better to proofread in paper?

Philippines
April 19, 2012 9:15am CST
I have been having difficulty in assignments lately because I am doing poorly in my proofreading. I think this is because I am lately proofreading on my computer monitor and maybe my eyes are really tired. so I switched to proofreading in appear. It was good but now, the problem is ink, paper and my sometimes, uncooperative printer. Do you have tips in better proofreading using the computer monitor? I think my eyes are getting tired in reading the text.
5 responses
• Philippines
6 May 12
At times, indeed, it could be dreadful, but proofreading is something writers must do in order to make their writing truly shine. Proofreading using a computer can be a real eye-straining experience. Spending hours staring at text can even do real harm to our eyes, and for some people, proofreading using a hard copy or printed page can be a lot easier and less tiring. For some, however,it is a matter of preference. Some editors find they can work better with paper, while others insist they can only work with PC monitors. I used to do my proofreading on paper until one of my former employers implemented online editing. I eventually got used to it, and now that I am a work-at-home writer-editor, I decided to stick with it.
• Philippines
7 May 12
Well, I will agree that it is a matter of preference - it's just that my usual preference is on paper. I also do online or computer editing but sometimes, I do get distracted and I do get eyestrain form staring and staring. Add to that the copious act of reading, rereading and having an imposed deadline. I guess it depends on my own body and my own choices for a particular assignment.
20 Apr 12
As an ex-professional proofreader, I can assure you that it is very hard to check your own work. The eye sees what it wants to see, and often your own mistakes are overlooked. Printing a copy is the only really effective way of checking work. You also need to read every word slowly and carefully to avoid common mistakes that the spellcheck won't catch. Yes, it is tiring, but worth it when you know you have given it your best.
• Philippines
21 Apr 12
This is exactly what happens to me. especially, after a hard and long time of research. I try the method of having hard-copy because of my sight and because I am usually tired in front of the computer. Thanks for the advice!
@matersfish (6306)
• United States
19 Apr 12
I usually edit a document once and then leave it until the next morning. With fresh eyes and forgetting everything I was trying to write, I can edit it pretty well.
• Philippines
20 Apr 12
It is the ideal for em too. whoever, I have this client that has an immediate hour deadline, including the research and research and the proofreading. I always try to make a print -out before submission but usually I am losing time if I sleep. However, one of my clients is very generous and gives me enough time to submit a set.
@doroffee (4222)
• Hungary
19 Apr 12
Print stuff are always better for the eye. I'd actually advise you to make the surroundings a bit darker, sometimes the white on the monitor can be too harsh-like no artificial lighting if possible.
• Philippines
20 Apr 12
I agree. that's the reason why I justify buying ink and paper as well as dealing with my printer 9and the problem it brings). Thanks for the tip for teh computer monitor! I didn't know about that one.
20 Apr 12
There is no better way than proofreading on the monitor. I think there is some problem with your eyes. Why don't you get your eyes checked? I write for hours nonstop using the monitor. As I wear glasses I find no problem. Good luck.
• Philippines
20 Apr 12
I already wear glasses but I think I am more comfortable with proofreading on paper. I did read somewhere that reading on the monitor is harder for the eyes. besides, reading on paper gives me time to relax my eyes rather than tiring them out on the monitor.