Always Double Check To Dot Your I's and Cross Your T's

Growing up years ago, the teachers that taught English constantly reminded us that the best friend to a person writing a composition is a wastebasket. The whole thought of reviewing your work and tossing it to the trash had a different level of meaning in those days. Back then, we used pen and paper or a typewriter. If you made many mistakes typing or had poor handwriting, it was in your best interest to start again. After all, you only have one opportunity to make a "first impression."

It Still Holds True To This Day

The popularity of the computer has changed the attitude of those that write or "do journalism," but should it encourage writers NOT to proofread their work? Stop and consider the following situation and YOU determine whether it is called for... You are a Sales Representative for MegaCorp. You and your team has been shuttling back and forth overseas to close a mega deal. The team has tasked you to send the thank you note to your counterparts in the client's office. You come home late from celebrating the pending success, you may have enjoyed too much wine, you're a bit jaded from all of the travel. Now, you sit yourself down to draft the message. No one else is around, you reviewed your text and quickly decide that it's "good enough" to send. BAM! It's out there.

The Next Day...

You start your day off normally. Nothing exceptional, just excitement about closing the deal. Your phone rings. Your boss would like you to step in to her office to discuss the e-mail message that you sent on behalf of the team. Apparently, it was not the best foot forward and her counterpart in the transaction has expressed concern about the lax attitude demonstrated by her team toward their office. She would like to see a copy of the message. She also wants to know why no one else was consulted BEFORE it was sent. You sit in the chair feeling a little sheepish, rather uncomfortable, and sensing a chill. Now, what?!

What Could Have Been

You kick yourself as you leave her office. She was absolutely justified in reprimanding you for your actions and lack of forethought. If only you had waited, considered the ramifications of your actions and held off on your e-mail, you might have been lauded for your success. Now, the team will have to do some quick recovery work to salvage the deal as a result of your action. It may mean your job, it may mean a demotion. Either way, it is not good.

You Are Not Alone

The speed at which communications occurs in today's world is incredible. You can send a message to a person on the other side of the world and have it delivered within seconds. A news person standing in the Middle East can deliver a report in high definition within seconds of any event that occurs to an audience in California or New York. Media has become such a powerful tool, now it has even greater strength. BUT, as George Santayana said... "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."

Recently, CNN Mideast Affairs editor, Octavia Nasr lost her post after she allegedly tweeted her respect for Ayatollah Mohammad Hussein Fadlallah.



Veteran reporter, Helen Thomas was pressured to retire after she made a comment which was posted online and was readily perceived as anti-Semitic. Too many people have met their demise after communicating messages electronically. Some have done so by will, others, not necessarily, but the message was distributed nonetheless.

The Message To Deliver

The point of this article is to remind you that the Internet is not a private space. If you decide to post images on your Facebook account of your living it up at a party, don't be surprised when you are confronted by someone challenging your discretion. Be discreet in your posts and messages, and, for goodness sake, remember to proofread whatever you post. You only have one opportunity to make a first impression.

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