Whenever the correction column begins with an "Editor's Note," it's time to think, "Uh-oh:"

Editors' Note

An article in The Times Magazine on Dec. 7 portrayed the role of technology in drawing together Howard Dean's youthful campaign volunteers, using as its departure point the story of a consultant who joined up after his engagement plans fell apart.

Details of the romantic break-up, including the prospective fiancée's given name, were accurate; editors included them in the belief that she had been consulted and had confirmed the account. The Times had failed to reach her, however, and it regrets the publication of the identifying details.

Probably not as much as the ex-fiancee regrets it.