David Dayton
David Dayton contributes his writing to Technical Communication, a journal where he usually discusses using electronics in the copy editing world.
Article Overview
In his article, Dayton surveyed at least 15 different authors and received their opinions regarding hard-copy editing and electronic editing. The list of questions that Dayton asked his subjects is also included in the journal article. In this survey Dayton found that despite a current technological obsession, a large majority of individuals preferred to edit hard copies of work instead of electronic. Factors such as distance between the editor and writer, and the role of the editor in the process strongly affected the survey’s results. Dayton also found that many individuals did not prefer e-editing because it causes headaches, neck/back pain, eye strain, and fatigue.
After conducting all of his research, Dayton did indeed find that using the electronic editing method is only hurting editors instead of helping them. Because of these findings, replacing the hard copy editing method with electronic editing does not make logical sense. Again, everything boils down to the accuracy of information being published. If electronic copies are only negatively affecting editors, then why proceed with this form of editing? Especially since Patty Wharton-Michael found the same results in her own article.
Picture of David Dayton courtesy of:
http://www.towson.edu/main/research/images/Dayton_David021710.jpg
http://www.towson.edu/main/research/images/Dayton_David021710.jpg