[stylist] punctuation

[Marion Gwizdala, M.S.]

Jean,
    One very important step in submitting error-free work is to have someone 
else give it a critical read. This is something most writers will do, 
whether blind or not. An objective look can pick up spelling errors and 
offer some grammatical input. I have a couple of people in my circle with 
whom I exchange such servicess. They send me things to look over and I send 
pieces to them. It's actually a pretty fun process, since each of us have 
our different interests and styles. I learn a lot about the fields of 
library science and private pilotting from reading my sister's work and she 
and I have had some very deep philosophical discussions after she has read 
one of my metaphysical or mental health articles. This list can be a great 
resource, as well.
    I also find that I can usually pick up such mistakes as the ".," one 
mentioned by Donna, as well as have a pretty good ear for spelling errors, 
provided I don't put myself to sleep reading my own work! (grin) Now, when a 
spelling error results in a homonym, JAWS doesn't pick that up and neither 
does spell check, as it only checks for spelling, not appropriateness of the 
words. We can also recognize habitual errors we make and, when proofing, 
check for these errors. For instance, because I type at about 120 wpm, I 
frequently miss the synchronization of the "Shift" key with the letter key; 
therefore, when I proof my own work, I stop and check for capitals where 
they should be.
    Another important reason for having someone else examine your work is to 
help ensure you are communicating what you intend. You may know what you 
want to say but may not say it! Sometimes we forget that not everyone else 
has the grasp of the subject we have. The reason we are writing is because 
we have a better grasp of the subject than others and a desire to share this 
knowledge or perspective. An objective look can help accomplish the goal of 
answering questions, rather than creating more! (smile) I know I have read 
some pieces that left me scratching my head!

Fraternally yours,
Marion Gwizdala




----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jean Parker" <radioforever at gmail.com>
To: <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Monday, November 08, 2010 11:15 PM
Subject: [stylist] punctuation


>I normally keep the punctuation setting turned off in jaws but when I 
>submit something important I turn the punctuation on so I can find things 
>like misplaced periods etc.
>
> Although I use the spell and grammar checker in Word, I never depend on it 
> as the last word.  I am wondering though how people on this list deal with 
> the problem of submissions or other important documents that must be free 
> of errors.  Are any of the proofreading programs accessible?  Are there 
> ways to use jaws that would go further in iliminating typos and such that 
> are not picked up by the spell checker?
>
> Jean
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