Proof Readfing
Posted: Sun Feb 03, 2008 8:12 pm
Yes, the "f" was intentional If you're wondering what "f" I'm talking about, it's the "f" in the word "reading," located in my subject line.
I'm posting this because I'm curious about the need (or desire,) for proof-readers online? I run across all kinds of errors when I read web copy, and occasionally I'm even tempted to write to the owner to let them know about the errors I found. I say, "I'm tempted." I never have actually written anyone before, for a couple of reasons.
#1. They didn't ask me to. And because they didn't, I might end up wasting my time (I hate doing that,) or they might even be offended. (None of my business, right?)
#2. In all honesty, it's no skin off my back if their copy has errors. For all I know, they put them right where they are intentionally, just as I did with my "f.' (I doubt it - but anything is possible.)
My point, is whether they want to know about them or not, the errors are there. And it's my opinion they probably aren't aware of them in the first place, otherwise they'd have corrected them before I found them.
I'm not only talking about minor spelling errors or even punctuation. Lord knows I've made many of those errors myself. Though I do try to at least take the time to check my spelling when I believe it's crucial to do so. And the truth, is I don't really mind a spelling error or two when I read someone else's copy anyway. Generally the error is so minor I just figure it was missed. No biggy. (It's usually pretty obvious they at least tried to make sure their copy was error free.)
On the other hand, if there are lots of spelling errors, that will unquestionably kill any chance of me clicking further into a website. In those cases (way too many in my opinion,) I can't help but think one of two things. 1.) the person who wrote the copy isn't fluent in English, which always concerns me. AND/Or -- 2.) They didn't care enough about their e-business offering enough to take the time to ensure their copy was error free. (Why should I or anyone else care about their offering if they don't?)
Concerning those who aren't fluent in English, if they wish to market to English speaking people, I would consider it a cost of doing business for them to do whatever is necessary to ensure their copy is written for English speaking people to understand.
Broken English in the written word, is, in my opinion, much, MUCH worse than broken English while speaking. At least when you're listening to someone who speaks in broken English, in the majority of situations (for example; over the phone,) you have an immediate opportunity to ask for clarification. In written words, particularly on the web, there's little chance anyone is going to take the time to contact you asking for clarification. Personally, I simply move on.
Since I'm a newer member here at SSWT, I've been reading posts in an attempt to not only learn what I can through others here but also to try to get to know some of the members, as I know there are some brilliant minds behind many of the posts I'm reading. Therefore, I've been visiting alot of member websites, and I have to tell you, I've come across a bunch of really fantastic resources!
At the same time, though, I've also found a number of member websites that have easily correctable errors, and for the life of me, I can't figure out why they haven't corrected them?
Example:
One members site (it's actually for those interested in purchasing copy writing services,) has an error that I believe could lose the owner sales. I was completely turned off by the error myself. Not only because the error existed -- but more importantly, because the owner is promoting a service I would expect to be error free.
The error in this case has to do with a "limited time offer." The problem, is the offer ended over a month ago but the copy hasn't been updated to reflect that change.
At this stage the copy is essentially sending the following message to everyone who reads it: "You missed out on this great opportunity to get my extra special offer at a discounted price BUT hey, go ahead and buy it now for the full price!"
Would you buy at the full price now, knowing the offer being promoted ended a month ago, yet now you'll have to pay full price? I know I wouldn't!
Your thoughts?
I'm posting this because I'm curious about the need (or desire,) for proof-readers online? I run across all kinds of errors when I read web copy, and occasionally I'm even tempted to write to the owner to let them know about the errors I found. I say, "I'm tempted." I never have actually written anyone before, for a couple of reasons.
#1. They didn't ask me to. And because they didn't, I might end up wasting my time (I hate doing that,) or they might even be offended. (None of my business, right?)
#2. In all honesty, it's no skin off my back if their copy has errors. For all I know, they put them right where they are intentionally, just as I did with my "f.' (I doubt it - but anything is possible.)
My point, is whether they want to know about them or not, the errors are there. And it's my opinion they probably aren't aware of them in the first place, otherwise they'd have corrected them before I found them.
I'm not only talking about minor spelling errors or even punctuation. Lord knows I've made many of those errors myself. Though I do try to at least take the time to check my spelling when I believe it's crucial to do so. And the truth, is I don't really mind a spelling error or two when I read someone else's copy anyway. Generally the error is so minor I just figure it was missed. No biggy. (It's usually pretty obvious they at least tried to make sure their copy was error free.)
On the other hand, if there are lots of spelling errors, that will unquestionably kill any chance of me clicking further into a website. In those cases (way too many in my opinion,) I can't help but think one of two things. 1.) the person who wrote the copy isn't fluent in English, which always concerns me. AND/Or -- 2.) They didn't care enough about their e-business offering enough to take the time to ensure their copy was error free. (Why should I or anyone else care about their offering if they don't?)
Concerning those who aren't fluent in English, if they wish to market to English speaking people, I would consider it a cost of doing business for them to do whatever is necessary to ensure their copy is written for English speaking people to understand.
Broken English in the written word, is, in my opinion, much, MUCH worse than broken English while speaking. At least when you're listening to someone who speaks in broken English, in the majority of situations (for example; over the phone,) you have an immediate opportunity to ask for clarification. In written words, particularly on the web, there's little chance anyone is going to take the time to contact you asking for clarification. Personally, I simply move on.
Since I'm a newer member here at SSWT, I've been reading posts in an attempt to not only learn what I can through others here but also to try to get to know some of the members, as I know there are some brilliant minds behind many of the posts I'm reading. Therefore, I've been visiting alot of member websites, and I have to tell you, I've come across a bunch of really fantastic resources!
At the same time, though, I've also found a number of member websites that have easily correctable errors, and for the life of me, I can't figure out why they haven't corrected them?
Example:
One members site (it's actually for those interested in purchasing copy writing services,) has an error that I believe could lose the owner sales. I was completely turned off by the error myself. Not only because the error existed -- but more importantly, because the owner is promoting a service I would expect to be error free.
The error in this case has to do with a "limited time offer." The problem, is the offer ended over a month ago but the copy hasn't been updated to reflect that change.
At this stage the copy is essentially sending the following message to everyone who reads it: "You missed out on this great opportunity to get my extra special offer at a discounted price BUT hey, go ahead and buy it now for the full price!"
Would you buy at the full price now, knowing the offer being promoted ended a month ago, yet now you'll have to pay full price? I know I wouldn't!
Your thoughts?