Your great editing skill is not necessarily useless; in fact, it can be quite valuable in various contexts. The perception of whether people pay attention to and appreciate editing skills depends on the specific situation and the audience involved. Let's explore some reasons why it might appear that "most" people don't always pay much attention to or fully appreciate editing skills:
Unseen Effort: Often, when editing is done well, it becomes seamless and transparent. Readers may not notice the editing because they are focused on the content itself, which is the ultimate goal. Good editing allows the message to come across clearly without distracting errors, but this can mean the effort behind it goes unnoticed.
Expected Standard: People might take good editing for granted, especially in professional settings. Properly edited documents, articles, or other forms of communication are expected to be error-free, so when they are, it doesn't necessarily stand out to the audience.
Subjective Nature: Editing is subjective to some extent, and what one person considers excellent editing might not be the same for someone else. While some people might appreciate the effort put into editing, others may not notice it or have different preferences for style and presentation.
Focus on Content: In many cases, the primary focus of the audience is on the content itself rather than the editing. If the content is engaging, informative, or valuable, people may be more inclined to pay attention to that aspect rather than the editing.
Limited Context: If you are sharing your edited work in casual or social settings, people might not fully appreciate the level of skill and effort that goes into the editing process, especially if they are not familiar with the challenges of editing.
Editing as an Unseen Art: In some ways, editing is like an invisible art. Its impact might not be immediately visible, but it contributes significantly to the overall quality of the work. Editors often work behind the scenes to enhance the content, and their influence might not be explicitly acknowledged.
Overlooking Errors: While some people may not overtly praise good editing, they are likely to notice and be critical of poor editing. If they find errors or inconsistencies, it can negatively impact their perception of the work.
Overall, while it might seem that "most" people do not pay explicit attention to or appreciate editing, it is essential to remember that well-executed editing is crucial for maintaining professionalism, clarity, and credibility in written communication. Even if it goes unnoticed, your editing skills contribute significantly to the overall success and effectiveness of the content you work on.