Do you feel that the quality of writing has gone down?

It is sad to hear that there are people who claim the rules of grammar are oppressive and actually apply this theory in English departments of their respective colleges. If this goes on the general quality of writing would go further down. As it is the general quality is something not to be proud of. My grammar is less than perfect but I prefer sticking to the rules. Grammar is important because it is a framework of language. Without any framework there would be no shape for the language. Thus it becomes difficult to form a smooth communication with other people. We do not have to go far to see this scenario. Currently there are postings with bad grammar, There should be efforts made to halt the spread of this theory. Most probably Ellsworth Toohey is alive and well, planning and scheming on what should be done next. - rosdimy -

I believe in the rules of grammar. I think there are a few exceptions: The first draft, and Mark Twain. The rules exist to maintain consistency in English writing. This is so that the average reader can understand what the writer is trying to say. It can be difficult to translate the ideas of the writer. The meaning and ideas could be missed or even interrupted wrongly. This is very frustrating for both reader and writer. I think the whole point of writing is to get readers to understand an opinion, a point of view, or a story. If the words don't make sense, often the meaning is lost. Language very clearly follows a set of rules. It is how writing was developed, so everyone could understand each other.

Notes and private writing is the only exception I can think of, other than poetry if the act of disregarding the rules are based in genuine expression and not of laziness or ignorance. Or if you are learning English as a second language. When I write drafts in my notebooks in public, I often use phonetic symbols, running short words together, separating "words" at accented syllables, etc. But I would never do that with a public post. I hope books and articles aren't going to change too drastically in the coming decades. (to self prayerfully - "Please, please, PLEASE don't have texting a standard dialect ...)

Speaking as a professional writer, I am disgusted with the "new school of thought" on what is considered acceptable writing. English departments in high schools and colleges should be ashamed of themselves for even thinking about allowing students to write however they feel like writing. This is part of the problem with youth today, first we let mathematics slip. Instead of teaching children how to solve basic math problems with thier heads they were given caluclators. Which is why when you go into McDonald's the cashier can not give you proper change unless they entered it into the register first!As far as writing goes, I will agree that writers should have the freedom to express thier thoughts and feelings without judgement. HOWEVER, this doesn't mean that you should be allowed to write however you want. This doesn't mean that we throw out the rules of grammar and punctuation! If you can not write a piece using the proper rules then you shouldn't be writing. As a matter of fact, you shouldn't even consider yourself a writer. When we are talking about academic papers for school, or editorial pieces in magazines and newspapers you need to be able to write as if you are an educated person. It is a matter of having self respect, and respect for the profession. Unfortunately the youth of today would rather play a video game over reading a book, or sit on the internet reading web content that an 8th grader could've written instead of reading something solid. Granted, there is a time and place for every type of writing. This is part of the beauty of writing. Take a look at any of the great literary works, they are not all written using the same form. The use language to express ideas and bring about thoughts in the reader's head, drawing you into what you are reading as if you are a part of the work. They do this by following grammatical rules! Shame on those that think we need to "relax" when it comes to standards of writing. The problem with this country and our educational system is that we have become to relaxed. That is why America's global power is slipping, that is why jobs are leaving our country... take a close look at the educational standards of other countries that America feels superior to... where are we ranked and where are they ranked? The are much higher then we are. Rules of grammar oppressive! Give me a break, not following them, not demanding that they are adhered to is oppressive!

To me a writer or student writes what he or she wants and feels. With that said no one should correct the writer or student on what they write because the editor is not in the mind and heart of that writer. People need to relax on having a paper or article perfect; the reason I say need to relax is because editors focus on perfection that they make the article difficult to read thus loosing the reader because they can not understand the writer. Does this make any sense?