For 90 years The New Yorker has been North America’s epitome of stylish journalism.
As an intriguing weekly package of writing and drawing, one of the few remaining general-interest magazines to publish fiction and poetry in every issue, it has no competition.
There’s a dandy website, too, with intriguing blogs and daily news updates, as well as an iPad edition.
The magazine charges for much of its content, and most Tuesdays I eagerly pay $7 for the paper copy. The eclectic mix of topics and exemplary fact checking and editing create a rewarding read.
But reader, I have found a mistake in The New Yorker.
In the May 9 issue the fourth letter to the editor discusses political campaign spending. It contains this sentence: “The other two largest sources, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and American Crossroads, spent approximately $140 million dollars.”
Which should it be? $ or dollars?
The answer is $, judging by the previous sentence and by other articles in that issue.
That’s the thing about copy editing: Do it well and hardly anyone notices. Screw up and any schmuck can catch you.
