I acquired this book because an instructor in an online course I am taking, Keys to Effective Editing, recommended it. She was undoubtedly trained as a journalist. First, I note with some of the other reviewers that this is just the Associated Press's version of what constitutes good punctuation. That is, it is what journalists are taught to use. It would almost be better to read punctuation guides from other types of writersânovelists, memoirists, biographersâand then compare them all in one comprehensive book review.
My copy was printed in 2003 and the author died in 2007, and so cannot defend himself.
I did find a couple of points on punctuation that I have been puzzled with, and the book was helpful in guiding me as to what to do in those cases. One instance of thisâit has always appeared wrong to me that phrases such as 'teachers college', 'writers group' and 'childrens book' should have the apostrophe dispensed with. But according to Cappon, it can be so because they are âprimary descriptive phrases.â Another one he says can do without the apostrophe is 'Presidents Day.'
I realize that if one is writing something to be submitted to a paying publisher, as opposed to a self-publishing firm, he has to abide by the rules of that publisher. But here in 2018 journalists and journalism have lost much credibility. There was already a lot of sloppiness in newspaper articles, not to mention the fact they can be cliche-ridden. Now so much is being reported as news in the mainstream, traditional news media that we find out is false after all. Punctuation, it can be argued, is cosmetic to a point and not as vital as getting accurate information on the world to the public. But if the profession, journalism, has lost credibility on the one point, how much longer will it be until it loses the same with the other?
I guess I take the subject matter seriously for I found the author to be too whimsical in his writing. He's no E.B. White, whose humor I can appreciate. Also, Cappon seemed keen on giving illustrations in his sentences for mere shock value. Pornography was a subject three times, divorce twice and swinging once. Milder, less controversial topics would have served the purpose better, in my estimation.
Ironically, the author cites a number of instances in which the decision on punctuation can be left up to the writer. What entities, one wonders, would concur with this sentiment? No doubt many publishers would have preferences with these very points.
I know that the brevity of the book was intentional, but I found myself wanting to learn more about punctuation in our history, when commas were more widely used, and when the word 'today' was rendered 'to-day.'
My copy was printed in 2003 and the author died in 2007, and so cannot defend himself.
I did find a couple of points on punctuation that I have been puzzled with, and the book was helpful in guiding me as to what to do in those cases. One instance of thisâit has always appeared wrong to me that phrases such as 'teachers college', 'writers group' and 'childrens book' should have the apostrophe dispensed with. But according to Cappon, it can be so because they are âprimary descriptive phrases.â Another one he says can do without the apostrophe is 'Presidents Day.'
I realize that if one is writing something to be submitted to a paying publisher, as opposed to a self-publishing firm, he has to abide by the rules of that publisher. But here in 2018 journalists and journalism have lost much credibility. There was already a lot of sloppiness in newspaper articles, not to mention the fact they can be cliche-ridden. Now so much is being reported as news in the mainstream, traditional news media that we find out is false after all. Punctuation, it can be argued, is cosmetic to a point and not as vital as getting accurate information on the world to the public. But if the profession, journalism, has lost credibility on the one point, how much longer will it be until it loses the same with the other?
I guess I take the subject matter seriously for I found the author to be too whimsical in his writing. He's no E.B. White, whose humor I can appreciate. Also, Cappon seemed keen on giving illustrations in his sentences for mere shock value. Pornography was a subject three times, divorce twice and swinging once. Milder, less controversial topics would have served the purpose better, in my estimation.
Ironically, the author cites a number of instances in which the decision on punctuation can be left up to the writer. What entities, one wonders, would concur with this sentiment? No doubt many publishers would have preferences with these very points.
I know that the brevity of the book was intentional, but I found myself wanting to learn more about punctuation in our history, when commas were more widely used, and when the word 'today' was rendered 'to-day.'
