I think some people do it because they get into the habit while using 'instant message' kinds of communication. My son is a very articulate person and a good writer. He has no desire to be 'cool' in the sense that Murray implies.

But I have seen him carry on as many as eight simultaneous conversations through instant messages, and the only way to do that is to abbreviate things a bit. I have to admit that reading posts like that is a bit difficult for me and it takes me longer, but I can understand how some people might get into that habit.

I'm curious to know when it's going to stop being 'kewl' to behave condescendingly and patronizingly toward Matt R.