TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:NO SUBJECT From:Pamela North <PNORTH -dot- DPSNET%SISNET -at- SISNET -dot- CLACKESD -dot- K12 -dot- OR -dot- US> Date:Tue, 17 May 1994 10:29:57 .
Thank you, thank you!
The responses came POURING in and I believe we have a definitive answer.
From this day forth, WE will use the serial comma.
Technical writers and copyeditors from Canada to New Mexico and Oregon to
New York agree that for clarity and consistency the serial comma MUST be
used!
I have alerted my office-mates to this new guideline and all is well (so
far). It will be difficult for ME to get used to the "extra" comma with
my journalism background, but I'll do anything to avoid ambiguity!
Thanks again, Pam
(Who now believes the term "technical journalism" is a REAL oxymoron)