Why do some posters here feel inclined to over-complicate the simplest crap to the point of verbal diarrheal absurdity?

No one in particular TruthSeeker.

I am working on my vocabulary as we speak. I think big words will help me get my thoughts out. :)

Besides they make you look smart.

Ask Tiassa

One of my qualities, according to this test on the Internet, is being able to explain complicated theories in a simple way. In other words I cut out the waffle unlike many others. Sometimes it's nice to use big words though for the reasons Absane mentioned. But I agree it can get troublesome when people write a paragraph that could be summed up in a single sentence. In fact I've had to put up with that over a two year religion and philosophy course...

Succint should be the keyword in these forums. 2 short paragraphs at the very most, unless it's something really interesting and perhaps witty to read.

our expansive vocabulary is the result of the need for details and accuracy. you might look in a thesaurus to see words that mean the same thing, but they will always be slightly different in implications. i think by using so many words (while still keeping the idea coherent) and by detailing as much as you can, you are better able to convey an idea as it is in your head. this way there is less to be left up to interpretation.

Just because you dont understand the words being used doesnt mean that person is intentionally trying to sound smart by trying to confuse the reader. In many cases the use of large words (which ARE necessary) can be abused.
I too would rather see ideas expressed in a trimmed down matter, but because of the fact that many of the forums on this board are ideas under construction, things can get a little sticky at times. It is hard to convey clearly an idea which is not fully constructed, especially when you have 10 other people contributing.

Not everybody is cut out to be a philosopher.

We named our children after towns that we've never been to
And it's true that the clouds just hung around
Like black Cadillacs outside a funeral
And we were laughing at the stars while our feet clung tight to the ground
So pleased with ourselves for using so many verbs and nouns
But we were all still just dumb dumb dumber than the dirt dirt dirt on the ground
Well wings on flames
Kings with no names
Well this place just ain't got air right now
You were so all over town but still Crayola brown
Well you should run round yourself right now
And we were done done done with all the fuck fuck fuckin' around, circlin' round
--Black Cadillacs--Modest Mouse--

You know, coming back to sciforums and trying to become a serious contributor has inspired me to buy a book on vocabulary. It is quite frustrating when I need to look up words all the time I do not know. But it is more frustrating trying to convey my ideas with my limited vocaculary and rhetoric. At times it feels like I have created scribble.