I made a small mistake…don’t blow it up!
By jeanneyvonne
@jeanneyvonne (5500)
Philippines
December 1, 2011 1:08am CST
I preciously sent a set of assignments to the in-house editor. The editor returned the set, claiming that I didn’t follow directions. When I checked, he was right. I forgot to mention a certain thing for a specific number of times. So, I retrieved my assignment and started working. I asked if my content was okay – he said yes. When I mentioned that I will just be adding some things in appropriate places (because I don’t want to overhaul my work and he did say it was passable), he replied that the point of sending me back the assignment was to follow the assignment. I followed all the assignment details except for the number detail. I find it infuriating that the editor made me feel that I committed a big mistake when in reality, it is a small one.
I know I have to pass high quality material and in adherence to the details. However, I also feel that it is just a small mistake, easily amendable. I just stated my course of action and I ended with a preacher. I know my mistake; I only want an approval that I am doing what he asked. I don’t want to pick a fight with anyone.
Can everyone provide an outsider’s view of this situation? I don’t want to delude myself that I am making the editor a villain in this situation.
6 responses
@SpikeTheLobster (6399)
•
1 Dec 11
(I'm assuming that "forgot to mention a certain thing for a specific number of times" means you were doing SEO work.)
You're right because it's an easy mistake to make and you don't need a big lecture about it to get it right. From your point of view, it's a small thing, no problem.
The editor's right because by not mentioning the certain thing a specific number of times, you completely missed the most important point of SEO work. That's a pretty big mistake and he probably just wants to make sure you understand how important it is from his point of view.
You're both right. 
@SpikeTheLobster (6399)
•
2 Dec 11
If I had to take sides, I'd be on his. You made a mistake. I've had this with my main client and it usually turns out that I just read more into the tone of the email than was really there (i.e. he intended it as constructive criticism but it came across as aggressive accusation).
@jeanneyvonne (5500)
• Philippines
1 Dec 11
Taking nos ides, huh? Anyway, SEO is one of my sides. I have a bigger and more stressful job. Sometimes, I treat it another activity to keep me going and alert. I understand his job and his point of view becuase I also have an editing job. I can't blame him for that. But making me feel like I made a butchered job of the assignment is too much for me.
1 person likes this
@ebuscat (5935)
• Philippines
1 Dec 11
For me the important is you open to forgave so things would be good and okay.
@jeanneyvonne (5500)
• Philippines
1 Dec 11
Well, we are supposed to be partners in the work. If it means, I have to give way, then I will. Nothing will be gone if we end up fighting each other.
@Lhenni (1242)
• Philippines
1 Dec 11
In all jobs, we should follow our SOP's to maintain the quality of our work. Regardless how big or small it is... it's still a miss.
You can't question the editor in making you feel that way because (sorry) it is your fault... regardless again how big or small it is.
You should treat it, nothing personal. Maybe, he just want you to be vigilant to your job scope so that it won't lead to future big problems.
I remember when I'm still working, in every miss we had, big or small... there's an equivalent penalty to us. *written explanation/show cause, verbal reprimand, suspension to work, up to termination* just to learn things out --- we thought it's harsh. But i've been in the company for more than 10 years and I'm still in a quality work until now although I'm not in that good company. It taught us to be on our best in everything we do. I'm proud to say that INTEL made me the best employee as everyone should be!
@jeanneyvonne (5500)
• Philippines
1 Dec 11
I admit that I made a mistake. I own that mistake. The only thing That I was hoping for was an approval from the editor that I am doing the right thing. I don't want to waste anymore of his time if I made another mistake on my assignment. I just want confirmation, that's all.
@Strovek (868)
• Malaysia
1 Dec 11
I guess it is to create awareness as well as set up the expectations. Too often the editor will be swamped so they want to set the baseline for newbies. We may consider it a minor mistake but for a busy person, they don't want to have to check on it all the time so they want to set the baseline for future submissions.
You are lucky, some editors will just toss it out without providing any feedback.
@jeanneyvonne (5500)
• Philippines
1 Dec 11
Well, I am lucky that at least somebody checks my stuff for small things I miss or my mistakes. I appreciate the feedback, I just didn't like the tone when he replied to me. I was just asking for a clarification on what to do. But I guess they are busy people as I am.
@leon923940426 (480)
•
1 Dec 11
Heheh , everyone make mistakes all the time . The difference is that how can you handle it and do not make the same again .
Good luck fellow .
@jeanneyvonne (5500)
• Philippines
1 Dec 11
I think I handled it pretty well. i just told shim that I will recheck and do what he says. Like a good employee and writer on the company;s payroll. I don't want an incident over a small stuff.
