My current theories to this phenomenon are all just speculation on my part. I honestly don't know. What would really be nice is if we could get an ex-bad typer or even a current bad typer to explain why they can't/won't type correctly.
I think it a lot of it has to do with age. Much of our user base here at SEN is under the age of 18, though those who actually stay are generally 16+. Typing seems to improve with maturity. Could it be that young people just don't care that people can't understand them? Here's a sample text from my 11 year old cousin:
Quote
I am now a drummer in a band .
That was barcoad for ,( I am a drummer in a band) I will start with a snair and simble but I hope to have a five peice drum set in about two years. Sorry about not getting back with you and your e-mails.
That was barcoad for ,( I am a drummer in a band) I will start with a snair and simble but I hope to have a five peice drum set in about two years. Sorry about not getting back with you and your e-mails.
How about instant messaging? I believe this is a huge factor. I never got into the whole IM deal, in fact, I've never actually used one other than a few times. In my case, I was 9 when Diablo came out, and that was enough for my chatting needs. However, Starcraft two years later was the reason I learned how to type, due to the need to type quickly. I ended up shortening words quite often, since it made it all that much faster to type them. About two years later, I actually started to have to write papers in school, and I quit typing like that. Since I wasn't typing poorly all the time through IM, I don't think that method stuck with me.
Finally, there is the foreign language factor. Obviously non-native English speakers are at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to proper English. There's plenty of that here, and in most cases, is forgivable. I know my complex Spanish sentences have terrible grammar.
For clarity, here's my questions/requests:
Why do you think people who can't type can't type?
If you can't type, why can't you type? If you don't know, use my three factors as guides.
"Parliamentary inquiry, Mr. Chairman - do we have to call the Gentleman a gentleman if he's not one?"