When I started really editing other people's work, I had to school myself to think of them that way to make sure I caught any misuse. So now the association is there, and my fingers aren't always on the same wavelength with my brain.

Yeah. Proofreading for a living killed me. I never made these mistakes until I proofed professionally.

I give passes to most homophone errors, if they're rare.

Navel vs. Naval. Kills me every time.

Though there was a story the other day where someone was "as wanton as Chinese soup." I think that's my new favorite.

Loose vs. Lose is always the worst for me -- after all, they aren't even homophones.

Shown for shone. Hardly anyone uses that for past tense of shine, so a lot of people aren't really aware of the spelling, and spellcheck okays "shown."

Also, mantel for a hearth, as opposed to a mantle or a cloak. Past tense of cast--broadcast, spellcast, forecast--is cast. Past tense of "bid you stay" or forbid is bade (pronounced "bad") or forbade.

I'm confused now, but some reservoir of luddite is still unwilling to accept "orientate, orientated" rather than "orient, oriented" as a form of "orientation."

Also, mantel for a hearth, as opposed to a mantle or a cloak.

From my work on my fireplace, I can assure you this one is very common. Even on professional sites about mantels.

I'm confused now, but some reservoir of luddite is still unwilling to accept "orientate, orientated" rather than "orient, oriented" as a form of "orientation."

I think the hugely unnecessary syllable addition thing is primarily British, if my viewings of Mystery! episodes is any guide. I remember on "Second Sight" some cop talking about a "disorientated" witness.

Which is WRONG in this country, and should be in that one too.

"orientate, orientated" rather than "orient, oriented" as a form of "orientation."

"oriented" is just too short. I say "orientated", and that's what I write, unless I have very specific reason (an American character speaking) not to.

But what does orientate mean? Aside from the meaning of "orient", that is? If it's a different word, shouldn't there be a difference in meaning? The extra syllable doesn't give it added power, it just sounds...puffy. To me, anyway. But as I said, luddite.

Common Errors in English lists it as a mistake.

Edit: and MW gives its conception date as mid-1800s.

So the replacement set of Vividcon DVDs *did* arrive. (Yay!) The other set is presumably being watched by an employee of the Yakima Post Office, but whatever. More joy to them.

Anyway, I know some folks on here wished they could've gotten copies, and since the people who put the set together said it would be all right I wanted to offer to burn some off if anyone's interested. The e-mail address in my profile should be good - just drop me your snail address.