Intelligence on ATS

I've noticed on here a definate attitude of superiority here on ATS from alot of people, and was just wondering where it comes from and if it's really necessary. If someone uses poor grammar, spelling, or punctuation, does it automatically make their opinion less valid? Some people are much better at verbally expressing themselves, why should they be dismissed as some how having a less than intelligent response?
I think by and large we are mostly all here for the same basic reason. However, some on here do tend to have a very high level of self importance, and act as if they are above reproach. I for one know I definitely verbalize better than I write, does that make me less intelligent? I may not have read all of the history some of you have, but I can and do learn from others on here, if I am interested in the topic. Forgetting the left vs. right arguements, as it does happen on both sides, is there really an excuse for having a less than civil discourse?
I've already stated I verbalize better, and I do not know nor claim to know everything. In fact I think it's a good day, when I learn something on here, no matter from whom. I only have one foe on here, and I still don't understand that one, so it's not like I'm being picked on. It's just a theme I see from some and was just wondering if book smarts are the only thing important on here. Should not your ability to analyze things as well as life experiences count?
I may not be as book smart as some of the people on here but, I
1. Speak two languages.
2. Play a musical instrument, competently.
3. Sail a 36' boat single handed, from the gulf coast of Florida to Bermuda, then down island and back.
4. Cook rather well.
5. I have my Harley Davidson PHD Master of Technology. Highest you can get)
6. Built 2 show winning motorcycles.
7. Raised 3 wonderful children.
8. Did 6 years in the US Army
9. I've traveled all over the US on a motorcycle, for various reasons, met some really interesting people.
10. I lived in Germany for 4 years.
11. Traveled around Europe while I was there.
12. Worked with several famous entertainers as a stage hand.
13. Been involved in a riot.
14. I was a member of a 1% MC club for several years.
I'm sure my life has been very different from alot of yours. However, I'm sure many of you have had at least some of these same experiences, or abilities. So, does my lack of knowledge in some areas make me any less intelligent, or do my different life experiences maybe bring something else to the table? I think we all tend to forget that all of us have different life experiences that make us unique. Different people, places, languages (another reason for poor spelling etc.), ethnic back grounds, as well as any other myriad of variables should make this a more interesting place, instead of a limited one. I have noticed some people post a response, maybe a few, and as soon as someone goes after their intellect, they disappear from the thread..........is that really the way to make a valid point? Anyhow, thoughts on this.........or am I noticing something that doesn't really exist?

I look back at some of my first few threads and I'm embarassed.
I have learned a great amount from that type of criticism, because it
got me all bent.

So I did something about it. I still don't type fast
but hey at least my posts don't look the way the used to.

I can't afford to ever critsize someone for bad grammar or spelling though.
However I see it now and think, it really isn't that much effort to have a more intelligent looking post.
Good topic

I can recommend a great little program by Microsoft and it's free...

www.iespell.com...

It will spell check anything anywhere that you type, once installed just right click on text and click on spell check, I am a good speller but still check everything I type before I post just in case.

[edit on 8-1-2010 by Aquarius1]

Thats quite a list, you must be very proud of yourself, ... go ahead, pat yourself on the back. there you go. yeeaaaah, your such a good boy.

Some people are just spelling Nazi's, I dont get it, If i ever call someone out its not for lack of intelligence, but lack of common sense. .... which I'm seeing less and less of these days.

Ever since the twilight movies came out tons of preteens have infiltrated this site by accidentaly stumbling upon it while doing twilight searches.

....these are the posts that really get me, when people make threads titled " why do ufo's fly" or " does my dream mean this or that" etc.

[edit on 8-1-2010 by IntastellaBurst]

I despise the Grammer Police...

For starters it's a forum not a thesis, kudos to those who occassionally post that way, ats needs you! But not every thread is important enough for MLA standards lol, certyainly not at 2:00 am...

Mostly I find there are 2 people...

1: Communicates and thinks freely

2: the other more controlling and can't cope or even comprehend without an exact structure (this usually goes for daily life too)

Personally I think the "Rule Bearers" are the less intelligent of the two always striving for order so they can make sense of things, same people that want a Black and White answer for everything...

