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Subject:RE: Web Writing: Numbers - spell out or not? From:Tom Murrell <trmurrell -at- yahoo -dot- com> To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Thu, 3 May 2001 10:18:33 -0700 (PDT)
To write out numbers or use numerals, that is the question.
I thought the Peoria Journal Star study, as reported by Dick Margulis in a
previous post, was interesting. Someone actually studied a style/typographical
issue! <applaud style="moderate" />
And numerous posters have quoted their favorite style guides, which invariably
present a common dictum known to all: "Write out numbers between zero and nine
unless they immediately precede units of measurement."
It's just a style guide. I realize that may seem heretical to some. But in my
less than humble opinion, a style guide generally represents someone's
preferences, biases, and even prejudices, acknowledged or otherwise. Why should
you write out any numbers? Why shouldn't you use numerals for all numbers?
Both positions can make sense. Neither position needs to make sense. This is
one of those areas where each documentation department, publishing entity, or
even writer if you're working alone, gets to decide for him- or herself what
they will do. Whatever you decide, don't waste your time 'justifying' it. It's
just a style choice.
Oh, and use it consistently.
Tom Murrell
P.S. For those people I work with who think I just gave them license to do what
they want, you're wrong! I'm still D.F. And the opinion of the D.F. is final. <g>
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