After a data privacy breach by a major Australian telecomms company in September 2022, current and former customers need to be even more vigilant about emails, phone calls and other communications to prevent identity fraud and other scams.

With increasing digital communications, spam and scams are always evolving. In day to day life, we all need to be aware and ask “does that seem right?”.

I have written two previous blogs on the issue of spam and editing:

• How to recognise spam – it’s all in the editing, my very first blog in 2013
• Cutting through spam and scam, a more recent blog given the ongoing importance

In whatever field they edit, editors constantly ask themselves when reading and editing work – “does it sound right?” or “does that seem right?” Editors may be uncertain about a fact, a detail, apparent inconsistencies, or even tone. If they are not sure, editors can check a range of other sources, or raise a query with the author. Even when checking sources, editors also need to be aware of the credibility of sources, and keep asking “does that seem right?”.

Editors are finely attuned to nuances and inconsistencies, and are able to question and check diverse elements. It doesn’t mean editors are foolproof, but they are very detail oriented and analytical. At the same time, they have a focus on the big picture and whether every element in a work comes together to make sense to readers.

To improve your digital safety, approach all communications like an editor, and ask yourself “does that seem right?”.

To work with an accredited editor who asks the right questions on academic and research work, please contact me at rhdaniels@bigpond.com