I Hate Typos
I make my living as a writer, but this does not mean that my written work is flawless. In fact I cringe when I read back and notice mistakes that have been made with posts on this blog. One reader left a comment today mentioning evidence of poor grammar and spelling. I felt so embarrassed. To make matters worse they were referring to one of my more popular posts and it has been there online for almost a year!
All writers make these typos, but they are usually caught in the editing process. The problem for me is that I usually add my posts on here at the end of a long work day. Sometimes I only manage a quick edit before hitting the publish button. I don’t see the mistakes because mentally I’ve already started tucking into my evening meal. It probably sounds like I’m making excuses here, but that’s just the way it is. This blog is hugely important to me, but it would probably be fair to say that at times I’ve been sloppy. I would love to go back over all my posts and check for mistakes, but I just don’t have the time.
If any reader does spot a mistake please feel free to tell me. It is not going to crush my self-esteem because I already make my living as a writer – I can’t be that bad. It is my job and I want to at least look professional. I just hate the idea of these typos being left as evidence of my sloppiness. I will try to be more careful in the future 🙂
I’m a horrible proof reader of my own work I see the construction of my sentences in my head, sometimes don’t notice till I’ve read them later that I’ve made typos & grammar inconsistencies. I notice other peoples flaws right away. Take solace it happens to everyone. 🙂
That’s the problem right there Eul. During proof reading I will actually see what I think I’ve written and not what I’ve actually written. For work I use text to speech software to check for errors, but I’ve had a much more relaxed attitude to editorial on here. I suppose it is because I don’t want to look upon this blog as work.
Dear Paul,
An interesting piece! You can take comfort in the fact that you at least are not afraid to acknowledge your mistakes.
The real problem in writing now I think is not simple typos but writers who cannot use homophones properly. The worst examples are “there/their” and “your/you’re” but I am sure we can all give other examples.
I have often seen this in articles written by professional journalists who (presumably) were paid to write them. As you say, for a blog, written for your own enjoyment, there is less pressure to be perfect.
Hi Stewart, I think when people start their career in writing their work can be such a precious thing. Sometimes it is important for me to remember that just because I have written something below par does not mean I’m a bad writer. I’m sure even J.K. Rowling has her off days I suspect that any writer who relies too heavily on their writing for their self-esteem is in for a bumpy ride 🙂
Hi Paul,
It’s nice that you have this constructive and open-minded attitude. It’s that we sometimes overlooked but what matter is the thought and your blogs are that well-read.
All the Best!
Thank you Lyka.
Hey Paul,
Ditto.I’m fine to look over other people’s work, is just my own that is troublesome.
My new policy, which is working better, is to delay publishing a post for 5-10 minutes, during which I do something else before returning with fresh eyes for a final proof.
Typos happen to everyone but I agree that it isn’t nice to have them pointed out.
Hi Jon, delaying is a good idea. I just get this itchy finger to press the publish button so that I can move onto something else. I’ll just need to fight against that itch.
Hey Paul
Found your blog while browsing through G for treatment centre’s in Thailand. Glad I did, well interesting! Just back from volunteering in Thailand myself and met quite a few recently ex residents of Thamkrabok, all had nothing but positive remarks. Anyway, sorry this post is about typo’s so I’ll stick to the subject! 🙂 Typo’s for me show the human factor in a writer, I notice them but my eyes usually just skip over them as I know what the writer is trying to say. I’ve read a few of yur <–oops articles and the typos are few and far between! Keep up the great info Paul, typo's n all!
Best,
Angus
Nice to hear from you Angus. I’m glad you got to met some of the Thamkrabok success stories. Fair play to you for doing some volunteer work in Thailand.