Build Writer Confidence - Expert Advice from the Yahoo! Style Guide Word List

My ultimate writing fantasy entails me effortlessly creating error-free copy for the World Wide Web. In reality, though, I sit and ponder whether the site of the September 11, 2001 attacks is supposed to be "ground zero" or "Ground Zero". So, I refer to the Yahoo! Style Guide "Word List" and avoid an awkward mistake -- using capital letters, Ground Zero, is correct. Utilizing the Yahoo! word list definitely reassures me the content I publish on the Internet is accurate.

Proper Usage - Is a Past President Ever an Ex?

A one-time significant other is an ex-girlfriend or ex-husband. A past president is not an ex. The Yahoo! Style Guide word list points out that when referring to a past president, the proper usage is former president. Unsure if an abbreviation is appropriate? I discovered it is acceptable to write former Pres. when followed by a name. Therefore, it is OK to write about former Pres. John F. Kennedy. Note the period in the abbreviation.

Are You Alright? Huh?

I have misused the word "all right" on more than one occasion. A three-car accident stopped traffic for an hour. However, everyone was alright when the grammar police arrived. Yahoo!'s Style Guide confirms the correct usage as "all right." Remember -- it is two words. Writing "alright" instead of "all right" may seem petty. If it stands out in your first paragraph, though, it might be a turn-off. The reader may not feel the need to continue with the rest of the article.

Acceptable Abbreviations - CD-ROM, FTP, GPS & HDTV

When I broke into the field of newspaper writing, the rule of thumb was to introduce something with a formal spelling, and abbreviating after the initial explanation. For instance, when I wrote an article about immigration, I formally introduced U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Throughout the rest of the article, I simply referred to ICE.

Thumbing through the Yahoo! Style Guide word list, I see this is still the case. I am surprised to learn, however, the Yahoo! word list contains many contemporary abbreviations I can use properly without a formal explanation. The Yahoo! word list is easy to utilize because it is presented alphabetically, which is a huge time-saver for all writers. Some of the helpful up-to-date abbreviations I uncovered include:

1. 9/11 - It is important to note; 9/11 is acceptable when writing about the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States if space is a factor. Sept. 11 is the preferred abbreviation, however.

2. Gen Xer - Refers to Generation X -- those born after the baby boom. It is also acceptable to use Generation Xer.

3. RSS - Acronym for Really Simple Syndication. The Yahoo! Style Guide considers RSS acceptable, but cautions that many people do not know what it means. Something I did not realize; adding newsreader or news feed after the RSS abbreviation is fitting.

4. FTP - The abbreviation for File Transfer Protocol, verb usage is deemed appropriate, according the the Yahoo! Style Guide word list! Feel free to ask someone to FTP that large file. On the other side, do not instruct someone to "Google" a recipe. Instead, educate your readers to "search for" a recipe using Google as the search engine. I will not Google the Weather Channel again!

5. govt. - I have never abbreviated the word government in an article. It does not look right to me. A peek at Yahoo!'s word list and I know now, "govt." is indeed acceptable. Nevertheless, only use the abbreviation when the "space" factor comes into play. Thus, I can suggest "writing to your local govt." when my word count is limited!

6. OK - From here on out, the improper usage of this simple two-letter word will not turn my readers off. I thought it was "ok" when I inappropriately wrote I was "okay" after a devastating ice storm hit Massachusetts in late 2008. However, the Yahoo! Style Guide word list considers me lucky to be "OK" after a tree limb snapped off and pierced the roof of my house.

Use the Yahoo! Style Guide Word List to Build Writer Confidence

Writing and writing for the Web specifically, is an evolving process. My desire to be a polished writer embraces the ongoing study of what the experts know and want to share. I want to write articles that leave the reader inspired -- not shaking their head in disbelief because I did not know to capitalize Ground Zero.

The Yahoo! Style Guide word list is an enlightening reference. After going over this section, it took me one second to realize -- if I am going to make it as a writer in this brave new online world, I have a lot to learn. It makes sense to take the lead from professionals already adept at the rules of writing.

Sources:

http://styleguide.yahoo.com/word-list

Personal Experience