I came in here after seeing the subject line planning to say something about never laughing at the misfortune (or goofs!) of others. I'm a journalist and make TONS of typos that keep my face red. But doggone, I couldn't help just a wee little smile at this one.
My own worse offense, and I have no idea why I do it, is forgetting the word "not"... it's the creepiest thing! Like if I want to type "I am certainly not upset" I often type so fast, I see it later that I typed "I am certainly upset" Ugh! So I think the language should ban the word "not" from the dictionary. Hey, I'm just saying!
- Des
I DO THAT ALL THE TIME!!! Of all the stupid words to leave out...the only tiny word that can completely FLIP the meaning of the sentence. I am so happy to hear I am not alone in this. Thanks, Destiny.
#12
SalesGuy
Many years ago I put out a publication (30k copies monthly) and without fail, even after proofing, I would scour through the new release just knowing that something was going to be messed up. For the most part my fears were unfounded.
#13
CarrieGee
Since we're sharing, I once submitted a short story for publication with a sentence that included, "... she shat on the couch". I meant "sat", of course, but the editor was a little iffy on me until I wrote back to her frantically, with that one small correction. Whoops!
#14
SalesGuy
Quote:
Originally Posted by CarrieGee
Since we're sharing, I once submitted a short story for publication with a sentence that included, "... she shat on the couch". I meant "sat", of course, but the editor was a little iffy on me until I wrote back to her frantically, with that one small correction.
Whoops!
#15
destiny
You're welcome, RainMaker... I'm tickled to know I'm not alone either! Ooops, there's another one, I remember writing "ticked" instead of "tickled" once. But yes, "not" changes the whole meaning and it can create some rather... uh... interesting situations!
- Destiny
#16
destiny
TOO funny, CarrieGee! I learned long ago that no matter how many times we proofread what we write, our eyes will often read what we *thought* we wrote and not what's actually there. Crazy thing, that! There are a few words with which I *really* have be careful.
- Destiny
#17
crassus
I know all about those misses conducted by the spellchecker, so I always look over my work closely. That is, if it is something important. My eyes were even more finely tuned after I took that editing class last semester.
#18
Eerie
Ha!
I don't use spellcheck very often. You're right, it often misinterprets one word for another, giving it an entire different meaning.
It does the same thing with certain styles of grammar. That's why you have to manually check each correction before you send a document!
#19
Dixon Hill
Good story Rainmaker...got a laugh out of me.
--Scott
#20
RainMaker
Don't laugh too hard....that might lead to incontinence!
There are a few words with which I *really* have be careful.