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Posted by Dave Peppard, Richmond, May 25, 2005: Does anyone out there have a "Proof Reading Policy"? My board has directed me to come up with one that would pertain to the annual town report, town newsletter, town meeting warrant, etc. I advised them I would check but felt that this was not an issue with most towns. Any examples would be appreciated.

Responses: Ahhhhh--I see you have one of those "policy-types" on your Board as well. Better buy a lot of three-ring binders Dave. (Phil Covelli, Fryeburg)

Although Searsmont does not have a proof reading policy we must have a dozen people proof town reports, town meeting warrants, etc. Included in the proof readers are a professional writer and a professional editor. No matter how many sets of eyes review something, it seems there is always at least one mistake that gets by us all. We may look at having individuals review certain parts such as dates, dollar amounts, spelling, alignment, spacing, etc. rather than reviewing the entire document. If you find a “fool proof” way of proof reading, please let me know. (Alice Pearse, Searsmont)

Nothing in Gray....though quality of product is always at stake. (Mitch Berkowitz, Gray)

Not any in Newburgh (Nancy Hatch, Newburgh)

A foolproof way? ...Just attention to detail! ...I am the proof reader for the Town Report. Usually, very few errors get by (but I am an ex-newspaper editor!). More errors have popped up in the regular Wayne Messenger reports I file, poabably because eof the wquick turnover in the. (Greg Davis, Wayne)

Just put your town report and whatever else is involved out on this listserv and Dana Lee will proof-read it for you!!! (Actually, Dana, I was puzzled myself as to how an Italian person living in a town full of Frenchmen, formerly inhabited and named by the Indians, could have such unique spellings of English words !!)

My Board has no such policy and being OCD myself, as well as being a former English teacher, I go nuts over spelling and grammar issues that are glaring! I try to read and proof everything that leaves here if it has professional connotations to it; as time permits. I sent Guilford's entire town report to a secretary at the superintendent of schools' office for proofing and alignment and it was wonderfully done. (The superintendent was quite displeased the year prior when we blistered his report because of typo's and omissions!!) We went from two hundred errors to only two. So... the unofficial policy is that the manager reads it because it reflects on the manager and the town; then it gets mailed or published or whatever. (Tom Goulette, Guilford)

No Policy but in our office, before anything goes to print , it is read by at least two sets of eyes. (Eva Leavitt, Turner)