As a result of tools like “spell check,” grammar and spelling mistakes have probably increased, which seems counterproductive. The major problem that “spell check” does not yet have the capability of correcting the wrong use of a word that sounds the same but is spelled differently. The difference between “then” and “than,” the popular culprit “there,” “their,” and “they’re,” “affect” and “effect,” and many, many others cannot be detected by such programs.

While most find this flaw a nuisance, there is still a small group of people who are grateful for it. Some people make careers out of proofreading manuscripts, letters, proposals, stories, and all sorts of writing. These people are called copyeditors. My co-op experience was copyediting for a pharmaceutical advertising agency and I did enjoy it. I also like copyediting for The Triangle. Copyediting is usually a lower-level job but it is a great starting point for people who are interested in the editing and publishing world. From copyeditor, one could work their way up into positions such as chief copyeditor, a section editor, or the editor-in-chief.

So, I will continue to happily proofread my work manually instead of relying on “spell check.” And maybe after graduation, I can make a job out of it!

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