . http://www.debate.org... . http://www.debate.org... I would like to conclude my round with this. Using the language to the writer's advantage, he/she can illustrate a wonderful picture with only words and punctuation. That is the beauty of written debate. It combines the value of debate for knowledge and ideas, with the art and richness of writing. For instance, if two people debating have excellent arguments, sources, and conduct, but one has horrible spelling and grammar, he/she will most likely lose that debate. Also, someone might have a superior argument, but if he/she cannot articulate that in writing, it will be overlooked, and he/she will lose the debate. No one is perfect, even when it comes to something as simple as writing, but strong, consistent grammar and spelling ARE very important in written debate. I would like to thank RougeFox again, and I am very much looking forward to a strong, well written, and thought provoking first round of arguments. Thanks to the readers for any feedback, and thank you to the DDO community for allowing us this forum.