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:Re: Abbreviation of State Names From:SuePStewrt -at- AOL -dot- COM Date:Tue, 24 May 1994 20:38:36 EDT
>>Names, for example, have short forms (William vs. Bill). In the USA, this
>>is a general convention. It has no force in any legal arena.<<
Sure it does. If you're named William and choose to use Bill to sign your
checks, Bill is as much a legal name as William. The name on my birth
certificate (and Social Security Card) is Susan, but I generally use "Sue"
and it's just as legal.
>>The Postal Servive's codes, however, are enforced: they will simply
>>return your mail if you don't use the codes. One must use a zip code.
Nope. You'll probably have slower delivery if you don't use a ZIP Code, but
they won't return your mail unless you leave off the postage, or omit BOTH
city/state AND ZIP Code (either one alone will generally get it there).
I'll repeat that I believe the old-fashioned abbreviations are no longer
"generally accepted" in this country. Everyone I know (including my
81-year-old mother, so we don't have to make this an age issue!) uses the
2-letter abbreviation. suepstewrt -at- aol -dot- com
