I can empathize with former Vice President Dan Quayle. I recall when he misspelled the word “potato” and encouraged an elementary-age kid to put an “e” at the end of it. I’ll be honest, I might have done the same thing – and I’ve been a reporter for two decades.

Our readers have been oh-so gracious to point out each and every typo and grammatical mistake I make. My latest – over “affect” and “effect” -- was noted by several dozen of you. I’ve actually suggested we do not hire a new copy editor because so many of you have generously devoted your time to the cause.

My brain is only so big. And right now it is stuffed – not just with the things I need to keep you informed but also with the comings and goings of my two children. So, basically, each new piece of information will displace one that has been sitting idle. Even then, I am in desperate need of an organizer.

Enter Jim Vess, who is our content editor. Jim’s an engineer. I’m a writer/editor (as we’ve already noted.) By implication, Jim is detailed and I’m analytical. It’s a pretty good combo – but one that lacks for now a good wordsmith, or copy editor.

Here’s how the process goes: It’s Monday morning and I have a story idea, which is often something current and something that has widespread implications. Most of the time, I’m not starting from scratch. Nevertheless, I try read as much as possible before talking to relevant sources. That takes most of the day.

By late afternoon, I’ve written an outline, which will form in my head as I do the research. Once the template is set, it’s just a function of filling in the information. By noon Tuesday, the column is “finalized” and passed on to Jim. And then I’m ready to start the next column or feature.

When I finish one and come up for air, I’m fairly discombobulated – meaning it would be a miracle if something in the story didn’t need to be fixed. Things may get past our editors. But they never get past our readers. That’s why I feel a bond with the former vice president, who knows all too well what it is like to every word scrutinized. ###