Those skilled with the technology will see their stars rise as the priority shifts to just getting the paper out on time. As designers get closer to decision making power, copy editors may feel that these players are acting superior and winning a power struggle over content. It's a real challenge to manage these clashes of egos, but it must be done in a way that smooths the transition and limits resentment. Develop a reward system that compliments productivity at the same time it venerates good headlines and good catches. Finding ways to celebrate and appreciate the literary side of copy editing is especially important during an adjustment phase when many papers see a dropoff in quality.
Trouble inevitably arises when copy desk managers turn to brinkmanship as motivation.
Rather, work with the desk to develop a training and mentoring system. Copy editors, veterans as well as neophytes, need support at this difficult time of change. Give them the special attention they need by giving them a place to turn. Proper training provides an even footing for all your copy editors. To be most effective, tutorial programs cannot be viewed as punitive.