Yes, you ARE reading that highlighted section correctly!

We just added this little number to our Facebook album, Why the World Needs More Proofreaders.

Ever notice how ironic some of these proofing errors seem to be, for one reason or another? We never noticed that Satan was an anagram of Santa!

FWIW, while the sale at Dillards may include cloths (fourth line), it's likely that they meant clothes. It's a far less entertaining typo, but still more evidence that someone else needs to look these things over prior to publication.

We recently spotted this problematic shelf sign, and just had to share it as a cautionary tale. We inquired with the shop where this was discovered, and were told that these labels are provided by Aveda Corporate. It has been called to their attention, and it remains to be seen if it is addressed.

As we see it, one of two things happened here:

• Someone unfamiliar with the word 'chamois' was responsible for making the tags for this product, and it wasn't reviewed before being reproduced and distributed.
  
• A conscious decision was made to name the 'chamois cloth' a 'shammy cloth' on the assumption that it didn't matter or that no one knew otherwise anymore or -- some justification or other.

If the former, then clearly, the solution is to ensure that a well-read or otherwise disciplined group of people are producing written, client-facing material, such that errors will be discovered in a proofreading step that is always part of production.

If the latter, then the company (whether, in reality, a whole department or a single executive) preferred to run the risk of the pedestrian consumer thinking that the company had made a mistake as a trade-off for the consumers in their demographic who might not recognize the word 'chamois.'

From a marketing standpoint, as well as an educational one, we think that the down-side of looking imprecise is worse than the downside of using a term that someone may not know. After all, many of Aveda's products contain herbs and oils and whatnot that may not be immediately familiar to everyone who patronizes them. But, the company assumes that the professionals in their licensed shops will educate the consumer about these things. Why would the chamois cloth not fall into this same category?

Naturally, we are not suggesting that a company with a great reputation like Aveda is demonstrating an overall lack of care that one should project onto its products. Every once in a while, a mistake just slips by even the most diligent of people.

However, particularly for smaller businesses that do not have a national reputation preceding them, the safest route is to go the extra mile to eliminate errors. This avoids the danger that a prospective client may be turned off by the possibility of a slipshod way of doing things that extends into the business' work -- whether as an electrician or a health care provider or an IT professional.

We recently provided copy for the home page of our friends at YAY! Mail, a local provider of subscription-based communications services. 

The service is useful to both businesses and individuals who value the personal touch of a tangible item, sent through the regular mail, but need to harness the power of technology to get it done efficiently. And, let's be honest, making something simple often determines whether or not it gets done at all!

As fans of communication ourselves, we think it's a great idea. Click through to learn more about how YAY! Mail can both simplify and personalize maintaining contact with colleagues, clients, prospects, friends and family.

Martha and Herb got a surprise when perusing the weekly specials ~~

Here's a new gem just added to our Proofreaders Paradise album at Facebook.

Once upon a time, there was a grocery store manager/ owner/decision-maker who didn't think it was necessary to pay for proofreading....

Embellishments, a working artists' studio & gallery shop, recently began operations as part of the Pop-Up Artist leasing program at Milwaukee's Shops of Grand Avenue. 

The shop will focus primarily on jewelry in a range of styles from historical to steampunk to just plain funky, but will offer a variety of other handmade items as well, many produced on-site. Jewelry repairs are also available in the shop, performed by proprietress A.J. von Tauffkirchen.

Write and Polish, in addition to doing some other bits of marketing and publicity, this week set up a Facebook page for the establishment. It's early days, but if you like art and those who make it, jewelry, eclectic shops in the mall, or simply small business owners, follow the link at the beginning of this article or click the logo and "Like" the shop. Then, plan to stop by next time you're in the neighborhood.

Embellishments will throw a Grand Opening celebration on November 11th, with some introductory offers lasting through the remainder of the month. Further details will be forthcoming.

While social media like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and other networks may seem like a fad or something that "the kids are all into this week," they provide an unprecedented capacity to hang out a shingle, get the word out, and succeed, all on a small budget. 

Will today's social media turn into something else in 5-10 years? It's almost guaranteed that it will. 

Does that mean that investing resources right now in using existing media to build an audience for your business is a waste? Clearly, we think it does not. 

When the people are on Facebook and Twitter, use Facebook and Twitter. If they go somewhere else, then follow. And, don't be afraid to try out the next thing before everyone else does. There's far less value in being the last one to the party!

If using social media seems like a good idea, but is something you as a small businessperson have not had time for, contact us to talk about how Write and Polish can help. 

While conducting other business on the Internet, we came across a new subject for our Facebook rogues' gallery of language error and/or misuse.

Click on the picture to see the details of the situation -- though the CliffNotes version is that Old Navy shipped and sold these shirts without a necessary apostrophe in "Let's Go!!"

Retail goods and client-facing communication material need to be checked for these basic (and embarrassing) errors. Contact us to discuss your needs.