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Editing for the Next Generation: The MySpace Form
The goal of a good editor is to make any piece of text appropriate for its audience and form. Books must fit into
the expectations of a publishing company in order to fit the expectations of those who buy the books. Magazine
articles must fit the style of the magazine including its goals and also its audience’s expectations. Content is
certainly important, but voice and specific word choice are also big components of catering to an audience. A
scientific magazine should not sound like the latest gossip. Likewise, a glamour magazine should be far from stiff
and boring. When it comes to internet editing, even more elements are added to the typical editing criteria.
Consider for a moment the different aspects of editing for the MySpace pages.
Individual Pages
An individual is not required to edit their pages. MySpace editing does often involve self-editing however. A page
owner is writing about themselves, introducing themselves to many other people. No doubt that page owner wants to
send the right message. Self-definition is very important in order to effectively communicate your intentions with
others. That is where MySpace editing comes in. Here again, word choice is very important. Careful use of
adjectives and other descriptive words can paint a picture for other visitors to the site. Using generic terms like
‘thing’ and ‘a lot’ will leave a person sounding boring and bland.
In addition to self-representation, individual pages really should be edited for appropriate citations. That may
sound tedious and so like ninth grade English class, but it is important. Quoting authors and lyricists on your
page is an effective way to express your own feelings, but if the words are not your own, you cannot claim them.
Plagiarism is wrong. In addition to the ethical issues, you should give credit to the people you quote for other
reasons as well. Visitors to your page may really appreciate the words and lyrics that you quote. If you give
credit to their author, other people can find more similar words to enjoy.
Corporate Pages
MySpace editing is useful for individuals, but it also opens up job opportunities. Because of the popularity of
MySpace pages, advertisers have naturally started enjoying the benefits of the high traffic. The problem is that
many advertisers may not be familiar with the format of MySpace nor the appropriate language to use to reach the
audience that is surfing there. A qualified user can use their expertise to help corporations effectively use the
pages in order to best reach the audience. A member of that audience can edit for the presentation of content so
that it will be the most effective at getting the readers’ attention. If you are one of these qualified users,
MySpace editing could lead you to a successful career in all kinds of editing. Use your own page as a resume. If
you aren’t interested in the career, you could just have some fun making the most of someone’s use of the pages.
You will no doubt be well rewarded for your efforts.
MySpace editing can take more than one form. The important thing to remember is that no matter what the format is
for writing, correctness is important. Especially when your words are representing you, you will want to be clear
and correct in your writing. Giving credit to those people you quote is the correct thing to do ethically, but it
is also respectful. Finally, editing for companies without the proper know-how when it comes to internet
advertising could be quite profitable. You’ll be more likely to get the job if your own page is effectively and
correctly put together.
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