“Tyypoos” and Statistical Errors

We have covered topics from conflicts of interest, gender relations and commentary.

Considering the heavy-hitting nature of those subjects, today’s discussion may seem to be somewhat trivial, but I can assure you it is not.

Typos seem like a minor issue. As does a slight statistical error. But they are actually deceptively damaging.

I can’t count how many times I’ve been reading a newspaper article or watching ESPN and I noticed a small typo in an athlete’s name.

Or I noticed that they had calculated a pitcher’s ERA incorrectly.

My initial reaction, even as a journalist myself, is to think, ‘Wow, even I know that! How could they mess that up when they’re paid so much.’

In actuality, even though I may think I do, there is no way I’m more knowledgeable about sports than journalists working at ESPN.

It’s very possible that the mistake was just that, an actual typographical error that anyone can make. Or it may just be a misspelling that I happen to know is wrong that someone missed in proofreading.

But regardless of the real reason for the mistake, I am proof that a viewer, reader, or listener will pounce on that and the mistake could mar their opinion and perception of the journalist’s or outlet’s credibility.

All because of a small, stupid error!

These lapses in perceived credibility can be fixed just by spending a bit more time looking over your work.

That seems like a small sacrifice for such a big potential payoff.

To Tweet or Not to Tweet

I was thinking today about the role that Twitter (and to a larger degree social media in general) plays in the sports journalism industry.

Many outlets have given their reporters full autonomy in this area and even implore them to be active on Twitter.

There are a more than a few sides to this issue.

On one hand, there is much that a journalist can relay through Twitter that they may not have a chance to work into a story.

On the other hand, sometimes they can get carried away and post opinion that colors their objectivity as a reporter.

Clearly, columnists will be a bit more free with the postings they choose to talk about, and that’s a fair thing for a commentator.

But I would stress that if Twitter is used by beat reporters, they should take great care not to overstep the boundaries of their profession.

People are reading your tweets (sometimes even more than your articles) and they can still make judgments about your credibility from them just as easily.

Don’t be fooled into thinking your tweets are not an extension of your profession.