I think if someone takes the time to post a vanity, it's likely (depending on the content) that they aren't trolls. I occasionally go on other sites, and I'm appalled by the lack of grammar or spelling skills. Unless the person is hostile jackass, I won't play spelling nazi and embarass the poster.
Imo, trolls post inflammatory comments to existing threads.
The problem is that most of the folks here are very intelligent, and well educated. Their kids are the same, so when they see a crappy looking post, everyone yells "Troll"! My kids spelling skills, no matter how much I work with them, are pitifull. It doesn't mean they're democrats, however ;-)
LOL. Best of luck working with them. I homeschool, so I know what you mean. My efforts, however, regards my kids, center on the debate surrounding "the need for any education at all" (hope that doesn't mean they're dems). I always win...:-)
On the "vanity" thing... we might be onto something there. Granted, I've seen a few vanity threads that were intended to disrupt. They get zotted immediately, like the comment on this thread. But, here and there, they are usually cries for help. We should help them. On basic issues, we don't have to convince each other. The ones who need convincing shouldn't be summarily chased away.
As far as spelling and grammar, as far as posts here are concerned, the best way to make it better is through example, instead of berating. I agree completely. Thank you!