Does Spelling Count?

Does spelling count?  That used to be the big question.  What students meant was “will you be taking off points for misspelled words?”  While using technology in class now, the question is essentially, “do we have to spell words right on purpose?”  I frequently use an online discussion tool.  Many students use text speak and emoticons whenever they are using an online tool in their personal lives, be it social media or mobile.  Students have learned a variety of ways to make their words become their voice, including emoticons, CAPITAL LETTERS, and lots of punctuation!!!!!!  Some teachers allow that style of writing while using online discussion tools because it increases their excitement and engagement with the tool, freeing them to “learn the way they live,”    Other educators feel that if you are using the tool for a class students should be practicing proper writing skills at all times, including spelling, sentence structure, punctuation, etc. What do you think?  Does digital writing count?