Over and Over Again

By Allan Metcalf. For the most part, a newspaper stylebook aims to fly under the radar, directing journalists to use the least obtrusive terminology and forms, so readers will not be distracted from the reporter’s message. But the stylebook is put together by individuals (editors) who have strong feelings about right and wrong, at least when it comes to writing. And their personal feelings show up in stylebooks too. After all, it’s hard to distinguish a personal preference from a widely accepted norm. More...