Corrections Quote by Alexander Cockburn
“There is never finality in the display terminal's screen, but an irresponsible whimsicality, as words, sentences, and paragraphs are negated at the touch of a key. The significance of the past, as expressed in the manuscript by a deleted word or an inserted correction, is annulled in idle gusts of electronic massacre.”
About This Quote
Digital text is fleeting; each keystroke can erase or alter meaning, making permanence illusory.
In simple terms: Online writing can be instantly changed or deleted.
Key Takeaway
Treat digital words as temporary.
Themes
impermanence
technology
memory
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- blogging
- social media posts
- news articles
- online editing
Key Concepts
ephemerality
digital decay
authorial intent
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities do writers have when they can edit instantly?
- How does this affect trust in digital content?
A Different Perspective
The ease of editing can undermine accountability and historical record.
![“[I]n the long run it's worthwhile to see the manuscript as a text capable of improvement.” quote by Barbara Sjoholm](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/331/barbara-sjoholm-94847_editing_i-n-the-long-run-it-s-worthwhile-to-see_282757.jpg)
![“Reprehension is a kind of middle thing betwixt admonition and correction: it is sharpe admonition, but a milde correction. It is rather to be used because it may be a meanes to prevent strokes and blowes, especially in ingenuous and good natured children. [Blows are] the last remedy which a parent…” quote by William Gouge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8b8/william-gouge-47709_admonition_reprehension-is-a-kind-of-middle-thing-b_174332.jpg)
