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Not sure which I meant, it is a confusing standard these two words are ruled by. I did mean to use "Effected" instead of "Affected". When I ran the word checker it did not bring into question the uses, probably because both words are correct spelling. Yet, word spellers are not good at deciding what correct grammar is used in some cases. The proper uses of the past tense of these two words can be confusing, even for computer grammar checking software. if a verb or a noun of this word is needed, spell checkers are lost.

I do understand the differences, but even at that they can be deceiving when trying to decide which one should be used. I hate global warming discussions, but let us take it for an example, shall we? Both words can be interchangeable, but they can change the meaning somewhat of the sentence, where intent of the sentence is effected.

I could say:

The use of fossil fuels and the destruction of forests has brought about (effected) climate change.

I could also logically say:

The use of fossil fuels and the destruction of forests has influenced or made a difference regarding (affected) climate change.

However, to really get you thinking, I could argue that while some claim fossil fuels destruction of forests has (Affected/Effected) climate change, others would claim there is no connection between the two, because only the sun can actually affect climate change by effecting the weather patterns, not the use of fossil fuels. (This one is tricky!)

All that to say, I am still unsure if I used the correct word or not. However, the main point is, my use of effected, truly affected your responses. Yet, it can be said correctly that Jim Robinson's effect on political discussion since the late 1990s, has even affected the financial status of many by allowing free debate to take place.

See how you effected my evening by protesting my use of a word that could possibly be argued, by the best English instructors, to be one of the most difficult spellings to nail down depending upon the point being made?

Have at it gentlemen, because before I hit post, I ran this whole comment through 4 different spelling and grammar software programs, and not a single error was flagged.