And yet, somehow, we seem to manage basic grammar, spelling and word choice on this blog, even though there's more anonymity and less incentive.
I think the karma system has a lot to do with this, along with the fact that good grammar and style are community norms here.
ETA: The most important thing, though, is the instructions the students were given--if the professor advised them not to worry about grammar, then that's what the students will do.
This is a fact about the map, not a fact about the territory. You just need to calibrate your expectations downward.
Agreed, and I have drastically adjusted my expectations since I started reading my peers' work. Upon reflection, what I really meant by "I'm shocked by how poorly some of my peers write" is "I used to be surprised at how poorly they write, and even though I have come to expect it, it still bothers me." Sorry if this was ambiguous or misleading.
Grades aren't equivalent to the karma system? Good grammar and style aren't community norms in a college philosophy class? Edit: Well, maybe it's just me, but I'd be embarrassed to make such basic grammar errors in any situation, whether I was 'advised not to worry' or not.
Upon reflection, what I really meant by "I'm shocked by how poorly some of my peers write" is "I used to be surprised at how poorly they write, and even though I have come to expect it, it still bothers me."
Now this I agree with. I had the unfortunate experience o...
Link.
Given the positive reactions, I think the professor seeded them with a positive impression of the site's content.