Meeting: Fatals

PROBLEM: We cited the school board as being the one in Lansing, when in fact it was the one in Grand Ledge.

SOLUTION: Make sure we are carefully and correctly taking down information, and using the correct information in our work.

***** 

PROBLEM: Within a quote, we said w when in fact it was we. In another quote, we said we are when it was we're. In another quote, we said kind money when it was kind of money.
 
SOLUTION: After finishing writing, carefully review all quotes in their entirety to make sure what we wrote is exactly what was said. Spell check wouldn't have helped here, since the misspellings created correctly-spelled but unintended words.

Plus, we need to remember that quotes must be EXACTLY what was said, EXACTLY the way it was said. Close enough isn't close enough, and the same meaning isn't good enough. If you stray away from the most literal quote, then switch it to a paraphrase.

*****

PROBLEM: We sent in the incorrect document that was not the assigned story. That gets the same grade as a missed deadline: a 0.0.

SOLUTION: Take care to make sure what you are sending in is the correct document. Don't just treat writing as the only quality control issue; treat all aspects of the job (reporting, writing, and filing) with the same care and double-checking habits.

*****