Web and Internet Terms

I know, I know; long time, no blog.  Have no fear, I am back and ready to discuss the rule of AP style as they refer to web and internet terms:

• Capitalize and punctuate frequently used words including: Web, World Wide Web, Internet, URL, HTML, HTTP, and PowerPoint.
• Put quotes around computer games, but not around software programs.
• Web addresses should be italicized and not preceded by the http:// browser command: www.baylor.edu
• Capitalize web addresses and e-mail addresses according to the way they are provided  by the source.  However, all lowercase is usually preferred.
• Avoid pointed brackets (< >) in the text of documents that might be posted on the internet.  These marks are reserved for HTML browser commands only. 

What's next in the AP style series? You will have to stay tuned to find out!! 

What AP Style says about Media References

Are you ready for the next post in this oh so exciting series?! Well hold on tight because today I will be telling you everything you need to know about referencing the media when writing.

• The media are plural.
• A newspaper is a medium.
• Newspapers and magazines are media (not medias).
• New media is a singular noun that refers to a collection of new technologies and takes a singular verb.
• Avoid references to "the media" as institutions that operate in concert.  It is best to be specific!
• Spell out television in first references. TV is acceptable in most second references.
• Cable refers to a category of TV networks.
• Broadband is now the preferred term for coaxial cables that bring telecommunications into homes and offices.
• Write Channel 7, KUSA-TV Channel 9, KCSU-FM 90.5, NBC Television Network (official name), ESPN, Fox News Channel, radio station KLOX.  In second references, say the station, the channel, the network, etc.

I hope you have learned something new today! Tomorrow's post will include information web and internet terms.  Until then, have a great Sunday!

"Public Relations" According to Ap Style

Who knew that the term 'public relations' had so many rules according to the AP Stylebook? I am here to fill you in on what this coveted handbook has to say about the term 'public relations:'

• The term public relations should be lowercase in all situations.  The P is capitalized only when it is at the beginning of a sentence.
• Spell out public relations in first references.  The abbreviation PR is acceptable in second references. 
• In the abbreviation PR, use capitals without periods or a hyphen.  
• Public relations is always singular (be careful when you spell check!).
• PR is never used as a verb.
• Public relations workers are practitioners.  Alternatively, say PR professionals, workers, etc. Never use perjoratives unless it is in direct quotes.

 Next time on Ashley's AP Style blog: The Lowdown on Media References

Why AP Style?

If you are interested in pursuing a career in the journalism or public relations field, the AP style book should be your best friend.  This handbook is considered a newspaper industry standard and is used by reporters, editors, broadcasters, magazines and public relations firms.  It is updated annually by the Associated Press editors.  This update usually takes place in June.

The AP Stylebook serves as a guide for grammar, punctuation and principles and practices of reporting.  It includes an A-Z listing of guides to capitalization, abbreviation, spelling, numerals and usage.  There are reference sections for Business Guidelines, Sports Guidelines and Style, Guide to Punctuation, Briefing on Media Law, Photo Captions, Editing Marks and Bibliography.  

It is important for future journalists and PR practitioners to understand how to utilize the AP Stylebook.  It is my goal to teach my readers the tricks of AP Style so that they made be successful when writing for PR.  

Stay tuned to my next few posts!