I Have a Confession to Make...

Is it okay to admit, as a Journalism Major, that I am bad at spelling and grammar?  I don’t know what I would do without spellcheck for my stories or papers.  I constantly doubt my spelling and for the life of me can’t remember when to use “effect” or “affect.”  Don’t even get me started on “who’s” and “whose.”  

I have learned the basics over and over again since grade school, and it just doesn't stick. Now, ask me what I had for dinner at that restaurant in New York six years ago and I can recall every detail.  Some things just seem to stick better than others.

As a producer, knowing how to copy edit is extremely important.  As the “boss” we are supposed to give the okay to scripts and web stories.  By having the last look at an MJ or Web Producer’s script we take responsibility for any mistakes.  For someone who isn't that confident catching mistakes in my own writing, this presents a challenge.  

This week as Video Teammate, I had to copy edit a lot and quickly realized that it wasn't that big of a deal if I didn't know something.  I could look it up, double check with another producer, or even talk it over with the MJ.  It was important to realize this early on in order to stop mistakes from slipping through.  I say this every week, but team Monday really does work so well together.