As you guys have undoubtedly noticed, of my many weaknesses, my penchant for typos is supreme. A few things that I want to be clear about:
1.) I take zero offense at being corrected. I'd rather have corrections not accompanied by sarcasm, but if I'm in the wrong, I'm in the wrong. If you point out something I've done that's grammatically incorrect, I'll gladly fix it--and thank you for doing so.
2.) I have no idea how my brain works, but I'm almost hardwired to fumble words and place commas where they don't belong. My magazine copy was never particularly clean, but I usually could hold it a few days, re-read it and catch most of the errors. I usually hold my blog posts a couple hours in hopes of doing the same. But, as you can imagine, it's not quite as effective.
3.) As you likely know, I'm working without an editor--thus errors will make their way into blog posts. If that's a deal-breaker for you, if the sheer number significantly detracts from your ability to enjoy the blog, then you probably should look elsewhere. I don't say that in defiance--I think it's perfectly defensible to throw up your hands and say, "Enough." I just know my own limits. I'm pretty good at seeing the world in different ways, not so good at presenting the world in a pretty package.
4.) I promise to get better. You're just going to have to trust me on this one guys. I'm actively working to make sure that my copy is cleaner and easier to read. My hope is that a year from now, you will see the difference. I know that this is a problem. I don't intend for it to remain one though.
5.) As always, thanks much for reading.
« One way for Palin to help McCain | Main | Worlds collide » A note about typos29 Aug 2008 04:38 pm Comments (23)
As long as you don't replace a certain "b" with a certain "s." You know, like saying "Alasama" when you mean "Alabama." But seriously, do people give you grief for typos? This is the web, typos are normal, and your prose is stylistically above the norm. 
I like the informal nature of your blog. The humor, dudes, ebonics etc. I don't give two Sh*ts if you put a comma in the wrong place. It seems like the internets have a bunch of those snarky jerkoffs that were in every class that loved to argue with the teacher about petty details and completely derail the class.
Chances are when someone is correcting your grammar/spelling, and they're hostile about it, it's not because they're offended by bad copy; it's because they disagree with you and have no counterargument. You learn this very early on when you argue on the intenet. It's pretty serious business.
You're a good writer, and need not apologize.
I think as an affirmative action pick, you are doing very well. You even spell the big words right usually. I'm proud.
Aw, I like you no matter what, typos or no. Please continue your awesomeness.
Well, I find typos rather charming. Honestly, I'd rather have access to you're insights (geddit?) than sterile, unimaginative, perfectly spelled blog posts. But good luck!
I don't have any moral outrage about typos; griping about them reminds me of "making a big election about small things." However, as a reader the road is smoother when typos aren't there.
"I'm in the wrong.If you point" Needs a space after the '.'.
Yeah, I copyedit and I've never been bothered by the spelling or grammar in this blog. That said, you've used the word "comprise" incorrectly a couple times, and it's my pet peeve, so I'll take this post as an invitation to educate. Remember, the whole comprises its parts, not the other way around. (You're in good company, at least. Bitch Ph.D made the same mistake this morning.)
Don't sweat the typos, Ta-Nehisi. If they bothered me, I would've given up on both you and Yglesias a LONG time ago. Just keep the insight and commentary coming, that's all I ask.
I'm one of those grinches who has in the past criticized your typos, and I really have to give you a lot of credit for understanding that for some of your readers it is important and does make a significant difference in the experience of reading your blog. You're great, Matt Yglesias, whose hipster ramblings you so gallantly rescued us from would NEVER have made a post like that. Thank you for your honesty and humility. And thank you for putting your audience first.
This is a blog after all. Are people actually complaining about grammar and typos?
You *do* realize who you replaced, right TNC? Your threshold for competence in the typo area is about as low as whoever's at FEMA these days.
Yours is such a good blog, I think, in part because you engage with us commenters and moderate the comments. It's very much appreciated and rare, especially at The Atlantic. Thanks for taking the time. Also, Marc is FAR worse not just in terms of typos but with pretentious, unreadably awkward sentences.
What Adam said.
I can't tell you how much I enjoy and appreciate your blog. It is one of the best examples of the form on teh intertubes. It's a sincere joy to read, even when I disagree with you.
I have commented about your typos before. To recap: 1) Personally, I never find the typos and grammatical errors distracting. I think I understand your points. 2) I prefer that the resources of "The Atlantic" go towards strong content such as yours rather than editors to proofread your work. 3) I prefer that your energy go towards the content and quality of your posts rather than inconsequential typos and grammatical errors, but if you feel it's an important thing to focus on, that's your prerogative. 4) Aren't typos kind of "tolerated"? I see them on so many of the blogs that I read!
Your doin a grate job. I has never noticed any typso or mispellings. Really enjoy the blog.
i'm going to repeat what a lot of people have said, but it's important that you hear it from a lot of people: what you have to say is worth reading regardless of the typos, and blogs are an on-the-fly form. besides, as an old timer, i remember the "underground" press, and like bloggers, they didn't worry about typos either....
Another copy editor here who doesn't give a shit about the typos.
OK, you guys are making me blush--as much as a black guy possibly can. Closing comments. Thanks Daniel, I mad the correction. Please correct me, whenever, on comprise. I don't think I fully get it yet.
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Doesn't worry me, TNC. The previous holder of your slot (a Matt something or other - I forget...), seemed to have about a 2nd grader's respect for spelling and correct punctuation. So if you are trying, you are an improvement!
Posted by JC | August 29, 2008 4:51 PM