Should You Correct That Thing on the Internet Quiz

HSW

5 Min Quiz

Is it pedantry?

No. Water is made of hydrogen and oxygen, not hydrogen and carbon. That's an actual error.

Yes. But somebody has to set the record straight. It's not just that Han shot first. Han shot. The end. Stop saying "Han shot first."
What's pedantry?

Advertisement

Did you start by saying, "Well, actually … "

No.
Yes.

Advertisement

Could the mistake cause harm?

Absolutely. Your instructions on CPR are incorrect, and they could kill somebody.
No, but that's not how people in Australia say "emu," and you should really get it right.

Advertisement

Could the mistake cause embarrassment?

Yes. Your host is going to be absolutely mortified when she realizes she said "Strom Thurmond" but meant "Thurgood Marshall."
No, but seriously, you have got to understand that sometimes "data" DOES take a singular verb.

Advertisement

Is it an issue of personal preference?

No. I have no personal preferences on the transposed numerals in your tax tables.
Well, yes. I hate vocal fry and I think you should fire anyone who uses it from your podcasts.

Advertisement

Is it a matter of opinion?

No. France and Greece do not share a border.

Yes. I didn't like this article. I thought it sucked, and I'm not giving you any constructive detail on why.
Yes, because you specifically asked for people to submit their opinions.

Advertisement

Can the mistake be fixed?

Yes, it's there on your website in an article you just published.
No, I found it in a scan of a first-edition copy of an out-of-print book that you linked to from your article.

Advertisement

Is your comment related to the person's gender, race or other personal trait?

No, it's a misspelled word.
No, I just need this podcaster to know that she sounds shrill. Shrill and uptalky. And she's way too bossy. Also vocal fry, again.

Advertisement

Are you sure your correction is correct?

Absolutely. I confirmed it in a reliable reference work before sending it.
Absolutely. My uncle told me it's chemicals in the water that make us see rainbows in the sprinklers.

Advertisement

And it's just the correction … no insults or personal judgments?

Yes. The capital of North Carolina is Raleigh, but page 3 says it's Charlotte.
Hey: You spelled "fuchsia" wrong. Mistakes like this really make people question the quality of your website, in case you didn't know. You should really consider hiring editors who know what they are doing.

Advertisement

And it's constructive?

Yes. My goal is just to note a problem that can be fixed, not to rake somebody over the coals about it.
You are terrible and your work is terrible and I don't know why anyone comes to your site anymore.

Advertisement

Explore More Quizzes

KNOWLEDGE

The Gilbert and Sullivan Lyrics Quiz

6 Minute Quiz 6 Min

SCREENSHOT

The Black and White Television Quiz

7 Minute Quiz 7 Min

PERSONALITY

What Does Your Taste in Classic TV Shows Say About You?

5 Minute Quiz 5 Min

SCREENSHOT

Do You Know the Correct Spelling of These Disney Names?

7 Minute Quiz 7 Min

SCREENSHOT

Can You Match These Fictional U.S. Presidents to the Correct TV Show or Movie?

7 Minute Quiz 7 Min

KNOWLEDGE

Can You Complete These Iconic Star Wars Scenes With the Correct Quote?

7 Minute Quiz 7 Min

KNOWLEDGE

Can You Pick the Grammatically Correct Sentence?

7 Minute Quiz 7 Min

PERSONALITY

What Faction Am I?

5 Minute Quiz 5 Min

PERSONALITY

What Wizarding World Job Would You Have?

5 Minute Quiz 5 Min

PERSONALITY

Which Hogwarts Subject Would You Excel At?

6 Minute Quiz 6 Min

Image: Getty

About This Quiz

You see it (or maybe hear it) right there: It's on the Internet, and it's not right. You're sure of it. It beckons you, "Correct me! Point me out! Tell everyone how wrong I am, and how right you are!" But … should you, really?

About HowStuffWorks Play

How much do you know about dinosaurs? What is an octane rating? And how do you use a proper noun? Lucky for you, HowStuffWorks Play is here to help. Our award-winning website offers reliable, easy-to-understand explanations about how the world works. From fun quizzes that bring joy to your day, to compelling photography and fascinating lists, HowStuffWorks Play offers something for everyone. Sometimes we explain how stuff works, other times, we ask you, but we’re always exploring in the name of fun! Because learning is fun, so stick with us!