Should correcting spelling mistakes be considered a public service?

Ever wonder why we correct people's spelling mistakes? Well it's for your own good.
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/22/20090714/tod-oukoe-uk-resumes-d987f7f.html

2009-07-15T06:13:00Z

That's free Terry. I suspect you are merely testing me though.

Anonymous2009-07-15T06:14:49Z

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Hell I'm seriously considering staring a charity...to pay for literacy lessons for Yahooers who fail the Basic Skills Test.

Sometimes the spelling is so bad you can't work out what they're trying to say in their answers. And everyone has the right to be heard....even Fundies!!

liberty in action2009-07-15T06:14:39Z

That depends on the mistake and where it has appeared and a number of other factors. For instance if the mistake changes the meaning of the sentence to the extent that it negates what one intends to say, then it is a public service. Especially if the mistake appears in a news service, on a public website that has as its purpose to help people find answers, where to find something, how to pay taxes or save money legally to get a tax refund. There are many times when it becomes a public service.

If the mistake is obviously a simple typo and makes no real difference to the purpose or intent, it probably becomes just self aggrandizing to make a correction. In that case obviously it is only self serving.

?2016-08-16T15:49:16Z

I coudn't open the link but I think its rude to only correct the spelling mistake and if its put in an insulting context not just oh letting you know or ps you spelled this wrong then it is not helping. most people do not care if they have one misspelled word on here its not like this is a resume. I do not think it is a public service because I usually try to ignore people correcting my spelling, It does not help me write better, reading more would help me write better.

?2016-04-07T03:04:12Z

I personally don't understand why other ppl care about someone else's spelling. I write incorrectly all the time on purpose because it's internet and not a spelling bee or an essay. If I am not getting a grade, then who gives a flying ****? I type the fastest way possible. Ppl who make fun of others for spelling probably have no other insult. Lame.

Radio Jingles2009-07-15T06:07:03Z

In the business world good grammar and spelling do count. A bad resume reflects very badly on the individual. Maybe even worse than showing up in brown shoes (a fashion faux pas!)

(Worked for five years in a temporary job agency....)

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