The lack of use of punctuation can change the entire meaning of a sentence. It seems that text speak is taking over the written word, especially in forums like this one. I believe that if you want to get your point across, use proper punctuation, spelling and capitals where they belong. The lack of use also conveys that a stupid person typed it. We all make mistakes while typing but you can tell when someone is just taking shortcuts because they're lazy.
In the past, I have been accused of being a "grammar Nazi". I actually think that using correct grammar, punctuation and spelling make writings easy to read and understand. The correct use of the apostrophe is actually very important. I will defend the apostrophe until my dying breath (or until I get bored with being a Nazi).
If I were to say
This is a picture of Kathryns
is it different than saying "This is a picture of Kathryn."
or than saying "This is a picture of Kathryn's."
The first says the people; in the picture are all named Kathryn, the second says the person in the picture is named Kathryn,
the third is possessive.. This picture belongs to Kathryn.
Correct punctuation, spelling, grammar and syntax are only important if you want to be understood. If you're only interested in getting words on a page fast, and don't care if people know what you're talking about, write any way you like. It's your choice.
Me? I vote for clarity. Vive l'apostrophe!
Of course they are important. Especially with the more written communication we have nowadays. If you aren't speaking people cannot tell by inflection your meaning. To compose a written sentence correctly gets your meaning across.
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