Back before the Internet, Roget’s Thesaurus was a valuable tool for writers seeking the perfect word to enhance their writing. For Bill Hammond, a former Sports Editor and News Editor at the EVENING OBSERVER, Roget’s Thesaurus was a go-to source for ensuring correct writing. From 1972 until 2017, Hammond dedicated his time to editing stories and paginating for the newspaper, where he encountered a wide range of writing styles and abilities.
In his role as an editor, Hammond worked with numerous reporters, editors, and contributors, each with their own unique writing strengths and weaknesses. Some writers required minimal editing, while others needed extensive revisions to improve their work. One common issue that Hammond noticed among young writers was the overuse of certain words, such as the word “that.”
One memorable example of this was a headline that appeared on the front page of the EVENING OBSERVER Sports section, which contained an excessive amount of the word “that” in a single sentence. Recognizing the need for improvement, Hammond took the opportunity to educate the young reporter on the importance of concise and effective writing. By crossing out unnecessary instances of the word “that,” Hammond was able to streamline the story and create a more engaging read.
However, editors are not immune to mistakes either. Hammond shared a humorous anecdote about a misplaced joke that made its way onto a sports page headline, resulting in an unintended insult to local bowlers. Despite the error, the situation was quickly rectified, and the newspaper avoided any backlash from offended readers.
In addition to common writing pitfalls like overused words, reporters were also prone to spelling and usage mistakes. Hammond kept a list of amusing submissions that he encountered over the years, showcasing examples of misused words and phrases that led to unintentionally humorous results. From “mute” instead of “moot” to “sweet” instead of “suite,” these errors served as a reminder of the importance of careful proofreading and attention to detail in writing.
Through his experiences as an editor, Hammond not only corrected mistakes but also helped young writers improve their skills and avoid common pitfalls. By sharing his insights and knowledge, he was able to guide aspiring journalists towards more effective and polished writing. As a seasoned editor with a keen eye for detail, Hammond’s dedication to quality writing left a lasting impact on the journalists he mentored and the readers who enjoyed their work.
