Bonfire of the Inanities, part II

Speaking of writing habits that chafe me, I’d like to say a word or two about the comma. As many of you know, one of its many glorious uses is to separate items in a series: “lions, tigers, and bears.” The second comma in this example is what’s called a “serial comma,” and the only thing you need to know about it is that anyone who tells you it’s unnecessary (like, say, The Associated Press Stylebook) is both a scoundrel and a villain. To wit:

Strunk & White: “In a series of three or more terms with a single conjunction, use a comma after each term except the last.”

Fowler: “The only rule that will obviate uncertainties is that after every item…the comma should be used.”

Chicago Manual of Style: “Chicago strongly recommends this widely practiced usage…since it prevents ambiguity.”

And finally, Paul Brians: “Follow the style recommended by your teacher, editor, or boss when you have to please them; but if you are on your own, I suggest you use the final comma.”

Why, you might ask, does the AP eschew the serial comma? To save space. Get rid of a couple thousand commas throughout a newspaper, and that frees up ad space—at the expense, however, of clarity.

posted by Aaron Bragg
March 31, 2010

no comments  |  posted in the writing life

I ♥ Milton Glaser

I’m a huge fan of Milton Glaser, one of America’s most influential designers. Now 81 years of age, Glaser continues to produce beautiful and relevant work. In 1975 he was asked to create a pro-bono logo for the New York Commerce Commission’s public relations campaign. It was intended to soften New York City’s crime-ridden and dirty reputation. He was given the slogan “I Love New York.” He quickly came up with a solution that was immediately approved by Bill Doyle, the assistant commissioner of commerce.

While doodling in a cab a week later he had a better idea, so he pleaded with Mr. Doyle to come by his studio and take a look at it. As Glaser recalls, Doyle first reaction was “Oh please! Forget it. Do you know how complicated it would be to approve it again?” Apparently Doyle agreed to take a peek at Glazer’s new logo and quietly took the sketch with him. Eventually the commission approved the new logo and the “I ♥ NY” symbol became an instant tourist favorite.

On February 25, 2010, Glaser was awarded the National Medal of Arts, the first graphic designer to be recognized as such. In President Obama’s introduction, Glaser was honored for “a lifetime devoted to improving the way people communicate through innovation in graphic design, and for memorable visual artifacts that challenge contemporary artists and delight all Americans.” And that’s exactly what Milton Glaser did 35 years ago.

posted by CK Anderson
March 29, 2010

no comments  |  posted in the design life

Discuss…

I share this graphic not to prove any of the unseemly charges leveled against certain of us here at AMD headquarters, but rather to demonstrate—scientifically, I might add—that there is, in fact, a difference between a nerd and a dork.

You’re welcome.

posted by Aaron Bragg
March 29, 2010

comments(2)  |  posted in random thoughts

Wolfgang Wagner, RIP

The grandson of Richard Wagner died Sunday at the age of 90. Alex Ross points to something almost beyond belief: that the grandson of a man born in 1813 should survive well into the 21st century.

So what’s that got to do with design? Nothing, really—unless you subscribe to the notion, as many do, that Grandpa’s Der Ring des Nibelungen is the greatest work of art ever created. High praise, to be sure. Not to mention controversial. But I’m inclined to agree.

posted by Aaron Bragg
March 24, 2010

no comments  |  posted in random thoughts

Bonfire of the Inanities, part I

In this, the first in an ongoing series devoted to shining the clear light of reason on bad English (that is to say, unpleasant writing and speaking, not the lame 1980s band), I draw your attention to one of the most heinous of practices: using nouns as verbs.

An example that really sets my teeth on edge is “reference”—you know, “Excuse me while I reference my notes,” or “We’ll need to reference our expertise in this proposal.” AAAUUUGGGHHH!!! Whatever happened to “refer to”?

Here’s why you should care: When you deliberately flout the quite reasonable rules of English syntax, you come across not as a refined and sophisticated raconteur, but as someone who simply doesn’t know any better.

posted by Aaron Bragg
March 24, 2010

no comments  |  posted in the writing life

Challenge

There’s a $10 bill here at AMD corporate headquarters for the first person who can name one—just one—advantage of Daylight Savings Time. I’m not talking about how much everyone enjoys the extra light at the end of the workday; I’m talking about a tested, proven, and verifiable benefit to humanity.

Stumped? Yeah, that’s what I thought.

posted by Aaron Bragg
March 23, 2010

comments(3)  |  posted in random thoughts