Major AP style changes

I've actually received complaints from readers who claimed I was wrong for not using the postal abbreviations.

 

FNORD, Wisconsin (AP) --

 

As have I.

"IT'S IL. NOT ILL." some woman screamed at me one day.

 

If it's big enough that your outlet has already been beaten to shreds by your competition, then your SE and/or his higher ups must already know he missed it.

If it's not, then you should be able to do the story now as if it was yours to begin with.

 

Wrong thread, Jimmy; at least that's my guess

 

As far as Canada, I disagree, but it's a geographic thing. You can look across the river and see Canada from our paper's coverage area. We've even done some coverage from the islands on the Canadian side of the river, and are covering the issue of whether two more bridges will be added between our countries.

We also get the local CBC station here in our corner of the lower 48 ("Hockey Night in Canada," anyone?). And, our AME spent most of her childhood in Canada (she and her sisters buried their parents' ashes there two summers ago). I can see not using the state for, say, Australia, but Canada? Keep on using them.

 

Situations like this are why every paper should have its own style guide with exceptions to AP style. The most obvious one at most papers is that cities within your own state stand alone. And in somewhere like Dallas, Georgia, for example, you would override the AP rule that says the Dallas in Texas stands alone.

 

So, AP, when I see Victoria, Canada, is that the Victoria in British Columbia, Newfoundland or Ontario? When I see Windsor, Canada, is that the Windsor in Nova Scotia, Ontario or Quebec?

IDIOTS!

 

I guess for Canada it's only fair. You don't see the dateline "MEXICALI, Baja Calif. (AP) —"

The old policy could raise eyebrows for some, and it's probably the main reason why the AP is changing it.

 

Burn the heretic!

 

Agree with whoever said the reason for this is AP writers can't remember the state abbreviations themselves. Only reason I can see for this dumb decision.

Another nit to pick: The Walmart stores have dropped the dash. AP, please take note.