mguhlin

Blogging for Authenticity, Not Publication

What a thrill to see a blog entry appear on the web. Still, this blog isn’t about it so much as the power of editing…or the pain. I like blogs because they are “works in progress,” unlike books, magazines, and other print media, frozen in time because of the medium. I suppose, stone tablets fall into that, too. Imagine if God had wanted to change the Ten Commandments. “Sorry, Dude, you wrote in stone. Should have gone for pencil and paper.”

You can always edit a bad page. You can’t edit a blank page. ― Jodi Picoult
Here’s a recent one I enjoy the byline for:
Read blog entry

I don’t care for edits, but my editor is my friend. Yes, what a contradiction.
“No author dislikes to be edited as much as he dislikes not to be published.” — Russell Lynes

Competing Leads: Is There, though?

The lead that finally got published, the editor’s version:
Are you looking for short videos to use as bell ringer activities in science class? Or maybe you’re wanting to integrate videos into your lessons? Discover a roundup of video sources you won’t want to miss. But before I introduce those, let’s look at some strategies you can pair with videos to get students thinking.
But that’s not the original one. Here’s the original:

“I am looking for a library of science videos that are 2 to 5 minutes long to use for bell work. Anyone know of a good source?” asks Ben. This is a round up of video sources that you won’t want to miss out on. In this blog entry, you will find some places to get science videos that you can use for bell work.

I asked a few AIs to revise the original lead, but none came up with as nice a version as the editor’s version.  Well, maybe this version?

Are you in search of a reliable library of science videos, ranging from 2 to 5 minutes in length, suitable for bell work? Look no further! Join us on this blog journey as we explore a roundup of excellent video sources, ensuring you don’t miss out on valuable resources for your classroom. Discover multiple platforms where you can find engaging science videos ideal for bell work activities. Let’s dive in! (via chatGPT)

Fixing Sloppy Work

Is that second lead, a slob’s work? Could it do with improvement or is that just editing for editing’s sake?
“Only God gets it right the first time and only a slob says, “Oh well, let it go, that’s what copyeditors are for.” ––Stephen King
The second one flows from a Facebook post, where a middle school science teacher was asking for science videos. It’s adapted (author’s name changed to protect their innocence), and revised for brevity. The next major section of the blog entry IS different from my original, but has been modified by the editor to have short headings. The rest of it is accurate, for the most part, to my original piece (all the resources).
When reading work that has been edited, it’s interesting to see how it’s been improved by an editor. I found my original work to be just fine, but the editor spruced it up a bit. You know, there’s a love-hate relationship between a writer and an editor. 
It reminds me of the Grimm’s version of the Cinderella story a bit. You know, it’s like watching your toes get cut to fit into the gold slipper. 
This isn’t a complain or criticism. Being a writer whose work gets published elsewhere is nice. Still, that’s why I like blogging at Around the Corner…I can write and own my authenticity. Can you figure out which quotes in this blog entry I agree with the most?
“Authors who moan with praise for their editors always seem to reek slightly of the Stockholm syndrome.” – Christopher Hitchens
😉

Everything posted on Miguel Guhlin’s blogs/wikis are his personal opinion and do not necessarily represent the views of his employer(s) or its clients. Read Full Disclosure

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