DISTRIBUTED PROOFREADERS Meaning and
Definition
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"Distributed Proofreaders" refers to an online collaborative project aimed at proofreading and digitizing public domain books. It functions as a decentralized system where volunteer proofreaders work together to improve the accuracy and quality of electronic texts.
The project is based on the concept of crowdsourcing, where a large group of individuals collectively contribute their time and efforts towards a common goal. In the case of Distributed Proofreaders, the objective is to create accurate electronic texts that can be accessed and enjoyed by readers worldwide.
The process begins with a book being scanned and converted into an image format (typically TIFF or DjVu). These images are then divided into smaller sections or "pages" which are made available to volunteer proofreaders through a web-based interface. The proofreaders carefully examine the pages, checking for spelling errors, punctuation mistakes, formatting issues, and any other errors that might have occurred during the process of digitization.
Once a page is proofread, it undergoes a rigorous evaluation process to ensure the highest level of accuracy. This includes multiple rounds of proofreading and comparison against previous versions. The final verified version is then transformed into an eBook format, such as ePub or Kindle, and made accessible to the public through various platforms and libraries.
The success of Distributed Proofreaders lies in its ability to harness the collective intelligence, skills, and dedication of volunteers who share a passion for literature and preservation of knowledge. By breaking down the proofreading task into smaller, manageable parts, the project enables efficient and widespread collaboration, ultimately leading to the creation of high-quality electronic texts for everyone to enjoy.
Etymology of DISTRIBUTED PROOFREADERS
The etymology of the term "Distributed Proofreaders" can be broken down as follows:
1. Distributed: The word "distributed" comes from the Latin word "distributus", which is the past participle of "distribuere". "Distribuere" is a combination of "dis-" (meaning "apart" or "away") and "tribuere" (meaning "to divide" or "to allot"). In English, "distributed" refers to something that is divided or spread out over an area or among various individuals or groups.
2. Proofreaders: "Proofreaders" refers to individuals who read through written material to identify and correct errors, such as spelling mistakes, grammar issues, or inconsistencies. The term combines "proof", which originally referred to a trial impression of a printed work for correction, and "reader", which denotes a person who reads.
