Why do so many on this board fail to capitalize proper nouns, yet frequently capitalize "atheist"?

There are so many reasons for this, but primarily it's because people think atheism is a belief system. That, and an entire generation being raised on texting and the internet. Personally, I don't think grammar is that big of deal on the internet, but I suppose that mentality is part of why online grammar is so atrocious. One's argument should not be shot down because of poor grammar, but if you talk like a half-wit you'll get treated like a half-wit.

Knowuddumsayin'?

Poor schooling, proper English is not spoken at home, little time is spent reading but with video games and/or television, the predominance of "ghetto speak" in music and entertainment and laziness stand out, IMHO. Laziness, however, is the poorest excuse. Being lazy when it makes a person look stupid is self-defeating on a forum like Y/A.

I noticed LDa answered this question. His questions are insightful and thought-provoking, his answers clear and concise, his typos don't lessen their quality. I hope I'm half as smart as he is when I'm 80.

There are some dyslexics who have difficulty arranging words properly but that's not common and it's easily discernable. The problem goes beyond capitalization and punctuation. Are spelling, grammar, coherence of thought not taught any longer in schools? Perhaps journalism classes should be mandatory.

I agree with you. Hell, I don't believe in God, but I still capitalize the "G" because that's how I was raised. Proper nouns are always capitalized, regardless of one's belief system or lack thereof.

People in the 21st century believe that as long as their point gets across, what's the problem with the mess they call writing? There is no longer pride in one's written word. I do my best but I have flying fingers and don't catch my mistakes all the time but at least I try.

And yes, it's difficult to take any argument seriously when the spelling and grammar are so atrocious, one wonders if it is a ruse.

Atheism is not a religion, by-the-way, for the nth time.

How exactly does an argument fall flat due to bad spelling or punctuation? It's the content or the answer or question which is important, not how someone has written it.

some people have difficulty with such things, this does not mean that they are ignorant of a situation, have lack of knowledge or that they don't have valid points.

If you find yourself being critical of someone's spelling capabilities, instead of answering the question, I would say that you are taking a cheap shot at them.

Maybe you disagree with the statement, but can't form an argument yourself. So you resort to attacking someone's writing ability instead.

Not saying that it is the only reason for it, just from my own experience. I am dyslexic and sometimes find it difficult to type properly, or it takes me a bit longer to write or read something. doesn't mean I'm stupid or lack knowledge. Yet I grew up with people judging me and thinking that I just wasn't that bright.

I understand and respect your point. I, too, have a preference for proper grammar. I think that there is a little bit of confusion about which terms should be capitalized, and which ones shouldn't. Not everyone is an English major. This is not to suggest that one must be a writer in order to write properly- but English and grammar is a fairly complex subject.

I don't know, Boris. I think people have taken the propriety out of language for generations before there were video games or texting. Even when I was in school in the 70's, I was mocked for being a stickler about grammar and punctuation.

It's a sad reality.

You're right of course. I had the opportunity last summer to see a collection of letters written by soldiers of the Civil War. The first thing I noticed was how well the people wrote and conveyed their thoughts back then. We are definitely regressing here.

I noted this too .

I guess God works in mysterious ways after all .

I don't want to run peoples mistakes down to much , I missed out on education as I lied to join the army & go to war so my spelling & grammar are not the best.

The familiarity of your moniker means that you've been out here for quite some time.

Are you now just realizing that grammar on R&S is, to say the least, lacking?

People cannot construct a proper sentence and you expect them to understand when capitalization is necessary and when it is not?

For all my years at University, I never did do any good when it came to English grammar, punctuation, and spelling. And don't get me started on, nouns, pronouns, adjectives, verbs, adverbs, conjunctions and interjections.