Re: Re: Re: What's your point?
I wouldn't check for grammatical and spelling mistakes either. But if I noticed any I would take it as an indication that the author was not capable of providing clean copy even if he or she tried. Which would make a negative impression. And like a lot of people, I tend to notice gross errors of spelling and grammar, misuse of words, etc.
The judges are likely to be experienced writers, editors, publishing industry insiders. They are likely to notice these things too (though it is unquestionably true that WotC's editing standards are not as strict as those of, say, 'Scientific American'). Remember: they are looking for someone who can write material for them. Not for someone to provide material that they will have to pay a second person to re-write.
I don't think anyone is suggesting that the panel will treat this as a test of spelling and grammar, that they will deliberately search for subtle errors. WotC has not taken a considered decision to reject every submission with problems. But experience has shown some of us that spelling errors, grammatical mistakes, small type, crowded layout, and wacky fonts make a bad impression.
Argue that WotC ought not to be swayed by these things if you will. But don't doubt that in practice any submission that makes anything hard or irritating for the judge has shot itself in the foot.
Regards,
Agback
sigfried said:
I wouldn't check for grammatical and spelling mistakes either. But if I noticed any I would take it as an indication that the author was not capable of providing clean copy even if he or she tried. Which would make a negative impression. And like a lot of people, I tend to notice gross errors of spelling and grammar, misuse of words, etc.
The judges are likely to be experienced writers, editors, publishing industry insiders. They are likely to notice these things too (though it is unquestionably true that WotC's editing standards are not as strict as those of, say, 'Scientific American'). Remember: they are looking for someone who can write material for them. Not for someone to provide material that they will have to pay a second person to re-write.
I don't think anyone is suggesting that the panel will treat this as a test of spelling and grammar, that they will deliberately search for subtle errors. WotC has not taken a considered decision to reject every submission with problems. But experience has shown some of us that spelling errors, grammatical mistakes, small type, crowded layout, and wacky fonts make a bad impression.
Argue that WotC ought not to be swayed by these things if you will. But don't doubt that in practice any submission that makes anything hard or irritating for the judge has shot itself in the foot.
Regards,
Agback
