Gael Spivak
@piglita.bsky.social
Editor, writer, collector (squirrels, tiny books, and articles on the singular they).
AMA re: the ISO plain language standard.
she/her/elle #TeamSingularThey
AMA re: the ISO plain language standard.
she/her/elle #TeamSingularThey
Plain legal communication can reduce the risk of liability claims against lawyers.
Get your copy of ISO 24495-2: Plain language — Part 2: Legal Communication today.
bit.ly/3HTq12X
Get your copy of ISO 24495-2: Plain language — Part 2: Legal Communication today.
bit.ly/3HTq12X
November 12, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Plain legal communication can reduce the risk of liability claims against lawyers.
Get your copy of ISO 24495-2: Plain language — Part 2: Legal Communication today.
bit.ly/3HTq12X
Get your copy of ISO 24495-2: Plain language — Part 2: Legal Communication today.
bit.ly/3HTq12X
I didn't win this award at the conference in Brussels but it was still amazing to be a finalist. The person who did win (Heloisa Fischer) has done some amazing work.
I managed to get the certificate home with only a mild crease in it. I should win an award for THAT feat! 🤣
I managed to get the certificate home with only a mild crease in it. I should win an award for THAT feat! 🤣
November 10, 2025 at 2:21 PM
I didn't win this award at the conference in Brussels but it was still amazing to be a finalist. The person who did win (Heloisa Fischer) has done some amazing work.
I managed to get the certificate home with only a mild crease in it. I should win an award for THAT feat! 🤣
I managed to get the certificate home with only a mild crease in it. I should win an award for THAT feat! 🤣
Excited to be at the European Commission for the Translating Europe Forum (part of the plain language conference). The EU flags everywhere make me happy. And hopeful. #2025TEF
November 5, 2025 at 8:29 AM
Excited to be at the European Commission for the Translating Europe Forum (part of the plain language conference). The EU flags everywhere make me happy. And hopeful. #2025TEF
Reposted by Gael Spivak
For every $1 in benefits fraud, agencies spend $3.72 trying to detect it, based on the unproven assumption that means-testing lowers the rate of fraud. But there's evidence to indicate that trusting people to self-report what they need would be cheaper overall, even factoring in fraud/abuse.
“some people abuse SNAP” your soul is rotten
October 30, 2025 at 8:15 PM
For every $1 in benefits fraud, agencies spend $3.72 trying to detect it, based on the unproven assumption that means-testing lowers the rate of fraud. But there's evidence to indicate that trusting people to self-report what they need would be cheaper overall, even factoring in fraud/abuse.
Reposted by Gael Spivak
Hot take: Grammarly should focus on at least providing human-level editing abilities before it claims to offer better-than-human-level editing abilities.
Grammarly is changing its name to Superhuman
Grammarly is changing its name to Superhuman
So long, Grammarly. Greetings, Superhuman.
buff.ly
October 30, 2025 at 9:50 PM
Hot take: Grammarly should focus on at least providing human-level editing abilities before it claims to offer better-than-human-level editing abilities.
Reposted by Gael Spivak
If you're wondering where the line is when editing student work, you owe it to yourself and your client to read Editors Canada's Guidelines for Ethical Editing of Student texts. Available as a free download here:
Guidelines for Ethical Editing of Student Texts - Editors Canada
To aid editors who edit undergraduate and graduate students' work, Editors Canada has developed guidelines for the ethical editing of English-language papers, theses and dissertations.
www.editors.ca
October 29, 2025 at 8:35 PM
If you're wondering where the line is when editing student work, you owe it to yourself and your client to read Editors Canada's Guidelines for Ethical Editing of Student texts. Available as a free download here:
Reposted by Gael Spivak
You probably missed this key point in the initial news coverage since most headlines treated the DOJ announcement like it was no big deal. Read this to find out what’s really going on.
New in PN: The DOJ's "election monitoring" is really voter intimidation
"If Hispanic voters are no longer in the GOP fold after watching Trump’s ceaseless, country-wide violence against immigrants, the administration’s solution is to make sure they can’t cast a ballot."
"If Hispanic voters are no longer in the GOP fold after watching Trump’s ceaseless, country-wide violence against immigrants, the administration’s solution is to make sure they can’t cast a ballot."
The DOJ's "election monitoring" is really voter suppression
Trump's Big Lie has become government policy.
www.publicnotice.co
October 28, 2025 at 11:28 PM
You probably missed this key point in the initial news coverage since most headlines treated the DOJ announcement like it was no big deal. Read this to find out what’s really going on.
Editors and writers, if you aren't signed up for this newsletter, do it now. It's so useful.
October’s #ConsciousLanguageNewsletter will go out tomorrow! Here are the most popular posts in last month's edition.
“Reporter’s Guide to Detecting AI-Generated Content” @gijn.org
“Reporter’s Guide to Detecting AI-Generated Content” @gijn.org
Reporter’s Guide to Detecting AI-Generated Content
This guide offers journalists a new detection tool and seven advanced techniques for spotting probable AI-generated content.
gijn.org
October 28, 2025 at 9:36 PM
Editors and writers, if you aren't signed up for this newsletter, do it now. It's so useful.
