> This is like learning math only using a calculator. It cripples you. It makes you dependant on a tool, rather than the tool you carry with you at all times: your brain. Sure, I use Word to double check spelling, I find it's a *useful* tool, but I also try to remember those word/spelling/punctuation rules that Word teaches me.
> You won't always be able to open up Word and check to make sure that what you are writing is correct. Why make yourself dependant on it?

What I was trying to say is, I need to double check and edit my posts more often. Usually I just type my posts straight into the Message Box and post. I'm, not *dependent* on Word, but since I have the computer on anyway I should probably use it. I also catch my mistakes easier in Word than in the Message Box, and I don't mean just when I run Spell/Grammar checker. Maybe it is the size of the text, maybe the font, but I can catch my own mistakes easier there.

When I write a paper to turn in to class I read through it after I print it, usually finding more mistakes (wrong word spelled right for instance). Word won't catch, "The house moose lived in the walls of the kitchen," as having any mistakes (because grammatically speaking it doesn't), and I might miss it on the screen. Printed up on a final edit I'll catch it, especially is I don't read it right away. If I leave the paper for awhile and edit it later I'll catch more mistakes because I've distanced myself from it. If my roommate is away I might even read the paper out loud.

So yes, Word is a tool, but it is a useful tool, especially for checking forum posts since I have the computer on anyway.

Speed'checked this'ball