Should you let someone know they have spelling or grammatical errors in their pu

1. 68

   rgalloway56posted 12 years ago

   Should you let someone know they have spelling or grammatical errors in their published work?
   
   If, when you are reading a hub and you notice spelling and/or grammatical errors, should you politely tell the hubber, thinking they may be unaware?  Or should you just keep it to yourself?

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   chef-de-jourposted 12 years ago

   It's tricky sometimes because you don't want to step right in and point out all sorts of errors, especially if the hubber is new - you may frighten them and put them off for life! Then again if you politely and discreetly suggest they read through their hub a few times to check for errors they may really appreciate the advice. This could be done via email to save any blushes?
   I guess it depends on what sort of person you are! A direct person may just add a comment but I suspect most of us would just carry on reading and not put anything in the comment box. I know I spot quite a few errors here and there but admit I don't tell the hubber. I'd like to think they'll revise and get back to fix it.

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3. 71

   Twilight Lawnsposted 12 years ago

   If it is a person I know and admire as a writer, I let them know by e-mail.
   I am always glad to be told when i have made an error (or errors).  I make a heap of typographical errors, and I am so glad when someone has read through my stuff and cares enough to tell me.

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      rgalloway56posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I am the same way.  I would like to be given a "heads up" if someone spots an error, so I can fix it.  Maybe some people would take offense.  Thanks, we think alike!

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      Au faitposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I, too, would like to know when there is an error because mine are the only eyes that see it before it is published and after a while, they do not always see mistakes.  Think your suggestion of a private email is the best way to go.

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   floriferousposted 12 years ago

   Only if you are the editor or if the writer has asked.
   Unsolicited proofreading or critiques don't go over well for many writers, so unless you know the person and you're comfortable a little friendly nudge won't hurt their ego or your relationship with them, I'd stay clear.
   
   If the piece is very bad, isn't there a flagging system.

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      DrMark1961posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I would really appreciate it as one reason I am here is to learn. I just noticed a spelling error that should have been obvious but I have breezed over it several times. No one has ever mentioned it to me but I´m sure it has been noticed.

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      rgalloway56posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I realize some are sensitve about their writing, but I hope that most people would take it in the manner in which it is intended and that is, just to bring it to their attention, so they can make the correction before too many others read it.

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      floriferousposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I don't think I'd offer corrections to a total stranger. Yes, when bad writers are left to their own devices it can hurt the whole ship, but I prefer to worry about my own proofreading. Perhaps I'm the sensitive one.

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   junksellerposted 12 years ago

   If a writer is producing content that is more than conversational and so professional or at least semi-professional, I would think they would mind having publications with mistakes more than they would mind having themselves corrected.
   
   I don't mind being corrected. In fact I hope people would. Better that than continue to have people read it and think I'm an idiot.
   
   If possible I would send a correction as an email or post the correction as a separate comment so it can later be erased once the author makes the correction.

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      rgalloway56posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Very well stated.  I like how you explained it.  Thank you.

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   rtburroughs2posted 12 years ago

   Let me put this another way; take a subject that you know little to nothing about, now conduct a search on that subject. What kind of results do you want? Do you want misspelled words, grammatical errors, and incoherent sentences. Or do you want clear, concise, easy to read sentences? Every author should treat their work as if they are the reader. As an answer to your question, tread lightly, Maybe suggest the proper rewording. For example "your may be spelled correctly, but in this instance the contraction you're is what is needed." This actually comes up quite a lot. Don't be as hard as an English Teacher, but major flaws should be discreetly pointed out.

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   jackcoburnposted 12 years ago

   maybe through a private message. It could be kind of humiliating for the person as well as scare readers away potenially if you just comment the mistakes on the hub.

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      fosgingerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      completely agree, people today have gotten to be so touchy about their writing that it could put them on a emotional roller coaster.Confidence is key. Thumps up Jack.

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      jackcoburnposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Cheers!
      I know what you mean, personally if it happened to me I wouldn't be affected but depending on how they wrote it, it may seem their just posting to seem clever or to boost their ego.

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      anupmaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Very true. I agree with you. This is the best way to convey.

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   mjkearnposted 12 years ago

   Hi rgalloway,
   
   I for one would love someone to be able to contact me to address mistakes, privately of course, as the comments capsule would not be the place for this and apart from possible arguments, wouldn't do anything for hub quality.
   
   At present, I wouldn't contact a hubber for this reason as I wouldn't know how they would receive the message and at the end of the day we are all here to help one another and the community.
   
   But a system may be coming!
   
   The sensitivity of this issue is being addressed by HP as we speak and they are looking for volunteers to test this system.
   
   As I don't like receiving or posting, links, I'll simply explain where to find this. Mouse over "explore" and click "forums". Left hand side of page under heading "HubPages Official", click "Official Hubpages Announcements".
   
   Scroll down to "Would you like to test a community edit feature?"
   posted by Simone Smith.
   
   Click on this and you will find the details and a link to apply.
   
   I have applied and hope this feature becomes reality. I go Google eyed, ha, proof reading my own hubs and fresh eyes would be fantastic.
   
   This would be a great improvement and quality feature for all, as long as the "unhelpful, I'm better than you", group, stay away,
   MJ.

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      rgalloway56posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Ahhh!  GREAT!  I was not aware of that feature on HubPages.
      I am thankful you answered this question, so I might take advantage of the community edit. Thanks for sharing this!

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      mary615posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I have also applied for this feature.  I'd love to edit!

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   arksysposted 12 years ago

   if i see too many errors i keep it to myself ... but if its just one or two errors in a good hub then i "contact the author" and let them know in a private email.
   pointing out mistakes in the comments section is not a good idea as it drops the value of the authors efforts and lowers their morale.

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10. 95

    mary615posted 12 years ago

    Other Hubbers have emailed me to tell me of a an error (one was in the title!) .  I really appreciated that.  I have done the same thing for other Hubbers.  I think most of us appreciate it, because we just can't always see our own mistakes.

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11. 0

    DoItForHerposted 12 years ago

    Most people hate the grammar police, but I love it. It's a funny way to learn how to write better.
    
    I recently commented on a Hub about how the author was name calling (calling people idiots, etc.), and his use of vulgarity (dropping the "f" bomb- on Hubpages!). All he did was disagree with me because of my inferences that I didn't infer. Basically, he made up stuff to deflect his terrible prose.
    
    This wasn't a grammar issue, but any unsolicited advice on writing seems to be hard to take.
    
    I wish I was lambasted with comments on how to improve my grammar. Well, maybe that's too strong a word. But comments are welcome in the form of messages; otherwise, it could disrupt the flow of the Hub.

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    ashish04joshiposted 12 years ago

    This is one dilemma I too face at times. Yes, I do intimate the hubber about the mistake and ask him/her to delete the comment if they wish once they've read it.
    
    But only after posting my true views about the hub, so that I can know if the comment gets posted straightaway. In that case, I would p.m. the hubber may be.
    
    It happens, I understand. But it's in our goodwill to let them know politely of the mistake.

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