Interpreting a Pattern - Understanding Issue

Hi everyone,
please help me figure this out. This is the beginning of a pattern from a yarn manufacturer.

Cast on X stitches, work 8 cm in ribbing (knit 2, purl 2), working purl 1, knit 2, purl 1 in the 1st wrong-side row after the edge stitch.

Does this mean
A) cast on stitches, then immediately purl 1, knit 2, purl 1, and from then on follow the knit 2, purl 2 pattern?

Or
B) cast on stitches, work the knit 2, purl 2 pattern, and after 8 cm work the wrong-side row as purl 1, knit 2, purl 1?

What do you think?

I’m really stumped right now :(

Thanks so much in advance

I understand it as: edge stitch, purl 1, knit 2, and then alternate purl 2, knit 2 on the wrong side row.
For the right side row, I would knit: edge stitch, knit 1, purl 2, then alternate knit 2, purl 2.

I’d go with A)

Oops, sent it too quickly...
But I don’t understand why they don’t just write it clearly. Some patterns are really convoluted and desperately need to be revised ;-) Especially the ones from a yarn manufacturer starting with D ;-)

I especially hate those endless patterns where you read them and don’t understand a thing. Then I read them 5 more times and try to write them down in my own “language.”
  That feeling of being stupid that comes over me is so depressing.

And what I love most of all is:
“Do this and pay attention to that.” And “BEFORE that, you should have done THIS....” aaaaaaaahhhhhh *scream* 

@Libelle11: What now? I thought while reading it. Why not draw it out with a knitting chart right away? I’d probably be able to make sense of that. I know: writing something down so that others understand it without having the process in front of them is difficult and probably takes some experience. That’s why it would be good if authors could have patterns tested by non-knitting pros before they are published.

@Wollbaerli: Exactly, I think that would be good too, with pattern testers

@authors: Do you have someone test your patterns, or do you post them and clear up any comprehension issues in the comments?
And if someone runs into problems, do you then correct that part in the pattern?

I post my patterns without having them test knit.
Though there has been one exception so far.

If several people have a specific problem with a pattern, I would improve that part.
Otherwise, I’ll clarify things in the comments.

@Libelle11:
I have all my patterns tested by test crocheters/knitters. For that, I use a mix of beginners and pros to cover all aspects. Many authors do the same. However, I don’t know how the publishers handle it.
If an error still slips in, I clarify it via the comments (for issues that are generally useful), as a PM or by email (for specific cases or when very detailed clarification is needed).
I think in most cases customers here get help directly from the author; it’s actually part of the service here.

Of course, it should say “publishers”...
and regarding your last question: I personally revise the pattern when necessary, too, and let people know in the description and in the comments section when updates have been made.

I have all my patterns test-knitted multiple times.
For simple projects, I also like to have them test-knitted by people who don’t have that much experience yet. This is often helpful for noticing where something hasn’t been described clearly enough or is phrased in a way that could be misunderstood.

And how do you choose the people? Friends?
It’s also a matter of trust, making sure no one resells your pattern as their own. 

I have my own Facebook group, where I often ask for test knitters first; or if I’m collaborating with dyers on a design, I ask in their fan groups.
To be honest, it’s never occurred to me that someone might steal the pattern and pass it off as their own. Since I work closely with the test knitters during a test knit—we talk a lot and often—I’ve always built a nice, trusting relationship with them.
It’s only happened once or twice so far that someone took the free pattern but then didn’t finish the test knit... but stuff like that just happens sometimes.

Man, are you ever at a disadvantage without FB.... ;-)

I still have to tell you about today’s whopper:
I found my absolute dream pattern for a cardigan. The catch is that you can only get the pattern if you buy the yarn for it from the manufacturer. High-quality yarn, mohair and silk, would cost a whopping €180 in my size.

I’m in complete shock! 180!!! Waaahhh!

Anja, I can manage without Facebook too! I found my testers here on CP.
180€ for yarn is no small amount, even though I have to admit I once paid that much myself for a jacket (Noro yarn). But I’ll be wearing that jacket all the way into retirement.....

180 €? For something where it’s really more about the pattern for you?
That’s steep...

Can’t you trick the system somehow and buy just 1 skein or something? ;)

On the topic of faulty patterns:
I have most of my patterns tested in advance. 
I’ve already found people for that here and on Facebook... Normally, no one steals your pattern :)

However, one time a major mistake still slipped through despite 6 test crocheters... and it was only spotted later by a customer. That just happens sometimes :)

If someone points out errors or unclear wording to me, I look at how I can improve it and revise the pattern. 

The vast majority of my patterns have been tested multiple times. I have a Ravelry group where these tests take place, and I’m always happy when less experienced people join in, because that’s a great way to spot where problems might lie, even if everything is actually described correctly. Sometimes people sign up to test a pattern and then don’t finish knitting it, but that’s so rare that it doesn’t really bother me. It happens.
I have a few patterns that haven’t been tested, but even those I at least have proofread and have had the numbers thoroughly checked. You usually overlook your own mistakes—you get too close to the work—and it’s always good to have other people look over the pattern before it’s published.