Title: Calling all hacks!
Post by: The Amstor Computer on 24 November, 2004, 02:17:00 AM
Post by: The Amstor Computer on 24 November, 2004, 02:17:00 AM
I've been asked to put together a mini style guide for the legal firm I now work for, and I was wondering whether any of the journos who frequent the board could help me out. In fact, if anyone could fire a sample guide my way, I'd be very grateful.
Cheers!
Cheers!
Title: Re: Calling all hacks!
Post by: Bad Andy on 24 November, 2004, 03:33:56 PM
Post by: Bad Andy on 24 November, 2004, 03:33:56 PM
We tend not to have a written style guide - it is an unspoken thing. Newspapers have been known to publish their own - have a butchers on Amazon if you want proper direction.
The key thing we have is if company names are singular or plural (Rebellion has or Rebellion have) - we use singular. And when referring to people, we write the whole name out on the first mention and then only use the surname (no Mr this and Miss that).
Numbers up to ten are spelled out and then written numerically (nine, ten, 11, 12). Commas to mark thousands (23,450). Millions become m and billions bn.
That's the only thing that springs to mind at the moment.
The key thing we have is if company names are singular or plural (Rebellion has or Rebellion have) - we use singular. And when referring to people, we write the whole name out on the first mention and then only use the surname (no Mr this and Miss that).
Numbers up to ten are spelled out and then written numerically (nine, ten, 11, 12). Commas to mark thousands (23,450). Millions become m and billions bn.
That's the only thing that springs to mind at the moment.
Link: Do It Economist Style
Title: Re: Calling all hacks!
Post by: longmanshort on 24 November, 2004, 03:44:18 PM
Post by: longmanshort on 24 November, 2004, 03:44:18 PM
That's pretty much it, I guess.
It's not "over ?2,000" it's "more than ?2,000". It should only be "over" when it is PHYSICALLY over, i.e. "it was over five storeys high"
Um ... more will occur to me during the day, I'm sure ...
Oh, and the journalist's cardinal rule - don't get sued. But I guess since you're working for a legal firm then that won't be a problem ...
It's not "over ?2,000" it's "more than ?2,000". It should only be "over" when it is PHYSICALLY over, i.e. "it was over five storeys high"
Um ... more will occur to me during the day, I'm sure ...
Oh, and the journalist's cardinal rule - don't get sued. But I guess since you're working for a legal firm then that won't be a problem ...
Title: Re: Calling all hacks!
Post by: Bad Andy on 30 November, 2004, 04:48:57 AM
Post by: Bad Andy on 30 November, 2004, 04:48:57 AM
Forgot to mention - but just remembered now - make sure that you standardise how you write out your dates.
We just put numbers (no st or th) then the month then the year. eg Monday 29 November 2004
But there are plenty of other options.
We just put numbers (no st or th) then the month then the year. eg Monday 29 November 2004
But there are plenty of other options.
Title: Re: Calling all hacks!
Post by: The Amstor Computer on 01 December, 2004, 01:19:30 AM
Post by: The Amstor Computer on 01 December, 2004, 01:19:30 AM
Thanks, guys - the advice is much appreciated, and I've got a copy of the Economist style guide on order. I'll let you know how I get on!
Title: Re: Calling all hacks!
Post by: Art on 01 December, 2004, 05:47:14 AM
Post by: Art on 01 December, 2004, 05:47:14 AM
You proibably wnat to pick up a copy of this -- it comes highly recommended.
Link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/020530902