Datelines

This is a separate issue from my original question, but my thought has always been that it's OK to use a dateline on a story if the writer wasn't there, as long as there isn't a byline AND a dateline.

 

BB Bocat, that's the general rule of thumb. You can use "Special to the Bugle" with the dateline. At least my old paper did.

The NY Times stylebook goes on for a couple of grafs on the how and why of datelines. However, I never see a date in datelines any more. Maybe they should be called placelines.

 

Bingo.

 

I am publicity co-chair for a local organization when I am not writing freelance. Our press releases have calendar dates in the dateline: BLOOMINGTON -- April 13, 2010 -- <Start of story>.


PR pieces are the only writing on which I see actual dates in the datelines in this day and age.

 

That's what we do, too. It's easier than saying Podunk defeated Shitsville at Podunk on Tuesday night. easier just to do: PODUNK -- The Podunk Porcupines defeated the Shitsville Fighting Terds.......