Perhaps we should get it made into a sticky??  

I think that some short hand and smileys are helpful.  They can add emotion to the written word that it normally cannot have. (unless you are some kind of Shakespearian writer)  As for not liking to be told what to do,  that is pretty natural.  You will be surprised as you go about your life,  if you just listen,  you will find wisdom and good advise from where you weren't expecting.  (and from whom you weren't expecting it)  

It may be possible that there isn't more outrage against Mike because,  however he expressed it,  many know he is right.  I'm sure that if any of these young men asked,  there would be older members jumping at the chance to help do more than just make them better fishermen.  My advise?  I do believe they are still teaching this stuff in school.  Apply yourself and learn it.  You will be better for it.  

It will help tremendously if a few simple rules were followed.  First,   use shorthand sparingly and to show emotion.  I think "lol" is one of the better ones.    When you refer to yourself,  "I" is always capitalized.  As is the beginning of each sentence. (which has a . or ? after)  Put a space between sentences.  Although it is difficult,  try not to end sentences with a preposition.  (of, them, from).  I'm far from a scholar,  I just try to follow a few simple rules.  Type and hit preview.  It it doesn't look right,  make some corrections.  JT Bagwell are you out there for any advise?  

I am now going to have a drink.  Sorry this has been so long.  I hope no one is yawning.:  All who will now start to rag and poke fun,  and defend the "right" to write and express yourself in an uneducated fashion,  have at it.  Go ahead and show your hind end.  You're not helping anyone.  

Avid,  if you decided to do some livening,  PM it to me so I don't miss it before it gets deleted.

Redneckriot, that one cracked me up.  Despite your support, this thread has as much of a chance of becoming a sticky as snowballs have in hell.

Redneckriot, that one cracked me up. Despite your support, this thread has as much of a chance of becoming a sticky as snowballs have in hell.

Haha i kinda figured that but i thought what the heck why not throw it out there  ;D

I want to see how they write a resume for a job. I bet you cannot read it.

You sholdn't end a sentence with it. Like I just did. My point is where do you draw the line. Its a forum. IMO ;D shorthand should be expected. If the post is so bad that you can't even read it do you really want to know what they are saying. It takes two seconds to start reading a post and realize it difficult to read. Just stop.

I 2nd that. After all, it is the internet, and shorthand should be expected in a public forum.