The document discusses the history and importance of corrections in journalism. It notes that as early as 1548 and 1690, journalists emphasized the importance of correcting any material mistakes and reporting the truth. It provides tips for writing corrections that feel human, are clear about what was wrong and the correct information, and give due prominence to build trust with readers. The document also cites a survey finding that most readers feel better about a publication that publishes corrections, and discusses how to effectively distribute corrections on social networks.

1. Things have gone wrong and and I don’t want
them to be this way!
Craig Silverman
Editor of Regret the Error & Adjunct Faculty
Poynter Institute
@craigsilverman | #newsrw
http://www.poynter.org/latest-news/regret-the-error/

2. Corrections: A Brief History
• 1548 -- “I shall never admit for any affection towards
countree or Kyn, to be so partial, as wil wittingly either
bolster the falsehood or bery the truthe.”
• 1690 -- “...nothing shall be entered, but what we have
reason to believe is true... and when there appears any
material mistake in anything that is collected, it shall be
corrected in the next.” -- Benjamin Harris
• 1972 -- New York Times

3. Fundamentals
• Feel like a human.
• Write like a human.
• Be clear about what was wrong, and the
correct information.
• Due prominence.
• A correction is an act of promotion that builds
trust.

4. Corrections = Good
• A 1998 survey by ASNE found 63% of
newspaper readers “felt better” about a paper
when they saw corrections.

5. Law of Incorrect Tweets
The initial, mistaken information will be
retweeted more than any subsequent
correction

7. Pushing out corrections

9. Networked corrections
• Match corrections to distribution channels.
• Be clear, consistent.
• Reach out to people who reshared, retweeted.
Activate the network effect.
• Remember: an act of promotion.
• Works best when full hearted.

13. Because it’s England…