Prof KRG

A practical resource for all writers.

  • Writing
    • Quotables
    • Nerd Notes
  • Leadership
    • Pub Manual 101 Series
  • Mental Health
  • Readings
    • Prof KRG’s Bookstore
    • Nonfiction
    • Fiction
    • 2023 Reading List
    • 2022 Reading List
    • 2021 Reading List
    • 2020 Reading List
    • 2019 Reading List
    • 2018 Reading List
    • 2017 Reading List
    • 2016 Reading List
    • 2015 Reading List
    • 2014 Reading List
    • 2013 Reading List
    • Blogs Worth Reading
    • Podcasts Worth Hearing

June Means AP Stylebook Changes

June 7, 2016 by Kenna Griffin

Just when we think we grasp more AP Style than we’re confused by, the Associated Press goes and changes it.

Perhaps they’re just trying to make sure we’re paying attention?

The Associated Press made their annual announcement of changes to the 2016 AP Stylebook at the annual ACES conference. The changes include the adoption of 250 new or revised entries. The editors also redesigned the interior pages with new typography and navigation tabs, which I have to admit has me a bit nervous. I’m not so good with change, especially to my beloved Stylebook.

AP Stylebook

June marked the transition to new Stylebook rules, which includes 50 new and updated technology terms.

Here are some of the changes you’ll need to remember when you head back to campus, if not before:

internet

The internet is no longer a formal place, therefore it’s lowercase.

The Stylebook called for Internet to be capitalized because it is one worldwide network of computers. However, critics of the capitalization argued that the word no longer is used in such a formal way. Therefore, it was changed.

web

Web also is lowercase. The entry was changed for the same reason of formality.

media

Media is recognized as singular or plural, depending on the context.

voicemail

Voicemail is one word instead of two.

dashcam

Dashcam is one word.

spokesperson

Spokesperson was added to the entry on spokesman and spokeswoman. This perhaps reflects a move toward more gender neutral terminology where the AP used to encourage the use of gender specific terms when possible.

disc jockey

I’m not sure we even use this term much anymore, but, if you do, you now can use DJ on first reference.

accident

Apparently it’s acceptable to use the word accident or crash when referring to a car wreck. However, writers should remember that accident implies that there is not fault.

spree

Do not use spree when describing a killing, only shopping.

IM

When using IM as a verb, write IM’ing or IM’d. I bet this one is used a lot in student media.

ride booking

Use ride booking, not ride sharing, when writing about services like Uber or Lyft.

This list obviously doesn’t include 250 new entries or all of the changes that were made. We won’t know those until we get our new books. I’m beginning to wonder if I can wait for mine!

I also wonder if we’ll grasp these changes by the time the 2017 Stylebook is released.

Related Posts:

  • My 28 Favorite Fiction Books of 2021
    My 28 Favorite Fiction Books of 2021
  • My 37 Favorite Fiction Books of 2020
    My 37 Favorite Fiction Books of 2020
  • My 32 Favorite Fiction Books of 2022
    My 32 Favorite Fiction Books of 2022
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above (typically those to books) may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I promise that I only recommend products or services I use personally and think will provide you value. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe

Connect

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter

Prof KRG

Prof KRG aims to create an ongoing educational dialogue among media professionals, students and educators.

Please let me know what resources you need or topics you wish you better understood. If I don't know the information, I'm happy to seek out someone who does.

Contact me via email at kennagriffin@gmail.com.

Quotables

Do not wait until the conditions are perfect to begin. Beginning makes the conditions perfect.

— Alan Cohen

About Kenna Griffin

I am a mass communications professor, journalist and collegiate media adviser. I teach classes including those on writing, reporting, media law, media ethics, social media marketing, and public relations. I am married, have two children and live in Oklahoma. More about this site's purpose

The archive

Prof KRG Insider

  • About
  • Contact
  • My Toolbox

Copyright© 2023, Kenna Griffin