Does Readability Equal Credibility?

Well, sure. First impressions matter, don't they? Whether it's face to face or in text and writing, they still matter.

Obviously, I'm going to take advice from people who seem more intelligent. Once you weed out the reviews that are unreadable or have multiple errors then the only real problem is finding out which ones were written by the hotel staff.

if you cannot read about the product they won't buy

That is true, even here on SH--A post that is well-composed and to the point, with correct spelling and punctuation carries more cred. than one with poor typing and spelling errors.

Definitely! Bad spelling and grammar is extremely unattractive.

Which is the reason why people like:

Are always used as an example of idiocy.

Oh, My, God. You people just figured this out?

I'm a teenager and I have always valued Grammar, Reading, and Spelling. Maybe it's because I'm a writer, but still, seriously.

I've read a few books that were extremely easy reads that left me wishing I could get my time back!!!

Many of you may recognize me as the spelling policeman! I hate poor spelling and poor grammar, even though I am not the best grammarian on the block, I think I do about 75% better then most who write for SH! Some of you people have no concept of capitalization, punctuation, contractions, or the eight parts of speech!

If the grammar is wrong, the OCD part of me wants to hunt the person down and make them correct it :P

Although I have spent enough time online to know that spelling and grammar are seriously lacking I still equate improper usage with laziness and lack of intelligence.

Depends on what you are reading

If someone can't take three seconds to use spell check, then whatever they are trying to say doesn't seem very important.

Einstein had dyslexia and he was beyond intelligent

Readability does not equal credibility, but if you want to be taken seriously, try to sound half-professional.

Another example of poor research and/or stupid research subjects. Sure, well-written text is more easily understood (by the remnant of Americans who can still understand what they "read"--see the last Adult Literacy Survey's actual data--"What's disturbing is that the assessment is not designed to test your understanding of Proust, but to test your ability to read labels" http://www.rense.com/general6... Yes, the link's not to the data, because the D0E keeps moving its location... to aid in the deception of its spin on the study *heh*). But well-written text can be used for both conveying straightforward information and to deceive. So, yes and no. I come down on the "yes" side of the question just barely, because it's harder to deceive with well-written text if the reader isn't as dumb as a bag of hammers. Harder, but still not impossible.

I love to read and I love to write but I am bad at grammer and spelling.

It does in the aspect that if someone understands it, more credibility will be given to that reviewed agency. I love reading a well written or typed review.

I take no advertising at face value. The purpose of an ad is to get people to buy the product. I am not going to buy something based on an illiterate's praise of it. Neither am I going to buy it based on a Rhodes Scholar's praise of it.

Even though I said yes I completely agree with your statement.

Spelling Counts---if something is well written, despite if I agree with it or not, I'm more apt to read it all of the way through. When there are blatant spelling errors, it makes it difficult to read---because one does not know if the wording the writer is attempting to use is really the word that they intended on using.

Sometimes. I know that if I'm trying to read something, wherever it's at, I stop reading all together if it's riddled with grammar and spelling mistakes. If whoever wrote it doesn't care enough to take the time to make sure it's right, why should I waste my time trying to read it?

Not always. Some people can read all day long on various subjects and not have a bit of horse sense. Many go to college, read and study, come out and know nothing about life. I'm not saying college is bad or reading...I read a lot and study a lot. I'm just saying, there are some that read, but don't always grasp the reality of their subject...life does that.

BUT again, SH fails to be accurate in headline.
The study refers to ads developed for Craigslist on the Web. Not your every-day advertising posted on billboards, magazines, tv etc.

Interesting study.

LET'S PUT CARTOON DRAWINGS ON ALL PRODUCTS IN THE FUTURE AND LET OUR 2 1/2 YEAR OLDS DO ALL THE SHOPPLING,...(TWEENKIES, DING-DONGS AND HO-HO'S FOR DINNER AGAIN!?!!) WHAAAAA,....SHHHH, MOMMY, GO TO SLEEP,...)

No matter if you have good or bad grammar, the advertiser can still falsly advertise their products or services. It's something I notice in signs, but I don't make a really big deal out of it.

Because people with better grammar, spelling and punctuation don't tend to over-exaggerate. If I can't make out what your review even says, I won't waste my time.....
Now, I don't really see bad spelling in advertisements that often.....it's pretty easy to catch that with so many people working on it. So I don't even see how this is relevant to reading reviews about a product or service......I don't understand SodaHead sometimes..

It is though, a step in the right direction. Normally when someone tries to scam you the Contract can't be read. I find it tragic though, the number of "so called" Graduates who can't write or spell.

If its important enough to say, its important enough to include correct spelling and grammar.

Well put...

Readability does not equal credibility, but it is important especially in advertising.

Readability does not equal credibility, but it does influence it.

Perfect spelling and grammar will never make incorrect facts true, illogical conclusions correct, or a bad story good.

Poor spelling and grammar, however, have the power to make correct facts seem untrue, logical conclusions seem unbelievable, and good stories seem bad.

Of course grammar matters in advertising. If there are spelling or horrible grammar errors I would doubt the seriousness of the business.

I can't believe they needed a study to prove this.

Actually you need both.

I think so

Bad grammar, spelling discredits the advertiser.

OF COURSE....

I have to use a voice activated software to type because of hand/arm neuropathy. It makes a lot of errors I sometimes don't catch when writing things like this. However, when I write anything more important than this I never have errors in grammar, spelling etc. I'm an educated man, a scientist partnered to a retired school teacher. I don't trust or respect anything riddled with typos, gramatical errors or downright rotten English. It indicates that the writer was sloppy or worse, ignorant. If they want my attention they'd better put a little in themselves.

Yes if you see an ad for something written in proper english and good grammar you assume it's a credible company opposed to one that looks typed up by a 13 year old that texts "lyk diz qood". Also people can be grammar Nazis and wouldn't dare buy a product written improperly.