Grammar Software: Where there's smoke...

We've been learning and reviewing grammar rules along with context and style considerations, presumably, in order to apply our writing skills to a career in which we are clear, concise, and professional writers, at a minimum. However, there is a software program called "WhiteSmoke" that from first glance appear to negate the need to retain these skills (http://www.whitesmoke.com/) or may possibly result in a reluctance to consistently adhere to good writing practices. I know that, for me, the use of spell check has brought about a diminished aptitude for spelling because I can resort to it if I type a series of letters that even closely resembles the word for which I intend to use.

This software goes well beyond the call of duty of your standard grammar and spell checking functions with an "innovative style checker [that] enhances sentences." Their webpage includes a list of FAQs, which includes inquires such as, "WhiteSmoke missed an error in my sentence. Why?" My answer: Well, because WhiteSmoke's Natural Language Processing (NLP) does not replace something known as the Broca’s area of the human brain. However, if an oversight of the software were to occur, one would be able to report the mistake to the company, and they would consider the information for future revisions. What has society resorted to if one would choose to use their time writing the makers of a software program that is intended to replace human intellect instead of taking that time to educate themselves and eliminate their dependency upon a software program to write well?

I had never heard of this software until I conducted an internet search on grammar this evening. Perhaps, you all are familiar with it and its uses. For all I know, this software could be widely accepted for its use in professional writing. Surely, companies wouldn't elect to use this software in place of editors who are able to access the context, determine the tone, and analyze sentences structure with a much higher level of reasoning. Ideally, this tool would be (as it may be) used to aid in the final revisions of a document and not relayed upon as an authority for writing. Obviously, software companies, such as this benefit from employing people who possess the skills that we are learning – something to keep in mind.