The error was missed by a writer, editor, copy editor and page proofer.

But not by reader Gail Cooley. She knew the word we were looking for is ``towheaded.''

``Some of the errors are so funny,'' she said. ``So downright funny.''

But there is a serious side as well: the Tribune's credibility.

How well a newspaper edits for spelling and grammar can determine how much credence readers place in its reporting. The damage errors cause to credibility is especially troublesome when they occur in headlines - not only because the mistakes appear in such large type, but also because many busy readers glean their news by scanning headlines.

Moreover, as a public forum, a newspaper is expected to serve as a role model for proper use of the language.

``This newspaper is being used in schools to teach our children, and we need to be more careful,'' Cooley said. ``And it's not just the kids, it's the adults who are learning from this.''

Folder Full Of Goodies

Editors at the Tribune hear regularly from Cooley, who lives in Tampa and works as a secretary. She credits a seventh-grade English teacher with imparting a love for language and a desire to teach.

``I keep three folders. One says `daughter,' one says `son' and one says `Tribune,' '' she said. ``I read during my lunch, I read on my breaks, I read whenever I can. When I find something, I rip it out and put it in my folder.''

When the folder starts to get full, she sends in the clippings.

Some of her recent findings:

* A headline that read ``Mobil Home'' instead of ``Mobile Home.''

* A columnist who wrote about a ``beta'' - rather than a ``betta'' - fish.

* A photo caption showing a musician playing a ``base.'' The correct word is ``bass.''

Her envelopes also contain kudos, especially for headlines that include plays on words.

``I see a lot of really good puns in the Tribune,'' she said.

Copy Editors' Challenge

The critiques Cooley sends to the newspaper become part of the continuous improvement efforts on the copy desk. Its editors provide the final look at stories before publication, analyzing each for clarity and completeness, accuracy and fairness, and spelling and grammar. Copy editors also write headlines and photo captions.

``Copy editors love the language and strive to use it properly,'' said Tribune News Editor Wendy Whitt, who oversees the copy desk. ``Rarely are those slip-ups the result of ignorance. Instead, they usually happen when a copy editor is distracted, trying to do too many things at once or rushing to make deadline.''

At the Tribune, copy editors routinely share advice on correct usage and style guidelines. Once a month, a senior copy editor issues an internal newsletter, called Type Ohs, that assesses the spelling, style and grammar mistakes we're making most often.

Copy editing, however, isn't only about the language.

``Copy editors have to know a lot about a lot of things,'' Whitt said. ``On any given night, a copy editor's knowledge of science, economics, history, courts, politics, local government and math might be tested.''

Finding good copy editors is a challenge for many newspapers. A professional organization, the American Copy Editors Society, found in an extensive survey of newspapers that more than two- thirds were coping with vacancies.

``They work the worst hours at the newspaper and come back night after night for more,'' Whitt said. ``And the paper is a lot better for that.''

Call the Citizens' Voice automated voice mailbox at 1-800-527-2758. Or write to Citizens' Voice, P.O. Box 191, Tampa FL 33601. Or e-mail

Call the Citizens' Voice automated voice mailbox at 1-800-527-2758. Or write to Citizens' Voice, P.O. Box 191, Tampa FL 33601. Or e-mail voice@ TBO.com .