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Subject:RE: Time Zone Debate From:"Diana Ost" <Diana -dot- Ost -at- msmcorp -dot- com> To:<techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com> Date:Wed, 31 May 2006 09:48:11 -0400
This got the editor in me going :-)
There should be a space between the stated time and AM or PM (8:00 AM,
or just 8 AM). It is easier to read.
Have you thought about using GMT? We used GMT time at the last place I
worked, which is good if you are giving information to people outside of
the US. One calculator is here that shows the hours offset and ZULU time
(24 hour clock): http://www.csgnetwork.com/utctimecalc.html
This one is the World Clock that lists cities around the world, and
allows anyone to set up a personal clock: http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/ We used this one for scheduling
meetings :-)
Diana Ost
Technical Writer/Reporting Analyst
Production Administration
Market Street Mortgage Corporation
diana -dot- ost -at- msmcorp -dot- com
Phone (727) 431-7209
Fax (727) 724-9096
2650 McCormick Drive, Suite 200
Clearwater, Florida 33759
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-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+diana -dot- ost=msmcorp -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
[mailto:techwr-l-bounces+diana -dot- ost=msmcorp -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com] On
Behalf Of Lou Quillio
Sent: Tuesday, May 30, 2006 10:42 PM
To: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Subject: Re: Time Zone Debate
Lisa Dugger wrote:
> Which is the correct usage of listing multiple business hours with a
> time zone?
Not a matter of "correct", rather "clear". First thing we need to know
are the days, next the times, then the time-zone clarification.
You don't want to say "Central `Standard` Time" or "CST", just "Central
Time" or "CT": let the reader correct for daylight savings. Depending
on audience, it can sometimes be clearer to just say "Chicago time" or
"(Chicago, U.S.)".
Why no spaces/periods in the time (8:00 A.M.)? It's visual noise, and
there's no clarity advantage. Same with minutes. Include 'em if they
matter, forget 'em if they don't.
Is "CT" unclear? Maybe, but probably not. I see the days. Got it.
I see the times. Got it. Wait. They may not be in my time zone.
"CT" probably answers that (because there's a pattern of descending
significance). If I'm on Central Time, I already know what's up.
If I'm not, I know I need to check it.
In doubt? Spell out "Central Time". Global reach? "U.S. Central
Time".
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