You're quite right that not everyone speaks English.
I don't speak German or Spanish well enough to try
writing in them, especially on technical topics. On
the PIC mailing list, I consider the source when
constructing my mental picture of the person on the
other end of the email.

That said, I stand by my original statment: In the
absence of other information, the written communication
you provide is the *only* way a person can judge you
or your skills. If presented with only limited
information, and forced to make a choice, I'll select
the person who seems most polished, professional and
capable for the job. Part of that impression is the
way they spell, punctuate and construct sentences.

This doesn't mean that anyone who can't write in perfect
English is somehow 'not good enough' or 'stupid'. Quite
the contrary! If I was trying to write this in Russian,
for example, I'd appear illiterate. My Swahili is
non-existent. My written English has mistakes too, but
I proofread and review to minimize them.

Sam's original question had to do with finding a job
with PIC programming skills as his 'claim to fame'.
I would agree with other list members that it's not
enough, and that the demonstrated ability to solve
problems is what employers are really looking for. As
a part of the problem-solving process, it's necessary
to communicate *in the local common language*, and if
you want an edge over the competitors for a job, it's
essential to communicate well in that language. Whether
it's Urdu, Finnish, Cantonese or Klingon, it's certain
that spelling, grammar, structure and punctuation
will still matter.

My point was not specifically about the PIC mailing
list; this is an open forum for people all over the
world, and not some sort of spelling competition. It
doesn't hurt to check your work, though....people
throughout the world will judge you on your ability
to communicate in writing, and you'd like to make
a good impression. If you're applying for a job, then
you'd better make sure it's perfect. The competition
for that job will be trying to beat you, and you need
every advantage.

You can be the world's best programmer, but you won't
get the job if you can't convince the employer that it's
true.

Mark G. Forbes, R & D Engineer  |  Acres Gaming, Inc.    (541) 766-2515
KC7LZD                          |  815 NW 9th Street     (541) 753-7524 fax
forbesm@peak.org                |  Corvallis, OR 97330
http://www.peak.org/~forbesm
mforbes@acresgaming.com

"There has been an alarming increase in the number of things I know nothing
about."
---Anomalous