Proof reading

Proof reading has a certain stuffy ring to it. It is often associated with to nit-picking and "little minds..." etc. So what if there is a spelling mistake or two? You can still read it, can't you? Besides, these days everyone has access to computers with extremely clever spelling programs to sort those things out.
Sure. Those programmes will detect something like tihs, but they will not notice fish.
And proof-reading is so much more than a simple spell check. A skilled proof-
reader assumes the rôle of the editor. He corrects ambiguous phrasing, mends broken sentences, and points out missing connections or conclusions.
A proof-reading is also a kind of user-test. At best, the author knows what he means, but does he make that clear to the reader? The help texts in this computer are good examples of texts that are all too often incomprehensible to those that need them.
Professional texts are not written, nor published, for the pleasure of it. Every text is an investment with a purpose and a price-tag. Obviously an advertising campaign costs more than a press release, but they are both inherent parts of the company activity. A poorly written press release runs the risk of being misunderstood or ignored, whereas for instance a concise and relevant manual will improve the image of the product.

Proof-read sample