SpinSpotter Sniffs Out Journalistic Bias

A conservative and a liberal got together to create a browser attachment to detect journalistic “spin” on web sites you visit.  According to an article in Business Week, SpinSpotter looks for examples of exaggeration, source bias, and passive voice, which it then flags in red so you can be properly suspicious. The application is available as a “very beta” download. For now, you’re probably better off keeping track of your own voice. Our books (Professional Writing Skills and E-Mail: A Write It Well Guide) will help you master the use of active voice.