Typographical Error
What is a Typographical Error?
A Typographical Error, now commonly called a “typo,” originally referred to an error that took place during the arrangement of type glyphs, which were once used to print newspapers. Now the term typographical error refers specifically to errors made during the creation of an electronic word document, such as duplicating or omitting a letter or word from the text. In this way, typographical errors describe errors of entry and not errors due to a lack of knowledge, such as improper use of grammar, syntax, punctuation or poor word choice.
How can typographical errors affect online businesses?
In the Internet era, typographical errors can have a profound effect on the success or failure of an online venture. This is mainly the result of the increased use of Internet search engines, which often preform simple keyword searches of the Internet. Thus, if a business has a typographical error on their website potential customers may not as easily locate the business’ website.
What is a specific example of the adverse effect typographical errors can have on an online venture?
Typographical errors have created an especially interesting dynamic on online auction websites where users list and describe goods they have for sale. Listings on auction websites, such as eBay, that contain typographical errors often receive less Internet traffic and accordingly sell for a lower price than listings without typographical errors.