The first step towards de-escalation might need to be on the employer/system side: Simplify processes, reward thoughtful, human action, and signal that they’re doing so. That means investing in the people needed to filter the noise.

Then, and only then, the onus can move to the applicant.

It’s likely better to simulate your roll modals, then—consider what they *would* look like, but don’t smoke up the kitchen.

As the editor attached to a project, you are more than a human spellcheck—you are a project manager, strategist, and audience advocate all rolled into one expert package.

Don’t be afraid to assert that expertise to keep projects on track and make things better for the final reader.

#ACES2025

Too often in nonprofit marketing (or at least my experience of marketing thus far), the need to grow and get things out quickly kills the chance to do things right. “Best practices “ become “good enough practices”, with a standard that’s always falling.

Curious if that’s the case for others, too.

Heading to #ACES2025 tomorrow to gather with my fellow word nerds! Really looking forward to meeting editors of all stripes and getting some perspective on the work we do.

These articles are the bane of my holiday existence, largely because I read them all, every word, in the hopes that I will find The Thing I’ve Always Wanted But Didn’t Know I Wanted It

or

A Better Version of a Thing I Already Have That Is Perfectly Acceptable