Reposted by Gael Spivak
Remarkable case of false balance. Trump is disappearing people, blowing up boats, musing about third term. Mamdani wants rent freeze and free buses. “Extremes“
October 28, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Remarkable case of false balance. Trump is disappearing people, blowing up boats, musing about third term. Mamdani wants rent freeze and free buses. “Extremes“
Reposted by Gael Spivak
The Walton family (who own Walmart) are worth over $400 billion, yet many of their employees are on SNAP.
Bezos is worth over $400 billion, many Amazon employees require SNAP.
The people who need help are not the problem.
It’s corporate greed. It’s an unwillingness to pay a living wage.
Bezos is worth over $400 billion, many Amazon employees require SNAP.
The people who need help are not the problem.
It’s corporate greed. It’s an unwillingness to pay a living wage.
October 27, 2025 at 9:08 PM
The Walton family (who own Walmart) are worth over $400 billion, yet many of their employees are on SNAP.
Bezos is worth over $400 billion, many Amazon employees require SNAP.
The people who need help are not the problem.
It’s corporate greed. It’s an unwillingness to pay a living wage.
Bezos is worth over $400 billion, many Amazon employees require SNAP.
The people who need help are not the problem.
It’s corporate greed. It’s an unwillingness to pay a living wage.
Reposted by Gael Spivak
Hey ⚾️ fans,
If you’re at the game tonight, walk each other to your cars because ICE is in the parking lot.
#WorldSeries
If you’re at the game tonight, walk each other to your cars because ICE is in the parking lot.
#WorldSeries
October 28, 2025 at 1:38 AM
Hey ⚾️ fans,
If you’re at the game tonight, walk each other to your cars because ICE is in the parking lot.
#WorldSeries
If you’re at the game tonight, walk each other to your cars because ICE is in the parking lot.
#WorldSeries
This is so important. People say (and spell) my name incorrectly all the time. So I appreciate it when people ask how to say my name. I try to do the same for others.
When you consistently say someone’s name wrong, you send the message that they’re not important.
October 24, 2025 at 1:44 PM
This is so important. People say (and spell) my name incorrectly all the time. So I appreciate it when people ask how to say my name. I try to do the same for others.
Reposted by Gael Spivak
Updating my LEGO White House
October 23, 2025 at 2:51 AM
Updating my LEGO White House
Plain legal communication reduces litigation. Improving clarity improves accuracy, certainty and precision, which reduces litigation involving interpretation issues.
Get your copy of ISO 24495-2: Plain language — Part 2: Legal Communication today.
bit.ly/3HTq12X
Get your copy of ISO 24495-2: Plain language — Part 2: Legal Communication today.
bit.ly/3HTq12X
October 22, 2025 at 4:41 PM
Plain legal communication reduces litigation. Improving clarity improves accuracy, certainty and precision, which reduces litigation involving interpretation issues.
Get your copy of ISO 24495-2: Plain language — Part 2: Legal Communication today.
bit.ly/3HTq12X
Get your copy of ISO 24495-2: Plain language — Part 2: Legal Communication today.
bit.ly/3HTq12X
I know Alex really knows her indexing stuff. If you're interested in indexing, check out her course.
Sorry, TMU has updated their website. New URL: continuing.torontomu.ca/search/publi...
Thanks to @editrix-rachel.bsky.social for pointing this out!!
Thanks to @editrix-rachel.bsky.social for pointing this out!!
October 22, 2025 at 2:06 AM
I know Alex really knows her indexing stuff. If you're interested in indexing, check out her course.
Reposted by Gael Spivak
#CancelSpotify
They are running ICE ads.
They aren't the only company, but I think we should make an example out of Spotify and do an economic boycott against companies supporting masked, armed agents terrorizing innocent Americans with impunity.
Spread the word.
www.snopes.com/fact-check/s...
They are running ICE ads.
They aren't the only company, but I think we should make an example out of Spotify and do an economic boycott against companies supporting masked, armed agents terrorizing innocent Americans with impunity.
Spread the word.
www.snopes.com/fact-check/s...
October 19, 2025 at 5:58 PM
#CancelSpotify
They are running ICE ads.
They aren't the only company, but I think we should make an example out of Spotify and do an economic boycott against companies supporting masked, armed agents terrorizing innocent Americans with impunity.
Spread the word.
www.snopes.com/fact-check/s...
They are running ICE ads.
They aren't the only company, but I think we should make an example out of Spotify and do an economic boycott against companies supporting masked, armed agents terrorizing innocent Americans with impunity.
Spread the word.
www.snopes.com/fact-check/s...
Reposted by Gael Spivak
There’s a, “No Kings, Austin,” online registration form being passed around on BlueSky.
You don’t need to register.
Don’t sign anything and block anyone posting No King’s registration. If it’s not phishing, it definitely could be used like that.
You don’t need to register.
Don’t sign anything and block anyone posting No King’s registration. If it’s not phishing, it definitely could be used like that.
October 18, 2025 at 3:50 PM
There’s a, “No Kings, Austin,” online registration form being passed around on BlueSky.