Sometimes...

I am Mopus Vindictus... The Vindictive Mope, partially at least a character, comedic along the lines of a Lewis Black ranting about society, mean, viscious and out of control within parameters i can get away with...

Sometimes...

I am a serious scholar, particular in regards to a few subjects like Health and Nutrition and Longevity

And sometimes... I'm just me pouring out some feelings....

And sometimes... I'm the crazy guy in the trailer that has a small in on every thing conspiracy...




Regardless, each persona has different needs... Grammer doesn't apply when conveying the guy who grew up in brooklyn and speaks with a certain twang...

Am I ranting? Am I being serious? An I just trying to be funny adopting an "attitude"

Grammer and spelling carry varying degrees of importance...

Any writer needs to express, different voices, different moods, different emotions...

Traditional English hardly covers it....

Mostly though, when someone comes at you with a response of "you can't spell or blah blah" it's for One reason... they are stupid and have nothiong original to say as a comeback... i'd say 99% of the time this is the case...

There is the odd truely illiterate drunked Thread sure... but they are RARE!

Anyone who can read between the lines can make sense of the vast majority of posts and "get" what is being said... The "GRammer" attack.... almost always for lack of anything relevant to cme back with

Truth be told when I get those... I consider it an automatic win of a debate, the person has NOTHING, it is... firing a gun sideways at a Swat team at that point, a last failed attempt to score points with no actual insight or information... or ability to get a win in a debate.

reply to post by IntastellaBurst


I didn't list those things for a pat on the back. I listed them to point out some things I've accomplished in my life. In the hopes some might realize that even though we may not agree on things, we may have some things in common. If not, it may help to at least define where our differences of opinion may come from, based upon life experiences.

reply to post by adifferentbreed


A simple response to your question:

No, and ATS is full of diverse conversations.

But you are not the only one who notices the "grammar NAZIs". When a member takes the time to create a post singling out a mistake in spelling or grammar it is usually the result of the following things.


1. They are ignorant.
2. They are insecure with themselves.
3. They are using a Red Herring or Ad Hominem attack because they feel they are losing a debate or argument with another member.
4. They are just plain arrogant and rude, and yes there ARE some members that fit one or more of these criteria on here.

EVERY member on ATS has something of value to offer, that is what makes up ATS, WE are ATS. So no need to claim you accolades (but nice work I will say ). Also remember that a lot of people have inflated egos, which become even bigger online, this is known as the D-Ego, or digital ego.

Also if you feel that a member is being abusive towards you or others and is in violation of the Terms and Conditions of Use you ALWAYS have the option of using the ALERT either on the top right side of the thread page or under each members post. The staff here are great and they will take care of any legitimate T and C violation promptly.

Other than that, just be yourself! Say what you have to say, contribute what you have to contribute and don't worry what others think. You will find the majority of members here are very intelligent, mature, open minded, and friendly. I for one am GLAD to have you as a fellow member on this wonderful site. Welcome to AboveTopSecret.com, and always remember our sites motto is to "Deny Ignorance."

Originally posted by IntastellaBurst

Some people are just spelling Nazi's ...

That would be spelling "Nazis"


As far as the OP ... imho, nothing worthwhile can be gleamed from comparing one's self to others. Plus, I speak four languages, and say equally stupid things with each one of them.

Well that just shows to go you that you don't have to have a set of 'boys' to ride a Harley or Captain your own boat.

I have been riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle since 1979 and I have my own boat but it is 2 feet shorter than yours.

I am a female and I must say a very feminine and petite one.

What has all that got to do with intelligence?

Hmmm, this sounds like someone who posted in secret societies a year or two ago.

As far as intelligence of the ATS members I can assure you we have some of the brightest minds around. And they are superior to some of us in intelligence and should rightly be proud of their stature of mind.

I despise the 'mine is bigger than yours is' game. We all have something to offer our community.

I'm not spelling ninja but I think one of the main problems is enthusiasm. People are in so much of a rush to post their thoughts that they do not take the time to 'prevew' what they have writen, something I have done myself.

