A Great Writing Dilemma - Oxford Comma

Oxford Comma meme by 9LoLs.com 

To use or not, the Oxford rule

I'm usually fine without the serial comma- aka Oxford comma or Harvard comma- and write without it unless special circumstance seems to require it or when directed as a rule in some form by a project leader. Usually, no one else worries about it at all.

Most U.S. English styles suggest to use the 'extra' serial comma to avoid confusion, while U.K. English discourages its [Oxford Press] use except in special cases of further clarification needed.

Perhaps most commonly, the AP (Associated Press) [American multinational co-op] style matches the influence of U.K. English rules (most-naturally, I'd say), discouraging serial comma use. Because the Associated Press is a major style influencer in the bulk of English writing we see today, we're thus most-familiar with their rule.

In order for everyone to get along, we should recognize that with most writing, original flexibility is wide open while certain other cases demand a style more rigid in its delivery in order to convey the most-wanted impact or understanding of a message or story.


REF:

AP.org

Wikipedia contributors. "Associated Press." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 4 Feb. 2015. Web. 12 Feb. 2015.

Editor. "AP Stylebook FAQ." AP Stylebook, 2015. Web. 12 Feb. 2015. https://www.apstylebook.com/?do=ask_editor&pg=faq

Bart Herbison: What's Really Going On In DC For Songwriters? - Nekst

Keeping up with the latest in copyright awareness. 

The following interview addresses copyright to some extent, especially pertaining to songwriters. We suggest writers follow copyright news and otherwise be familiar as possible with their industry and law that pertains to it. So, "what's really going on in DC for songwriters?"

Introducing: Oregon author Ursula Le Guin denounces corporate control of American literature - The Daily Astorian

Shouldn't the times in which we live encourage an organic environment for booksellers and authors? It seems that people are craving that feel again, of published works having been won through some extraordinary feat of quality merit . . . sensing lack thereof in a system that doesn't cater to their expectations.

More, below:

Oregon author Ursula Le Guin denounces corporate control of American literature - The Daily Astorian

I'll note that I couldn't enjoy a harsh attitude toward a system that does have open doors; self-publishing, especially digital self publishing, has driven more people to share their voice with outsiders. This is a positive in many regards including the capacity for the very young to more easily envision a path to success on such a level of creativity. I don't think Le Guin was harsh either.

Travel Writers Today

Writers, don't neglect to journal your experiences as you travel. Whether you're day-tripping your own local areas or committing to longer-term experiences, take your favored author implements along for the ride.

• camera
• voice recorder
• pen/pencil
• notebook
• conscience

Consider the nature of your upcoming excursion: will you need to carry your  notebook or device in a plastic sleeve to avoid moisture? Will carrying that camera be appropriate for every occasion, or should you consider taking information in on the down-low? 

When using your usual mobile device, for all its handy bells and whistles, be wary of instances when picture-taking may be barred (and equipment confiscated as a consequence). Consider snapping only a couple of images when you can most-reasonably do so, and save note-taking for times of quiet or isolation, maybe before bed as one would normally evaluate the day behind them.

We'd like to hear about your experiences. Are you a travel writer, or are you a writing traveler? Readers, do you have a favorite travel author or road-trip vagabond? Tell everyone!

Post by Copy, Edit, Etc. Writing Services.

Promotional Tour Takes Unexpected Toll

It seems most likely that the Maleficent promotional tour's purpose was not to offend, especially on any large scale, as this would quickly defeat it's own end. Take a quick read below and let us know what you think. Angelina Jolie deserves a break here, right?

Post by Copy, Edit, Etc.

 
It's relevant to also add here an RT tweet by Kurtis Vanous, and Albert Einstein quote referring to interaction (communication), noticed today as I fed on social:

I fear the day technology will surpass our human interaction-Albert Einstein

— Kurtis Vanous (@MysteryBrandMan) April 8, 2014

 
What are some actions that could be taken to avoid these types of misunderstandings? 

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How to Determine Fair Use Evaluations

Writers may find occasion for particular concern over what constitutes fair use in situations where they want to use material not created by them. Excerpts, images, poems, educational materials . . . these are just a few of the commonly-shared, duplicated and otherwise used materials that artists and information gatherers may utilize. 

Most of us may have a fair idea of the transgressions that would constitute an unfair use. Still, there will be occasions of doubt. During these times (at least), it’s recommended to evaluate certain points of the target material’s intended usage, which include and are not limited to (1.) portion of work used (2.) market effect (3.) actual need of use (4.) source of use.

It can get complicated, and has often required the intense inspection of the courts system to determine disputes arisen from complaints of copyright violation. For this reason, it is advisable to practice thorough precaution. 

How to Avoid Plagiarism and Unfair Use:

One could keep and practice their own method of determinate usage parameters, which most of us do in some form or other. However, consider: how many of us are legal experts? There may be a better solution. There are helpful agencies and representatives who have taken the time to offer form resources as tools for help in identifying issues related to a writer’s intended usage of a material. 

• The American Library Association Office for Information Technology Policy (Michael Brewer) offers an online tool which evaluates the parameters for you and then offers a PDF document for your files. While this tool disclaims against legal advice, it does offer an encompassing examination of points that may be otherwise left out of general consideration. 

• University of Minnesota Regents offer their own tool, another submittable online form. In this case, you may choose an email copy of the result or an unretained online summary of fair usage weights and measures. 

• Columbia University Libraries Information Services website offers the Center for Digital Research and Scholarship Fair Use Checklist. 

As an alternative, or in addition to at least one of the tools above, take time to review copyright standards, practices and law via the reference links below. Take a moment as well to tell other readers here about your own interesting copyright adventures. 

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Ref:

U.S. Copyright Act

Doctrine of Fair Use and examples from the the U.S. Copyright Office

University of Minnesota Copyright Information & Resources

All About Though and Although

Subordinate Conjunction Connection

Although and though are two subordinating conjunctions. They are used to connect an incomplete portion of a sentence or idea, aka dependent clause, to a free-standing sentence (independent clause).

The dependent clause is known academically as the subordinate clause. Since it is "subordinate", it is "less than", and needs more- a connection- in order to complete the intended meaning. Hence, the subordinate clause needs a subordinating conjunction.

This isn't a a forfeit, although it seems like one.
This isn't a forfeit, though it seems like one.

Let justice be done, although the world perish.
Let justice be done, though the world perish.

Most resources indicate that either though or although will work in place of the other. We see this simple interpretation put to use in broad fashion. Yet, there are best practices with every endeavor. Writers, deciding which term to use in each case should be based on a couple basic criteria.

Referring to examples just above, we see how each term can be used as a subordinating conjunction. Both terms appear together in the most common lists of subordinating conjunctions. Still, there are differences of usage:

1. While both although and though can indicate condition or concession (cause and effect), only though should indicate manner (adverbial).
2. Conversely, although stands alone (without though) in lists of the adversative conjunctions group. This type of conjunction- adversative- is used to point out comparison or contrast (despite that/even though), as below.

Note that although is often associated with more formal writing or speaking endeavors, but this fact alone isn't sufficient guidance to usage.

 

Adversative Conjunction Connection

 

April could be the cruelest month, although I’d posit May.
He took well to the stage, although he was ill-prepared. 

These examples of adversative conjunctions will have some wonder, "Can't I use 'though'?" The common answer is yes, you could. However, the best answer is no! Remember, each case differs, and a practiced pen will help.

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REF:

http://grammarist.com/grammar/conjunctions/

http://depts.gpc.edu/~dunowl/handouts/conjunctions.pdf

http://www.sjsu.edu/writingcenter/docs/handouts/Subordinating_Conjunctions.pdf

http://www.sdc.uwo.ca/writing/handouts/Coordination.pdf

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/although