From TimTim.com
Writing can be very difficult to judge, as many factors are subjective (what an individual thinks) as opposed to objective (independent of thought or individual preference, such as rules of grammar). In guaranteeing the quality of writing, it’s important to constitute exactly what you’re guaranteeing. (more…)
I’ve had this happen to me on numerous occasions, but last week’s occurrence made me question why it transpires. Due to the fact I have an English degree (or that some consider me a writer or editor), I have to be able to recite every single rule of grammar, know how to spell and remember the definition of every word, and never mess up while writing or speaking. Why?
Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m flattered that most of the people that know me come to me for advice about these things or expect this kind of perfection, but from time to time I might not be able to come through. I know, I know…I can feel your disappointment via the Web.
So, I’m not so much upset at this (unless you want to tell me, “But I thought you were an English major?” after I mess up), but I’m more curious. I’m curious to know if there are any other industries or professions that generate the same type of you-need-to-know-everything mentality from others. I thought about this for a while and came up with a small list of vocations that, if someone were to do for a living, I would expect near flawlessness (with my letdown in parenthesis).
I know there are others, but these examples are loosely based on individuals I’ve met in life. However, I would like to hear your experiences with this topic. Are you a writer that has others expecting you to be a cross between Merriam-Webster and Google? Are you within a different industry with similar expectations of excellence? Please leave a comment below and tell us your story.
P.S. One great thing about my trade is that I can mess up two plus two and say, “Sorry, I’m just an English major” and people will nod their head affirmatively and respond, “Oh, okay” and all is forgiven. Wait. That’s not a good thing, is it?
Luis D. Bonilla
luis@wordszilla.com
Wordszilla, LLC
I’ve noticed that some websites have mistakes in their text, but it doesn’t have to do with the person who wrote it. Many times, it seems that the webmaster or individual who copied the text onto the actual webpage is the one who made the wrong keystrokes.
Perhaps there are two or three spaces in between words or you have an incorrect HTML code for a symbol (i.e., the ampersand or a copyright character). Items such as these may not derive from the writer of the content, but they will still be flaws when read by your website’s visitors.
Here are some tips that I’ve come up with to help prevent typos and mistakes in HTML:
Do you have any other ideas on how to avoid HTML code mistakes? Leave a message below and share your thoughts.
Luis D. Bonilla
luis@wordszilla.com
Wordszilla, LLC
I was talking with a colleague last week about how frustrating it is for me to be reading an article (i.e., ezine.com), a “professional” blog post, or anything else online that is written with the intent of being considered reputable and finding a considerable amount of errors or jumbled thoughts. It’s not only the fact that many online articles contain mistakes and are poorly written, but that people don’t seem to care that it’s happening.
You wouldn’t expect to read newspapers, magazines, books, or other forms of media with misspellings or broken English, so why is it okay for the Internet? I understand that basically anyone with an Internet connection can write and “publish” online articles and not everyone can clearly state ideas. And I’m not saying that I’m for the regulation of online material.
I suppose that I’m so used to reading articles from respectable sources (both online and in print) that when I come across someone trying to teach me something online but can’t convey the message effectively due to the ineptitude of basic English, then I struggle to take what is said seriously.
Am I the only one who feels like this? Should printed articles and online articles be read with different expectations? I’d like to hear your ideas. Leave a comment below and let me know how you feel about reading printed materials and online articles.
Luis D. Bonilla
luis@wordszilla.com
Wordszilla, LLC
I only have one really good question to answer this time around (I’ve been bombarded with spam comments and emails). Until questions from readers increase, I’ll probably just answer the best available question.
Q. What is the difference between your custom writing service and your ghostwriting service?
—Anonymous, USA
A. For those that want a more in-depth description of the custom writing service, you may visit our main website. Basically, this service is divided into two parts: a rewrite and full creation.
Wordszilla’s rewrite service is for those that have existing content and/or ideas, but need assistance finalizing or professionalizing their text. I would say it is an enhancement of your concept.
The full creation writing service works best for those that do not have anything developed and require ideas along with creative, customized text. The client doesn’t have to provide any information, and we will research and create the concept ourselves (although the client is more than welcome to provide ideas and insight). The writing projects that fall into this category are website text, blogs, online articles, product reviews, and other similar content.
Now, the ghostwriting service is geared toward books (i.e., non-fiction, autobiographical, self-help, etc.), articles, or other texts that will require extensive research and a verbal interview with the client, as well as other unforeseen specifications desired by the client. I, as the ghostwriter, will work more closely with the client to ensure that the project stays focused.
Closing
As always, comments and questions are welcome. You may leave them on this blog post below or email us at feedback@wordszilla.com.
Luis D. Bonilla
luis@wordszilla.com
Wordszilla, LLC