In an e-mail, a reader from Texas characterizes my call for proofreaders as "a great idea," but I'm not so sure, since he found two typos in the post to which I just linked. Two typos! I read the damn thing over seven times. Now I owe him $40. (I've corrected the errors.)
The same reader also writes, "As a pointer, you use both 'blog' and 'blawg,' and though both are correct, for style reasons you may want to be consistent." In response, when I use "blawgs" I intend to refer only to the galaxy of law-related blogs, while "blogs" refers to the entire blogosphere. If necessary, I'll try to be more consistent.
Anyway, I guess the idea is working. A second reader just added a comment about one of the typos already noted by the Texas reader. He won't get paid, but if readers often notice the same mistake before I acknowledge the correction online (usually in a comment, this time in a post), I may have to think about raffling the $20 somehow. Otherwise there will be a disincentive to participate after a post has been up for awhile.
Finally, I'm aware that there is something unseemly about my idea of engaging readers to edit my blawg. I'm reminded of the doctor who delivered my first child. He turned to ask if I wanted to cut the umbilical cord. "That's your job," I said. The same applies here: it's my job to be the editor. Your job is to read. Point out my mistakes only if you think doing my job will make your job more exciting.
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