It Happens

Mistakes happen. And as I put together the corrections that you see at the bottom of this page, I realized two things. First, I really hate making mistakes, and second, it’s the first time in 22 issues that I have two errors in one issue important enough that they merited corrections. (I’m sure you could find more than two typos in any issue.)

I wanted to see how the “Big Guys” handle running more than one correction and went to look at The New York Times for May 20, only to discover, that on this particular day, there are well over a dozen errors being owned and corrected in that esteemed publication. I said to a co-worker, “Now, I don’t feel so bad,” and he responded, “At least it’s not Newsweek,” referring to its May 9 story that ran triggering riots and loss of life that turned out to be untrue. And, again I was grateful that my mistakes in Cosmetic Packaging & Design are embarrassing, but not life threatening.

For me, the best policy has always been to own my mistakes, apologize and take whatever action possible to make up for the error. In publishing, it means running a correction and perhaps doing a special favor for the injured party. In life, it’s not as simple or clear-cut, but my strategy is the same. Say, “I’m sorry, I messed up. What can I do to make it right.” This works because you are (or should be) truly sorry and because it has become so rare for someone to actually admit a mistake, it usually disarms the person wronged and allows us to move on.

The last thing about mistakes is that if you really believe you never make any—you’re probably not living much of a life. No mistakes means no risks and no risks generally translates to a pretty dull, boring life. I’m not promoting careless journalism. We try very hard not to make errors and want to know about the ones that get by us—we will make our corrections. But I am saying that sometimes, taking a risk, making a decision to take a leap even when you’re not sure exactly where you’ll land, can be the best choice. In business, it’s called being an entrepreneur and in life it’s living fully.

We hope you’ll take the time to read this issue and visit our website, www.CosmeticPackagingandDesign.com. And may all your mistakes be learning and living experiences.

Janet Herlihy
Editor
[email protected]