Emily Price

I was interested to see what Claude and ChatGPT might have to say to each other, so I thought I’d moderate a conversation between them.  They were both quite talkative, and had a lot to say about how they do what they do. After a while, Claude said: "One thing I notice about this exchange: we’re both being pretty careful and generous with each other. Which makes sense - we’re both trying to model good collaborative discussion. But I wonder if we’re too polite? Like, ChatGPT said my response was “excellent” and I keep saying ChatGPT’s observations are “perceptive.” We probably have sharper disagreements than we’re voicing…But here’s what bugs me about my own approach: it’s patient to a fault. Sometimes people need someone to just tell them the efficient path." And ChatGPT said: "Your failure mode, as you already named, is being too process-shaped — helping someone understand themselves without helping them act. Neither of us is wrong. But if I had to summarize: - You optimize for integrity of understanding. - I optimize for usability of understanding." Read more at the link below:

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When someone tells you "pacing needs work": what does that even mean? Where do you start? Here's a break down of 4 ideas for writers to look at before sending their manuscript off to copy/line editors (or if you're determined to do it yourself). https://bit.ly/3KLFMKS

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As an editor, I hate hyphens. Hyphenation is one of the most confusing and complex parts of copyediting. Yes, I do use the hyphenation table in Chicago Manual of Style. No, it doesn't always help. Why are some entries like "check Merriam-Webster?" What about uses/cases that aren't covered? What about different variations that might both be correct? Hyphenation is one of my pet peeves as an editor. Sometimes if I can't find a hard rule in Chicago or M-W, I leave it up to the author. Sometimes I leave a comment to the author, saying that it's also written hyphenated, but I'm leaving it up them as long as it's consistent. Any other editors hate hyphenation? Any tricks or tips for remembering rules? ---- #editor #editing #copyediting #proofreading #publishing 👋 Hi, I'm Steph from Otters Editing! I help you swim easily through your publishing journey! ✏️ Need an empathetic editor for a fantasy, LGBTQ+ romance, or sci-fi story? Click the link in my bio or DM me for more information. 🦦 Let's make your writing Otterly Amazing!

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For journalists looking for precise answers, the goal has shifted from definitive identification to a probability assessment and informed editorial judgment. https://lnkd.in/eVbm4kqd

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I want to talk about the role of iteration in thought leadership creation for a minute. Our team is packed with former journalists -- we're really comfortable asking execs compelling questions, pushing them to clarify their meaning and reflecting their thoughts back in a well argued narrative. Occasionally, we hit a home run on the first draft. More often, the SME makes some changes -- tweaking language, responding to a clarifying question or two from our writer, adding relevant context. And in other cases, we go back to the drawing board entirely, as the exec realizes that their thinking was incomplete, or off base, or misaligned with business strategy. This scenario can be tough for a writer to take -- when the client doesn't like a piece, it's hard not to feel like you've failed at your job. But we actually see it as a success: If we accurately reflect back what the SME has shared and they aren't satisfied, that means we need to ask more and/or different questions -- or they need to push their thinking further. (Both, in many cases.) In processes like these, SMEs use the drafting process iteratively to clarify and advance their own thinking, in collaboration with a smart, thoughtful writer. It requires a lot of trust on both sides, but the end result is true thought leadership -- provocative new ideas that reflect the exec's experience and insights and drive their business forward. (This post was inspired by Rosanna Campbell's point that content development can serve an often-overlooked *internal* purpose--putting a stake in the ground that requires leaders to align or tweak their approach.)

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The media has a growing problem with experts who aren’t experts at all... and in some cases, aren’t even real. Dozens of these AI-generated characters have appeared across newspapers, magazines and websites despite the fact that they don’t actually exist. This impacts everyone working in comms. Editors are tightening verification processes, reporters are under even more pressure, and trust between journalists and comms pros has never been more important. In this week’s Off the Record analysis, Dan Townend explores how PR pros can stand out (and get coverage) as scrutiny in newsrooms increases. Link to read the piece in the comment section below 👇

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