Comments | cranky_editors: Really? You want to do that?

karalianne in cranky_editors

Really? You want to do that?

Aug 19, 2009 10:47

I am editing a report. This particular person has, in the past, taken it upon herself to edit the punctuation of the template - thus making it incorrect according to our guidelines. That's why we have guidelines, you fool!

Today I found this sentence

Furthermore, staff confirm that they initiate help and/or support when necessary and in a manner ( Read more... )

wtf, punctual, editing

Comments 15

zenkitty_714 August 19 2009, 19:01:06 UTC

I get these rogue commas a lot. I believe a lot of people were once told that a comma should always come before "that" and "which", and they apply this rule faithfully.

Even worse than having people changing what you've carefully edited is having them argue with you about it. Here's a rule I made up myself: Engineers and mathematicians should not argue grammar, spelling, or punctuation with me as long as I don't argue with them about where the squiggly little marks in their equations go. I don't mess with your integrals; you leave my commas alone!

ecbrenner August 19 2009, 19:21:04 UTC

You mean someone out there actually *looks* at style guides? They're not just for taking up space on your desk or desktop? I work with several literate reporters/editors. I send out reminders about our style guide and specific style points. They ask my opinion on certain points now and again. And yet. Sigh. I'm taking my style guide and going home.

thatwasjen August 20 2009, 00:22:47 UTC

I just keep reminding myself that if they all knew the style guide as well as I do, I wouldn't have the job.

sapphorlando August 19 2009, 20:18:39 UTC

Every house must develop its own style -- and then stick to it. Sometimes these decisions may seem arbitrary to some members. And some persons may even object to them. But the end purpose goes beyond the goals of clarity and readability. The very consistency of style assures the readership that someone is in charge, and that every part of the text has been thoroughly vetted by professionals. That imbues confidence on the part of the reader in the accuracy of the content. Whatever objections readers may have beyond that are therefore upon the actual ideas expressed, and not upon the professionalism of those expressing them ( ... )

karalianne August 19 2009, 21:56:31 UTC

Yes, exactly!

And while there are a couple of things I would dearly love to change about the style for this place, I don't. That's not my job. There's a senior editor, and that's her job. I might suggest a change at some point, but not when I've barely been editing for them for a year ( ... )