Auto-Correct is a feature found in most word processing and messaging platforms. A feature with which most people have a love-hate relationship. (For those of you who don’t own a smartphone or who only play games on your computer, auto-correct replaces the word you misspelled with the correct word. The supposedly correct word.)
While auto-correct is a relatively new way your writing can be embarrassing, did you know embarrassing writing bloopers are not a new thing? In 1631, London’s royal printers published a reprint of the King James Bible. Did you know that particular version of the bible is called the Wicked or Adulterous or Sinners’ Bible? Why? Because Exodus 20:14 reads: “Thou shalt commit adultery,” instead of “Thou shalt not commit adultery.” Oops.
But auto-correct corrections are only one reason what you’ve written can be embarrassing. Other reasons include: leaving out words, using the wrong word, misplacement of a word in a sentence, and the incorrect use of punctuation. All of these can change the meaning of what you are trying to say.
Church Bulletins Said What?
Here are a few of my favorite examples of church bulletins that didn’t get edited before they were printed. All are funny but more than a little embarrassing.
- Don’t let worry kill you – let the church help.
- Thursday night – Potluck supper. Prayer and medication to follow.
- Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our church and community.
- For those of you who have children and don’t know it, we have a nursery downstairs.
- The rosebud on the altar this morning is to announce the birth of David Alan Belzer, the sin of Rev. and Mrs. Julius Belzer.
- This afternoon there will be a meeting in the South North ends of the church. Children will be baptized at both ends.
- This being Easter Sunday, we will ask Mrs. Lewis to come forward and lay an egg on the alter.
- Next Sunday a special collection will be taken to defray the cost of the new carpet. All those wishing to do something on the new carpet will come forward and do so.
- The ladies of the church have cast off clothing of every kind. They can be seen in the church basement Saturday.
- At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be “What is Hell?” Come early and listen to our choir practice.
- Tuesday at 4:00 PM there will be an ice cream social. All ladies giving milk will please come early.
- Thursday at 5:00 PM there will be a meeting of the Little Mothers Club. All ladies wishing to be Little Mothers will meet with the Pastor in his study.
Final Thoughts
Writing bloopers are more frequent in today’s electronic world. Few people take the time to read what they’ve written—or what auto-correct has written—before they “publish” or hit send. Even writers aren’t immune. (But that’s a story for another day.)
Thankfully, the solution is a simple one. Read what you’ve written and make sure it says exactly what you meant it to say.