Hi Penny, when I stumbled on the Oxfordians web pages, quite by accident (I was actually trying to find out what exactly a Rhodes Scholar was) being a curious sort, I read most of what they had , and then being somewhat hooked in, I checked out Bacon, Derby, Raleigh, Marlowe, and the rest of the suspects. It's been fun reading the whole thing - and having not ONE IOTA of bias either way, I never once was compelled to say "How dare they...?"
Great thing about the net is that you can see all the pertinent evidence in one (very long ) sitting. Makes it easier to dismiss the stuff that seems just plain silly, or especially the arguments put forward by folks who could lose their important academic credibility by changing their minds and supporting another side.
You're right about those who think that genius must have upper-crust beginnings, but that seems to be a minor part of the DeVere platform. The most intriguing bit of information for me so far is that in Shakepeare's will, not ONE book (not even a bible) or ANYTHING connected to writing is mentioned. I have known far too many writers (songs, books, plays, etc.) and even the most minor of them treasured their accumulated library. I find it a fun mystery - and since I don't care who wins,(?) will continue to be entertained by it.
Sorry to complicate your "thought of the day" Kat, my love, but you know us Mudcatters - we WILL muddy the waters!
rick