--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: He glances at the sorry trio of copy…" description: "\"“He glances at the sorry trio of copy editors before him: Dave Belling, a simpleton far too cheerful to compose a decent headline; Ed Rance, who wears ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5cf/tom-rachman-8194_copy-editors_he-glances-at-the-sorry-trio-of-copy-edi_2376540.png" --- # He glances at the sorry trio of copy editors before him… ![“He glances at the sorry trio of copy editors before him: Dave Belling, a simpleton far too cheerful to compose a decent headline; Ed Rance, who wears a white ponytail--what more need one say?; and Ruby Zaga, who is sure that the entire staff is plotting against her, and is correct. What is the…” quote by Tom Rachman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5cf/tom-rachman-8194_copy-editors_he-glances-at-the-sorry-trio-of-copy-edi_2376540.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5cf/tom-rachman-8194_copy-editors_he-glances-at-the-sorry-trio-of-copy-edi_2376540.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5cf/tom-rachman-8194_copy-editors_he-glances-at-the-sorry-trio-of-copy-edi_2376540.png) > ““He glances at the sorry trio of copy editors before him: Dave Belling, a simpleton far too cheerful to compose a decent headline; Ed Rance, who wears a white ponytail--what more need one say?; and Ruby Zaga, who is sure that the entire staff is plotting against her, and is correct. What is the value in remonstrating with such a feckless triumvirate?”” [Tom Rachman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tom-rachman/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The narrator criticizes three copy editors, describing them as incompetent, overly cheerful, and paranoid, questioning the value of confronting such a problematic team. **In simple terms:** The editors are seen as flawed and confronting them seems futile. Key Takeaway Consider whether confronting difficult colleagues is worthwhile. Themes workplace dynamics leadership communication Mood frustrated critical Type analysis observational When to use this quote - editorial meetings - project deadlines - team building Key Concepts team management conflict resolution Questions to Reflect On - Is it better to manage or confront difficult coworkers? - What strategies can improve team cohesion? A Different Perspective Addressing issues may not change entrenched attitudes. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Copy editors](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/copy-editors-37866/) [Editors Dave](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/editors-dave-5871860/) [Feckless Triumvirate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/feckless-triumvirate-5871861/) [Remonstrating](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/remonstrating-5871862/) [Remonstrating Feckless](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/remonstrating-feckless-5871859/) ## Related quotes > [“Reverend John Allen of Massachusetts took up the cry: Blush ye pretended votaries for freedom! ye trifling patriots!… for while you are fasting, praying,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hugh-brogan/reverend-john-allen-of-massachusetts-took-up-the-cry-blush-ye/) [Hugh Brogan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hugh-brogan/) > [In my experience, copy editors, like the stalwart staff I've worked with and learned from in my 34 years at 'TIME,' are linguistic conservatives…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-corliss/in-my-experience-copy-editors-like-the-stalwart-staff-i-ve-worked/) [Richard Corliss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-corliss/) > [“Writers jealous of their individual style are obliged to wring the utmost effect from a tiny range of marks – which explains why they…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lynne-truss/writers-jealous-of-their-individual-style-are-obliged-to-wring-the/) [Lynne Truss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lynne-truss/) > [The credibility of the work depends on copy editors. 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