Editing soft vs. hard copy (WAS: Guidelines for using "e" in fron t of terms?)

[Doug Grossman <Doug -dot- Grossman -at- sas -dot- com>]

I hate to say it, but I vehemently disagree with Point #2 as being very much an overgeneralization, and given without basis.

I didn't always edit on-line, but have been doing so exclusively for the past three years.  I'm definitely not one to blow my own horn too often, but I consider my straight editing skills to be *my* personal forte as a tech writer, and have been commended many times for my organization skills, grammar, comprehension of sometimes complex textual matter, and attention to detail.  It is not uncommon for me to have two errors or less in a 100-page document.  We all have our niche, and mine happens to be straight editing, for which (for some odd reason) I seem to possess a natural talent.  

Does this make me a great tech writer?  Heck, no.  If what I say is true, it makes me a great editor.  I could sure stand to hone the "tech" part of the title.  But that's another thread.  Or several threads.

BTW, I vehemently *agree* with Point #1.

--Doug, praying that he didn't make any typographical or grammatical errors in this post

-----Original Message-----
Don't be concerned. Editing is editing. At the risk of over-simplifying, the
only differences between hardcopy and on-line editing are:

1. On-line, you may have a spelling and grammar checker. Use them, but don't
imagine that your editing is over, or even accurate, after you have.

2. Practically no one edits on-line reliably. If you want to edit reliably
and thoroughly, print it out.

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