Good for you for standing up for yourself as well as for the others. c: I agree with you 100% with your reasonings. I even dealt with the situation a few days ago where my friend was asking me, "Have you ever thought what literacy actually means in Feralheart?" It took a while for me, but my parents said that there was only one true definition to it, and that is what you have showed us Logical.
I have an understanding that most users who use the term "literate" or "illiterate" think that they mean something truly different when in-game. Such as:
Literate: Being able to use correct grammar as well as using para-style roleplaying. Lacks using incorrect terms as well as false spelling, and always posting in 3rd Person Limited.
Semi-Literate: Being able to use grammar, may have some mistakes. Para-style roleplaying gets cut down, and partially sleazy in structure.
Illiterate: Always using wrong terms and false spelling, making posts that don't make sense often. Uses partial txt speak, as well as an abundance of action symbols (*), (-),(~).
This is how I picture their definition in-game, as well as others perhaps. But reading the opinions listed before me made me realize that maybe it would be time to use a different term, as to not offend fellow floofs. As what Skaara has said, everyone in the game has some sense of literacy, whether it be using txt speak all the time, or wolf speak. Not everyone is perfect, so cut them some slack by cutting loose the term "literacy".
When I first joined Feralheart a year ago, I was one of those who roleplayers using the action (-) symbols as well as one sentenced posts... I checked up with a group I wanted to join, and they asked me for an RP sample, so I gave them one. A few minutes later, they said that until I know how to roleplay the correct way, I will not be accepted. They also said that when I learn how to post, I could ask to join again.
I can tell you how depressed I got, or embarrassed for my actions. I didn't even respond to them. See what things like that can do? I'd hate for the same to happen to fellow floofs, to be turned down from a group and being called an "illiterate".
At least players are putting an effort into what they post, and that is good enough ey? Why not help them become the better RPers you want them to be? I think it is time for a new word... Words or phrases such as:
To replace the term Literate:
Grammatically correct
ie. [insert RPG name here], a long term, mapless, grammatically correct styled group open and accepting.
Advanced
ie. [insert RPG name here], a long term, sited, and mapless group using advanced styled roleplaying, open and accepting.
To replace the term Semi-Literate:
Neutral
ie. [insert RPG name here], a long term, mapless, soon-to-be-sited, neutral styled group open and accepting.
Loose
ie. [insert RPG name here], a long term, mapped, sited group accepting loose styled roleplaying.
To replace the term Illiterate:
Grammatically Incorrect
ie. He / She is being grammatically incorrect when typing.
That is all I have to offer. I know there may be more words or phrases to use to replace "literate" and "illiterate". But these are my only thoughts as of now. Great work for starting a discussion about this, LogicalNonsense. I know you could make a difference for the well-being of fellow floofs who have the trouble being called "illiterates". c: