AP Stylebook

Jeremy, it's funny that you pointed that out. Because, prior to finishing the sentence, I thought, "Should this 'B' be capitalized? No. I'm not talking about the Bible." There are so many little things like that, it's amazing. That's part of the reason I'm in love with this profession.

 

Yeah: "The AP Stylebook is my bible when it comes to writing."

BUT: "I misplaced my Bible the other day. Not like I'll need it or anything."

 

Mike, this AP style business gets me in trouble too when I do some side magazine work or when I once helped edit a book. I write everything in AP style, right down to personal e-mails. So I understand the issue.

 

I once had a student of mine say, "Wow, you even talk in AP style." It was quite flattering.

 

It's good to know I'm not alone, sir.

My ex-girlfriend, also a journalist, sent me a Christmas card a couple years ago: "Whether I am on 'Christmas number 3' or 'Christmas number 19,' I will be thinking of you with a smile. Is it bothering you that I didn't write that in AP style? It's making me nuts. So, I'm going to hurry up and close this card. I'll just let you suffer. It's my gift to you."

 

wow. she should know it's # 3 not number 3. No. wonder she's an ex.

who knew AP style could be this much fun?

 

I'd buy a new card. And I'm not joking. Going back to Mr. Ridgeway's predicament: I can take misspelling a name or writing happy birthday instead of happy anniversary because my personality is fueled by errors, and everyone I'd ever write a card to knows that and enjoys it. I'm no longer embarrassed by that. But if I accidentally wrote "number 3," I'd have to throw away the card, drive to the store and start the process again. I honestly couldn't send something, knowing there's a style mistake in it.

 

And she should have written the number three out rather than the numeral. The exception is ages.

No girl who purports to know AP style and fucks that up is good enough for you, Preppy. You're better off with Rosie and her five sisters.

 

Was it her first annual card?

 

The UPI Stylebook will fuck anything that moves. And it fucks on the first date!

It makes desperate look prudish!

 

No, sir. I believe that was the fourth annual card.

And, F_T, it should have been "Christmas No. 3." When it's a ranking or a seed or part of a numbered list, it's written in a numeral -- like No. 9 Duke. That, ages, percentages and ratios are a few of the exceptions.

 

Ah. I am full of AP Stylebook fail today.

Carry on.