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Subject:Re: Punctuation Tips (not that you need them!) From:"Sonja Waller (SWUS)" <Sonja -dot- Waller -at- SMALLWORLD-US -dot- COM> Date:Wed, 2 Jun 1999 10:57:20 -0600
Doug,
I read your post with great interest. Before I became a technical writer, I
was an editor and then communications director for the publishing industry.
Our "Bible" was the AP Stylebook. (In fact, we called it the Bible.) Some
other editors used the Chicago Style. However, the common thread was that
all word usage and punctuation questions were deferred to those great tools.
In my opinion, because journalists use those great tools, writing
consistency is adhered to more closely. I have never worked with a senior
editor who did not refer to stylebooks during the review process.
One of my greatest pet peeves in technical writing is that very few writers
adhere to proven stylebooks. Everyone seems to do their own thing. I don't
think that's good for the industry. I believe several stylebooks are
excellent. I use A Style Guide for the Computer Industry by Sun Technical
Publications.
I write this with great hesitance because I know someone will take offense.
That is not my intent. My intention to call to the industry to standardize
word usage and punctuation.
Sonja Waller
Sr. Technical Writer
Smallworld Systems, Inc.
Communications Business Unit
TEL: 303.268-6163
FAX: 303.779-9945
Email:
sonja -dot- waller -at- smallworld-us -dot- com
-----Original Message-----
From: Douglas Max [mailto:dmax -at- BELLATLANTIC -dot- NET]
Sent: Wednesday, June 02, 1999 10:44 AM
To: TECHWR-L -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU
Subject: Punctuation Tips (not that you need them!)
Dear Colleague,
So many appreciated our publishing our proofreading and editing tips on
our Web site, that I thought I'd let you know that you can now get a
copy of our tips on punctuation.
These punctuation tips are part of a continuing series we've been
publishing at our site--with many notes of thanks, I'm pleased to say!
Our URL is below. Just click on "View our helpful writing tips."
Cordially,
Doug
--
Douglas M. Max
Managing Director
LR Communication Systems, Inc. http://LRcom.com
E-text(TM) on writing and speaking now available for purchase or
license.
Training in business writing and presentation skills. Seminars,
distance learning/correspondence programs with personal feedback.
Online options. Editing services. Founded in 1969.
