ill say this again: i would like to say that i disagree with the article as this is the sort of thing that lead to the formation of the english language in the first place> english is a mongrel language and a large proportion has been formed from shortening words from other languages. the use of shorthand on the internet is just a natural evolution of english and you cannot claim to be protecting it by standing against its evolution.it is exactly this sort of shorthand that has made english the greatest, largest and most versitile language on the planet and im all for it increasing its vocabulary!!!!! id also like to say that punctuation was not introduced untill printing was invented so by your standards for being a purist you shouldnt use that at all and we should all go back to using "thys" and such. if you truly believe in english you will encorage itsgrowth instead of standing in the way of every new word and ajustment of it. this is why there is a new dictionary brought out every year. the flexability of the language can only be maintained through constant evolution and change and if you know your history you would know that this sort of thing has been happening for centuarys. Those who try to stop the flow of evolution, in any form, will be washed away in its path!!!!