You don’t need to register.
Don’t sign anything and block anyone posting No King’s registration. If it’s not phishing, it definitely could be used like that.
You don’t need to register.
Don’t sign anything and block anyone posting No King’s registration. If it’s not phishing, it definitely could be used like that.
Reposted by Gael Spivak
Hi, I'm the ProPublica reporter who's been tracking an unusual stat: U.S. citizens grabbed by immigration agents.
I did it because the government isn’t.
This is what I found.
I did it because the government isn’t.
This is what I found.
October 18, 2025 at 2:11 PM
Hi, I'm the ProPublica reporter who's been tracking an unusual stat: U.S. citizens grabbed by immigration agents.
I did it because the government isn’t.
This is what I found.
I did it because the government isn’t.
This is what I found.
Reposted by Gael Spivak
We’re using Steve’s resources (book, workshop, monthly exercises) for our Fall 2025 pro-d with Weston Family Conservation Science Fellows @ncccnc.bsky.social.
Highly recommended! Pair with a Pomodoro timer and students say “it’s life changing” ⬅️ direct quote.
Highly recommended! Pair with a Pomodoro timer and students say “it’s life changing” ⬅️ direct quote.
Don't you wish your department/university did more to help grad students learn to write? Teaching writing is hard, but students are eager to learn.
I can help! I can teach a one-week intensive course for you. Details here: scientistseessquirre.... Get in touch!
I can help! I can teach a one-week intensive course for you. Details here: scientistseessquirre.... Get in touch!
Writing Course
I can help your students write! I can offer a one-week, in-person writing course for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows at your institution. Class sizes of 8-25 work well; we can discuss la…
scientistseessquirrel.wordpress.com
October 16, 2025 at 1:52 PM
We’re using Steve’s resources (book, workshop, monthly exercises) for our Fall 2025 pro-d with Weston Family Conservation Science Fellows @ncccnc.bsky.social.
Highly recommended! Pair with a Pomodoro timer and students say “it’s life changing” ⬅️ direct quote.
Highly recommended! Pair with a Pomodoro timer and students say “it’s life changing” ⬅️ direct quote.
Plain language guidelines help lawyers, judges and other legal professionals reach multiple audiences with the same document, which reduces the need for additional explanatory documents.
Get your copy of ISO 24495-2: Plain language — Part 2: Legal Communication today.
bit.ly/3HTq12X
Get your copy of ISO 24495-2: Plain language — Part 2: Legal Communication today.
bit.ly/3HTq12X
October 15, 2025 at 6:32 PM
Plain language guidelines help lawyers, judges and other legal professionals reach multiple audiences with the same document, which reduces the need for additional explanatory documents.
Get your copy of ISO 24495-2: Plain language — Part 2: Legal Communication today.
bit.ly/3HTq12X
Get your copy of ISO 24495-2: Plain language — Part 2: Legal Communication today.
bit.ly/3HTq12X
This is cool.
So interesting! I’ve always wanted to look into the visual aspect of accents.
‘Different accents look different' www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
‘Different accents look different' www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
'Why I speak with a Yorkshire accent despite being born deaf'
Gladiators star Jodie Ounsley says it is one of the questions she gets asked the most.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 11, 2025 at 6:46 PM
This is cool.
Reposted by Gael Spivak
Perhaps the only politician truly standing up for trans folks in the US right now. Zohran is such a bright light.
UNTIL IT’S DONE, Ep. 4: Sylvia Rivera
In the 1970s, queer New Yorkers had been pushed to the margins of NYC. Our trans neighbors faced immense cruelty. But in Sylvia Rivera, they found a champion.
As we combat Trump’s politics of darkness, her legacy can light the path forward.
In the 1970s, queer New Yorkers had been pushed to the margins of NYC. Our trans neighbors faced immense cruelty. But in Sylvia Rivera, they found a champion.
As we combat Trump’s politics of darkness, her legacy can light the path forward.
October 11, 2025 at 1:03 PM
Perhaps the only politician truly standing up for trans folks in the US right now. Zohran is such a bright light.
This is a great book. I refer to it often.
If you edit Canadian English, this book is a must-have resource. The Editing Canadian English ebook is available for as little as $9.99, so why not pick up a copy, eh? #ECE3
Editing Canadian English - Editors Canada
Editing Canadian English is a reference guide about Canadian English, from Canadianization to spelling, abbreviations, punctuation, measurements, bilingual texts and so much more.
www.editors.ca
October 9, 2025 at 6:57 PM
This is a great book. I refer to it often.
Reposted by Gael Spivak
"There's truth underneath all this fake outrage. Conservatives really are at a disadvantage in pop culture because most creative people are liberals, which has always been true & probably always will be. While MAGA has had some success building a culture machine, what it produces is mostly banal."
Whiny MAGA freaks out over Super Bowl halftime show
Songs in Spanish? In America?
www.publicnotice.co
October 9, 2025 at 1:07 AM
"There's truth underneath all this fake outrage. Conservatives really are at a disadvantage in pop culture because most creative people are liberals, which has always been true & probably always will be. While MAGA has had some success building a culture machine, what it produces is mostly banal."