Numbers: Checking numbers

Issue 273 January 15, 2009

Speaking of our friend The Count, we’d all do well to emulate him whenever we run across a number.

If we promise seven tips or 11 slides or 23 pages, count them. Do this at every stage, whether you’re looking at a video, a Web page, or a print layout. Don’t assume the number is right just because it’s already been through editing and copy editing. Things change. With a shift in layout, “Our Five Favorite Fabrics” can quickly become six or four.

Ditto for page numbers. Issue maps change as ad close nears, and internal page references should be checked along with folios.

Instead of counting sheep: We could all use a little soul-soothing right now. Try this.

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