First off, "obligated" isn't a word. The word is "obliged".
Hugh --
I frequently agree with what you have to say, but have trouble with the way that you are saying it. I worry that your rhetoric gets in the way of your point. I love that you are offering a refreshing opinion, but it would be great if you could do it in a less offensive manner.
To wit, saying "First off X isn't a word" is offensive and impolite even if you are right. There are many non-English speakers in this forum, and being pedantic where the meaning is clear is counter-productive. In this case it's even worse, because you are pedantic and wrong. This makes it hard for me (and presumably others) to consider the point you are making without prejudice. I think I actually I agree with what you are saying, but now I have to worry that others will tar me with the same brush.
Hugh --
I frequently agree with what you have to say, but have trouble with the way that you are saying it. I worry that your rhetoric gets in the way of your point. I love that you are offering a refreshing opinion, but it would be great if you could do it in a less offensive manner.
To wit, saying "First off X isn't a word" is offensive and impolite even if you are right. There are many non-English speakers in this forum, and being pedantic where the meaning is clear is counter-productive. In this case it's even worse, because you are pedantic and wrong. This makes it hard for me (and presumably others) to consider the point you are making without prejudice. I think I actually I agree with what you are saying, but now I have to worry that others will tar me with the same brush.
Here's Merriam-Webster's dictionary on the distinction between "oblige" and "obligate": http://books.google.com/books?id=2yJusP0vrdgC&pg=PA675