At first the thought of being your own editor is a dream come true; you get to say what you want when you want how you want all the time. It’s one of the top reasons why a number of bloggers ditch the big conglomerates and start their own; it’s very entrepreneurial if you think about it.
And that’s the beauty of blogging.
But, I can’t help but think how a number of people really do need a good editor before they hit publish; some of the stuff they write and say could have been tempered or edited a bit to communicate more effectively what they were trying to say. Or, it could have saved them from saying something they’d eventually regret.
You see, I think a lot of the times we forget that we’re both writers and editors and how many are one but not the other; it’s rare to find a person who’s good at both.
It doesn’t hurt to have someone review those posts; I think this doubly applies in ministry.
What do you think?
[Image from Ann]
Faye says
In any situation, when publishing, it's best to have someone checking over your content. As a believer, I think it's an imperative! We're still people and we can get emotional and even have meltdowns… and having someone to check against can prevent us ending up smearing egg on the face of the Kingdom.
However, if we all used editors, we wouldn't have even those wonderful church bulletin bloopers, would we?
"Low Self-Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 to 8:30 p.m. Please use the back door."
"Ushers will eat latecomers."
"Don't let worry kill you off – let the church help."
"Pastor is on vacation. Massages can be given to church secretary."
Yeah.
Phillip Gibb says
My problem is that I hate reading what I have just written because – to me – it is like peeling my potatoes twice. If I do review/edit my work; I find myself taking shortcuts because I begin with a bias of understanding that will work again me.
Yet, I have found that if I come back to my work – after a long time – them I find myself being more objective – and far less critical.
klreed189 says
I am the exact same way, I hate reading my stuff after I have written. I am ready to be done and move on.
Jim says
You sound familiar? Are you new here? Have I seen you here before?
{sarcasm…yummy sarcasm}
klreed189 says
I really struggle with Grammar and editing. So much so that someone actually asked me if they wanted me to review my post before I published them. I was very thankful. I always wanted someone to read my post and help me out but was always afraid to ask because it seemed pretty trivial and silly to have someone help you with your blog.
But I am really glad someone has taken the time to help me out. In return my writing and editing has actually gotten better as well.
Jim says
I totally agree. I think this could also be a related post to when you've written about planning ahead for posts, rather than writing just for the day. I recently read about how both Chris Brogan and Eugene Cho prepare for blog articles. I came away inspired by the diligence. And again, like you've written before, the pressure that you feel to produce without planning is all in your head. There is no pressure. I do find there are time constraints and plenty of excuses (and distractions).
Just wanted you to know that I comment and listen.
dewde says
Agree 100%. Great observation.
peace | dewde
Chad says
I also agree 100%. I've seen what a good editor can do and am thankful for what they can offer.
Duncan Robinson says
Dude I totally need an editor sometimes with my blog posting, I range between stream of consciousness and deeply researched blogging depending on my week, most of the time I use WAY more words than I need, I need a little editing guru.
Nate Beaird says
I find myself needing someone to double-check most of my designs to see if I've misspelled words. To me, words stop being words, and start being elements to the design, so it's not uncommon for me to misspell the easiest of words. I hate it!
Bahamabob says
I am a first timer here. I agree. One caveat is this: the brand new blogger needs to find a voice that is completely his. The issue is authenticity. Not much is at stake when only a few read your blog. As it grow, I see the usefulness. I get tired of just catching typos and WordPress mistakes so I want to move out of there fast.
So, the bigger the more needed. Also, paying for editors is hard for most new bloggers. Way before I get 10,000 hits, I will have an editor. It is really fun not having one, don't you all think?(Until the big "mistake" comes:-) Also I hope for a day when there is not such judgment to require the "correct" speak. That is what blogs bring to the Body-to speak as the court jester perhaps?
Graham Brenna says
I couldn't agree more. I've been having a good friend of mine who now works on staff with me review my more "riskay" posts before I hit publish.