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Thursday, July 11, 2013

Life Editing & Proofing


 
I was interested in a religious title I had noticed when I registered on the Universal Life Church minister’s website.  At that time I asked the membership what the prefix to one minister's title, NCO, stood for.  For me, as retired military, I knew it probably wasn’t Non-Commissioned Officer, and I was right.  I was informed it stood for New Catholic Order.  This morning I had a moment to look them up on the web.  For those Catholics that haven’t, you may find it interesting especially if you are losing your faith in Catholicism.

I noted, though, they had some proofing and editing issues.  Most sites that aren't in the business of doing business seem to suffer the same failings as my own order.  They seem to drop the ball when it comes time to edit and proofread much of what they print for public consumption.  If your aim is to attract backward country folk, this is probably nothing to worry about.  They probably can't spell and wouldn't notice anyway.  I say this with all love, my true roots being in Mississippi.  But this lack of attention to detail can give the educated person reason for pause.

It could just be me, but I would think if your aim is to offer an alternative to something, you would want to put your best foot forward and try to entice not only the common man, but a learned body of folk that would help drive the movement forward and give it credibility that will assist in making it sustainable.

I have noted this problem in many blogs and sites. My intent is not to critique the NCO or my own order, they are just an example of something we don't do well.  I try to take great care in my blog to check grammar and spelling.  I check it on two different sites, then read it over again to ensure a correctly spelled word is actually the word I intended (a trap many of us fall into thanks to spellcheck).   I probably fail as the others do, but not for want of trying.  It is just wrong when you read something that blatantly screams, “We just didn’t care!”

I think this is also pertinent in our own lives.

When was the last time you proofed and edited your life?  I think I do this every time I tri-fold my underwear and towels, and when I ensure my shirts are all hung facing the same way with the hangers hooked forward over the rod.  I do this as I wash dishes while I cook so the kitchen is clean when the meal is ready, and when I adjust my tie just so to ensure I look my best.

Most would find this anal, and it probably is.  But, isn’t this how we keep our lives in check?

Back in the day, young men that were having problems adjusting to society were given the choice of jail or the military.  Many found military structure to be their savior and continued to serve decorated, lifelong, careers.

There is something to be said for structure, for proofing and editing, for crossing the t’s, and dotting the i’s.  I think it makes us better people in the long run.  I think it bring balance into our lives.

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