I must get this off my chest

[HEyHEY]

A few weeks ago, we switched everything over to indesign. The first paper we were training. So I'll admit, I barely proofed the paper...I was busy trying to learn all this other shit. Result was a BAD paper of typos and stuff. So head office sends me a critique on that paper.
And they say my paper is now on a list of papers that receive regular critiques.
Now, before that one bad paper all I ever got was praise from the brass upstairs, including buying beer for a job well done.

SO now, one bad paper earns me on this list?

I look at it two ways. The email wasn't assholish or anything, it was the company editorial director and he said, "These are meant to be friendly and constructive." Then made a list of the mistakes.

So, I figure I could get bitter, which would do no good. Or take advantage of it and learn from the guy - I'm chosing the latter. My publisher was really mad that they went ....under her head....and feels bad that all this comes from one bad paper.

However the guy said I had a talent for writing and picture taking and he believes the "Paper will shine" after we deal with these problems.

[yardwork]

1. It sounds like you are taking the right approach.

Looking at this from the point of view of management, see it their way:

They're putting your paper under scrutiny because the one edition with lots of typos worried them. They aren't sure that they can depend on you. They want to depend on you! It makes their lives easier.

Your job is to be very dependable and consistent in your excellence from now on. Since the one edition was an unusual case, it should be simple for you to come up with consistently excellent editions from now on, just as you did in the past.

Once the top brass sees this, they'll take you off double-secret probation.

Your worst move would be to get resentful or angry. That will worry the top brass more, and confirm their worries, and the whole thing goes bad from there.

[HEyHEY]

2. Oh yeah

Plus usually when something like this happens I get motivate in an "I'll show those bastards," kind of way.

[Dogmudgeon]

3. Don't sweat it.

In fact, you should make it known that you have your own checklist to provide an objective guide for you to use.

If they like control, give them enough of the artifacts of control to put their fevered minds at ease.

--bkl

[HEyHEY]

4. I emailed him back

Thank for the advice, and suggested instead of random inspections, he gives me a weekly one until things are whipped into shape. I bet THAT was curveball they didn't see coming.

[HEyHEY]

5. I should add

In his list he also said all the things he liked.