For the Record: Character, Clarity and Credibility

"If you have made mistakes, there is always another chance for you. You may have a fresh start any moment you choose, for this thing we call "failure" is not the falling down, but the staying down." - Mary Pickford



Photo by: juan_taco

Accuracy in journalism is essential for keeping the public confidence strong, loyal and coming back for more. This is what all good journalists should be striving for. I'm tired of people making excuses for their mistakes. Myself included. Let's just confess our mistakes , correct them, own them and move on.

When I do come across a newspaper's correction or apology for a wrongdoing it doesn't make me think less of the establishment, it actually strengthens my confidence in them. Admitting when you have made a mistake no matter what your job title is a good thing."Mistakes happen."

In the article by Christopher Scanlan, We Stand Corrected: When Good Journalists Make Stupid Mistakes freelance journalist and author of Regret the Error Craig Silverman says, "Get rid of the stigma of error that causes people to want to hide their mistakes and not learn from them."


If this attitude was embraced by society, it would be so much easier to admit when we are wrong. It would encourage us to keep on trying and not to give up. However, failure is a part of life and we learn from our mistakes .

"Men succeed when they realize that their failures are the preparation for their victories." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Perseverance and striving for the best reporting involves being creative and realistic within the time budget given. Sometimes there is no time frame to work with at all. This is when the slip ups happen. When we are in a hurry to get it done. Silverman suggests using a checklist for the most "common facts." I think that's a wonderful idea.

Smart tips to help ease the stress of a deadline

Set Goals - be specific - eg: "I will write for an hour."
Measurable - have an action plan or checklist ready for each story.
Attainable - make sure your goal(s) are within reach.
Realistic - keep it real, don't set yourself up for disappointment.
Time - be generous with the time you give yourself.
Evaluate - monitor your progress, verify facts - don't procrastinate.
Reajust - prepare for obstacles, life happens.

"From error to error one discovers the entire truth." - Sigmund Freud