My question has been answered but there is still the question why FP does not appear to proofread articles before publication.

Lack of sub editors to proofread, lack of time, lack of personal knowledge, belief in the knowledge of the writer/contributor, possibly coupled with a different person checking in each of the stories, being tired, being distracted, being interrupted, etc.

That said, it would be easier if every writer checked their facts (it is generally what they are paid for) prior to submitting the story but many of them will claim they don’t get paid enough to maintain a library with which to consult, let alone their time – if they are paid, of course.

But not replying to a query smacks of don’t-give-a-damn ignorance or couldn’t-care-less high-handedness. Or an office where there is so much being piled onto too few for anything out of the ordinary, that has nothing to do with getting the publication to the printers, to be worried about.