Do you Announce your Mistakes?

You know when you catch a mistake and then grapple with the idea of whether or not to remedy the situation because it may cause more trouble than good?  A friend of mine is a writer for an online publication.  Sometimes after turning in an article, she realizes that there is a little typo.  The editors have candidly told her that it is MUCH easier for them to simply “dot the i” themselves and move along rather than read your fifteen emails about the “i”s you forgot to dot.  Very good.

About a month ago, I wrote to an author whom I admire.  I got really excited about contacting her because we share an acquaintance and I get giddy over connections.  Well, I was using a new email host…I hit send on my fan-mailish letter and nothing happened.  So I did it again, like 15 times.  Finally the screen changed and said “sent.”  Bravo.  Fan mail sent!  On to the rest of my day.  Well, later I checked that account (unrealistically too soon for a response from said author).  BAH!  In the “sent” folder were 15 emails to HER!!!  Now I look like a total stalker.  What to do?  Take a breath.  Don’t start clicking in a panic.  I waited.  I’ve been waiting about a month now.  Luckily, in the mean time, I’ve received emails from both strangers and friends.  I’ve learned how to send emails ONCE from the new account and my ego has mended (from that).  Basically if it was meant to happen, we will connect some way.  Maybe she doesn’t even check that account….or maybe she thinks I’m a kook.  Good.  I am kooky.

P.S. Now I look like a SUPER stalker since I sent her 15 emails and now wrote an article about it.  Yikes!

(photo by Alexander.J.Malburg, via Flickr)