Here are a few of my (least) favorite things
Readers call the Reader Representative line (409-880-0748) for all kinds of complaints, concerns or information. It’s my job to address their concerns and pass along anything relevant to those in our organization who need to know.
Sometimes the people who need to know are all our reporters and all our editors, who might need a refresher on things we all already know. Generally that is something that a reader didn’t understand, found offensive, or simply considers a pet peeve.
Here are a couple of examples:
One recent issue of The Enterprise included a photo caption that referred to the 74-year-old driver who ran her Cadillac into the side of the Beaumont Bridge Club, as elderly. More than one reader didn't take kindly to that reference. One said she was older than that and didn't consider herself elderly. She said she finds the word offensive and doesn't think we should use it.
We have some reporters whose grandparents are probably younger than that, so, helping them recognize that might take some persuading. Webster's defines elderly as "rather old." What's "rather old" to many of you might not seem as old to those of us who are approaching "rather old" ourselves.
That's why it's wrong. It's a subjective term, not an objective one. Using the term is characterizing a person from your perspective, which isn't good journalism.
It also goes against Associated Press style, which is a journalist’s guidebook to all things . . . journalistic. The book says it's only appropriate in generic phrases that do not refer to specific individuals, so we not only offended readers, we broke style.
Not a terrible offense, but a good learning experience.
Another reader called to tell me we do all kinds of things that drive her crazy. When asked for specifics she offered up just a couple:
First, she hates it when people say something is "cut and dry." She said the term is "cut and dried" and she's very disturbed by people who use the present tense when it should be past tense. (Enough said there.)
She, like many of us, also hates the fact that so many people seem to randomly throw apostrophes around where they don't belong.
Prime example, we all know, is it's. Use it's only when you mean it is (or it has). Its (without the apostrophe) is the possessive form.
She went on to elaborate about people who use the possessive form when they mean plural . . . etc., but I think you get the idea. Watch those apostrophe's (LOL!).
Sometimes the people who need to know are all our reporters and all our editors, who might need a refresher on things we all already know. Generally that is something that a reader didn’t understand, found offensive, or simply considers a pet peeve.
Here are a couple of examples:
One recent issue of The Enterprise included a photo caption that referred to the 74-year-old driver who ran her Cadillac into the side of the Beaumont Bridge Club, as elderly. More than one reader didn't take kindly to that reference. One said she was older than that and didn't consider herself elderly. She said she finds the word offensive and doesn't think we should use it.
We have some reporters whose grandparents are probably younger than that, so, helping them recognize that might take some persuading. Webster's defines elderly as "rather old." What's "rather old" to many of you might not seem as old to those of us who are approaching "rather old" ourselves.
That's why it's wrong. It's a subjective term, not an objective one. Using the term is characterizing a person from your perspective, which isn't good journalism.
It also goes against Associated Press style, which is a journalist’s guidebook to all things . . . journalistic. The book says it's only appropriate in generic phrases that do not refer to specific individuals, so we not only offended readers, we broke style.
Not a terrible offense, but a good learning experience.
Another reader called to tell me we do all kinds of things that drive her crazy. When asked for specifics she offered up just a couple:
First, she hates it when people say something is "cut and dry." She said the term is "cut and dried" and she's very disturbed by people who use the present tense when it should be past tense. (Enough said there.)
She, like many of us, also hates the fact that so many people seem to randomly throw apostrophes around where they don't belong.
Prime example, we all know, is it's. Use it's only when you mean it is (or it has). Its (without the apostrophe) is the possessive form.
She went on to elaborate about people who use the possessive form when they mean plural . . . etc., but I think you get the idea. Watch those apostrophe's (LOL!).
posted by Sheila Friedeck at 1:03 PM
1 comments
