The chapter I finished reading on “Style and the Stylebook” in my writing for the media class was not only informative, but rather entertaining for me. As I read through the chapter and all of the rules to writing I had never before been aware of, I began to question to my own personal style.
I knew editors and companies required very specific requirements as far as grammar in writing is concerned, but I had no idea they were so specific on a word-to-word basis. Even the way I phrased word-to-word could be incorrect according to the stylebook! As I am typing this blog, my newfound knowledge of these rules is making me second-guess each and every word that I type. I can’t imagine the stress a reporter may go through; in addition to accuracy, clarity, and deadlines they must also worry about the style and conforming to the company’s principles.
Although I feel that the stylebook can be restricting and pose a challenge when writing, I understand the need for it. Audiences are extremely critical, and hard to please. If a source allows a piece to be published that offends people by something as simple as a word, or terminology, they are likely to abandon that source and chose another to read from. As far as writing for the mass media, writers have to realize that they are reaching a broad range of people. Having guidelines is very helpful and can prevent complications and misunderstandings. So while the concept of the stylebook can seem at times unbearably time consuming, it is clear to me that it is more of a tool than a constraint. I look forward to using the stylebook in and out of the class to improve my writing.
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2 comments:
I agree I felt the same way after we were reviewing the style book in class. At first I thought that it was very overwhlming, and even kind of pointless at times.
But I think that you make a good point. News papers and journalist are under strict scrutiny from their public and must write in a very uniform, concise fashion in order to keep their readers happy and coming back.
While it does seem stressful, I think reporters can probably get used to it eventually. After having checked the book enough times, the style might become practically memorized.
You're absolutely right that audiences are very critical. There are people out there will be offended by the silliest things (in my opinion), and having a stylebook is probably helpful in reducing uproar.
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