March 2023 – Subbing Clinic

#572

A young farmer had a ewe-ge surprise when her sheep gave birth to six healthy lambs in a “very rare” event.

BBC News Online, March 18, 2023

I cannot believe that the BBC, allegedly staffed by adults, thought that this effort was acceptable. Pathetic doesn’t begin to describe it.

Is there anyone left who understands the difference between ‘when’ (ie at the same time) and ‘after’ (ie later)? This heading means that two trains collided and dozens were killed at some later time. It’s nonsense.

I cannot stress strongly enough that it takes years of experience to make a good sub-editor. When I was a junior sub, almost everyone else in the department was older and wiser, and the benefit of their experience was passed down to me. A chief sub would often point out how things could be improved. These days most older subs have been dispensed with and there is no one to teach or mentor the younger ones. Staffs have been so reduced that no one has time to guide anyone else.

This clinic is an attempt to pass on my experience using real examples. I would love to receive items from others as I do not read every paper every day. I will add new entries as I come across them.

Month: March 2023

#572

#571

Dozens killed after two trains collide in Greece