Text speak and capitals
might make it easier for one person to type in a post but it makes it much less easy for the 11879 who might potentially try to read it IMHO.
Unless you're posting a simple response to a question surely it makes sense to take a little time to make your posts comfortable and enjoyable for others to read?
I must admit, I tend to find myself subconsciously putting as much effort into answering posts as the originator has in creating it in the first place, and often don't bother if it means wading through text speak. A few spelling mistakes and grammatical errors is not an issue, just not being bothered to lift your fingers and press enough keys is, IMHO.
Having said that, text speak is not what's wrong with the forum. New users getting slated for it and other minor transgressions where they could be politely asked to avoid it is, IMHO. They may be used to the majority of other forums that appear to welcome it with open arms.

In fact, there's a lot of slating going on, in general, where respectful disagreement and presentation of counter arguments would make for a more pleasant atmosphere, IMHO.
A lot of this comes down to the greater proportion of members who haven't met face to face, IMHO. Before you've met someone, you're dealing with letters on the screen. The opinions they represent might annoy or even offend you, and you respond with both barrels accordingly. Now, say that disagreement is with someone you propped up the barbecue with over a few pints at one of the meets. You know they're a really nice bloke, you just hold contrary views on a particular subject.. It changes things somewhat.
After the first couple of meets I attended when I joined 5 years back I'd probably met 80% of the regular posters on here. That core of people set the tone for all interactions on the forum to an extent. Nowadays, those who have met have apparently become a "clique" rather than the majority, and it's a problem. Maybe that's just a consequence of having grown in numbers, or maybe there's something that could be done to rectify it?
