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Subject:To use AP or not to AP? From:"Wright, Lynne" <lwright -at- positron911 -dot- com> To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Fri, 19 Mar 2004 16:37:03 -0500
Re: the debate about whether to reject management's directive to follow AP
guidelines:
I expect that what the powers that be are getting at in asking for AP style,
is that they want the copy to have a journalistic "feel"... ie. Simple,
straightforward tone, simple language, etc. Perhaps they don't realize that
these principles are also fundamental to technical writing, and are
concerned that you will write really dry, academic-style copy that reads
like a scientific paper.
So i'd suggest talking to "them" to find out what their real intent is
behind asking that AP style be followed, while pointing out the very
credible shortcomings of AP style... I'm sure that once you've proven that
you know what you're doing, they'll leave the minute particulars up to you.
Lynne Wright
Technical Communications
Positron Inc.
5101 Buchan St. H4P 2R9
(514) 345-2200
fax: 345-2272
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