The other problem is lack of research. People should spend at least a few minutes to take the time to Google points they may have issues with as this would de-clutter posts on the forums.

its funny i type like crap!!

i guess im not smart

flagged because your spot on

and just to add.. most of the "im smart fanclub" tend not to be ; )

reply to post by dizziedame


I didn't list those things as a measure of intelligence, but rather as life experiences. I'm sure I probably could have tried to word it differently. I was trying to point out that life experiences have an affect on peoples thought processes. And nope, haven't been on here two years......wish I had been here that long though.

Understanding the meaning and the intent of a post is what counts not how it is written. Those who point out errors in how words are offered is not worthy of serious consideration. Put me down for my opinions not for how I present them.

I speak 3 languages; English, profanity and common since.

I can order a drink in 4 languages.

Peace....................yak055h

Thanks !!

I've already post this on a national forum. I'm Dutch.

Funny thing is, the reply posts were the same as the ones i read with yours.

The truth is I have heard some of the most brilliant and wise things ever from some of the stupidest people you could possibly ever meet.

Some people have a few real gems tucked in them and it pays to patiently hear everyone out and consider everything with an honest and open mind.

Most of the spell police posters actually contribute nothing of substance on the threads other than they noticed someone misspelled a word or two. Wow talk about a top secret revelation there. What would we do without them?

The Grammar police tend to be the same. You can pretty much just copy and paste there standardized post.

“I read your post and it’s stupid, and you are totally wrong, and your grammar/spelling is atrocious”

This is there way of saying what ever they secretly think on the topic but didn’t share is right!

Since they typically never say what that is, well, I guess we can safely let them keep that illusion all to their imagination.

I think as long as anyone is contributing honestly and to the best of their ability that what ever it is they are posting is a genuine effort to contribute. There are a lot of people who I don’t always agree with, but if they are being honest about what they are posting as being a genuine reflection of how they think and their world view I don’t hold it personally against them.

It sounds like you have a lot you can and want to contribute, so I wouldn’t worry about the spell police, the grammar police, or the ego maniacs.

Don’t let anyone intimidate you, after all it’s all just really fun and games, and lets face it on ATS no one ever looses an eye.

Though do watch out for carpal tunnel syndrome!

salbgsafxyyuw sal; dwjhaslpl ;[aspom kklaUIQDDAadd

How's that for spelling ? Some of you folks really need to lighten up !

I admit it, I notice spelling, grammar... don't shoot me... I work in education and I have been indoctrinated!


It's true though... what should matter is the message and the content. People need to lighten up a bit on the writing styles of others. This isn't school and we're not jockeying for the best grade point average.

ETA:
There is a reason why there is an "edit" at the bottom of almost every single post I make. I always think of a better way to word something, or find an error, or forgot to add something AFTER I hit the post button!

*Just like this time*




[edit on 8-1-2010 by LadySkadi]

Mopus,

It is grammar, with an A, you dope!

.......

Proto,

Please learn the difference between their and there.

.....

Just joshin'
I dare someone to criticize me for my grammar. It is the least of my concerns on this website. This website, like has been said, is not a collegiate classroom. In fact, I have never used spell-check on ANYTHING I have EVER posted to ANY online discussion outlet and people who criticize others for their grammar without adding anything to the discussion at hand are complete tools, imo.
That being said, I have done the same in the past. But only when people are typing in "texting" lingo. With their U's instead of "you" and whatnot. That drives me right up the damned wall.

That kind of crap makes me believe the person WANTS to look like a moron.

Edit to add - Good lord, what a hypocrite I am. With my "IMO's" and whatnot.

Honestly though, I think it is all good. I really don't ever see too many Grammar Nazis on this website. Or maybe I do and I just tune them out.

[edit on 8-1-2010 by JayinAR]

reply to post by JayinAR

Them thare is fighten words friend Jay, everyone knows that their means a place, and thare is a person!

Now pass me that jug of Arkansas Moonshine would ya please!

reply to post by ProtoplasmicTraveler


You talkin' about that corn whiskey? Gotta keep that on the down-low!
Glad to see you corrected yourself!