Blog #4 - Someone Who Was Almost Known

In the world of words, an email, letter, memo and perhaps even more so instant messaging, may act as precursors to a first impression in person. As such, upon completion of any of the aforementioned documents - and with a potential error lurking that may result in a negative impression of you - it is important to check before you send.

After all is written and done, what better opportunity to proofread than to do so after completion. You have put thought to paper and is ready to distribute. Hold Up. Before you press send or post those combination of words, is it a certainty that they are ready for reading by eyes other than yours? Additionally, with the consideration of other parties involved, will those combination of words represent you well enough? Will they make you or break you?

Considering the whole issue of first impression, after creating a piece of writing to establish an initial interaction with someone - casual IM or perhaps formal letter - just imagine the simplest of spelling error overlooked and disseminated. Upon transfer and in the eyes of a new beholder, what you've written may lead to disturbing confusion, frustration and even render you a laughing stock. A misfortune none of us want. This may very well put you in the 'Someone-Who-Was-Almost-Known' Zone.

ANECDOTE ALERT!!!: Before publishing this little ole' blog of mine, I shared with a friend. She pointed out that 'messaging' in line 2, was actually saying 'massaging'. It has since been amended. That would have been embarrassing. The Importance of Completion in the Writing Process Strikes Again!

Just to establish, there are way more concerns regarding the importance of completing a piece of writing. To name a few, the ability to review and adjust the following: Accuracy of information, appropriate language and even intended recipient. My focus however is the impressions a message could have on your reputation if riddled with error. As such I implore that we take advantage of the opportunity this crucial stage of writing offers, so as to truly have that writing complete.