Chapter 1 in Creative Editing discusses how copy editing has undergone significant changes since it first came into existence. They have had to adapt to the everchanging world of technology. According to Mike Gasher, "[this] strategy allows companies to reduce labour, administrative and material costs, to use the same media content across several media outlets, to attract increased advertising by providing advertisers with package deals for one-stop shopping for a number of media platforms and to increase brand recognition and brand loyalty among audiences through cross-promotion and cross-selling." The chapter discusses the qualities that a copy editor must possess, such as objectiveness, awareness, confidence, and basically the same kinds of traits that a good journalist possesses. Copy Editors must also have a very good understanding of the laws that pertain to their occupation (libel laws, slander laws), otherwise they run the risk of being sued. Copy editors have also been subject to a major increase in their responsibilities due to the major influx of technology. Their responsibilities include:
- Correcting grammer and spelling.
- Making adjustments to the style of the writing to make it more interesting for the reader.
- Checking accuracy on facts in the piece of writing, and dealing with potential legal issues.
- Keeping a professional tone for their publications.
OUR TAKE ON THE CHAPTER
We felt that this chapter did an excellent job of capturing the essence of a copy editor and what a copy editor does for a news publication. It is interesting to see how far copy editing has come from having very limited responsibilities to becoming a whole plethora of jobs. After reading this chapter, we found that we recognized and appreciated all the hardships and contributions that a copy editor bring to the news world.
You have an interesting view on the former duties of a copy editor in comparison to their duties today. However, we feel that copy editing was likely much more difficult in the past, due to the fact that there are many more technical resources available today. (ex. Spell Check, Photoshop, etc...)
ReplyDeleteMegan Perras and Ricki Cundliffe
We as a group feel that Kevin, Steven and Aden had a good grasp of vocabularly. We especially appreciated the correct use of the word "plethora". We do have some constructive criticism for them though. At first glance, the blog is not scannable (as Karen Zyphchn would say!). A better break up of text at the beginning of the blog would have been beneficial. Also, the quote was a bit too long, and not given proper context. Overall, though, a very good understanding of the first chapter of the textbook.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Katrine, Shannon, Jenn and Pammy