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It’s that time of year again! The latest 2019 issue of The Associated Press (AP) Stylebook is now available. Every year the AP team releases an updated issue with a variety of updates – sometimes surprising, other times exciting and almost always a little confusing.
Some of last year’s AP Stylebook updates included guidance around spelling tech terms such as “homepage” and “smartwatch” (written as one word), clarity around “emoji” as the correct singular and plural reference of more than one emoji, as well as advice for referencing sexual harassment and misconduct clarifying when to use “survivor” and “victim.”
Below is an overview of some of the AP Stylebook’s update for the 2019 edition.
Percentage sign. According to the latest version of the Stylebook, it is now OK to use the percentage sign (%) when paired with a numeral, with no space. For example, “her salary increased 4% from a year ago.” When referring to amounts less than 1%, writers can precede the decimal with a zero (e.g., the cost of fruit rose 0.4%). The rule did note that in casual uses, it is OK to use words rather than figures and numbers (i.e., there is a zero percent chance she will be going to the party).
Accent marks. It is now acceptable to use accent marks – e.g., the acute (é), grave (è), circumflex (â, î or ô), tilde (ñ), etc. – with individuals’ name when they request it, are known to include them, or if quoting a language that uses accent markets.
Hyphens. The new stylebook included explanations around a variety of hyphenation uses including the “em dash” and the “en dash.” The lead editor of the AP Stylebook hosted an “Ask me anything” session on Reddit where she explained how AP typically uses em dashes (–), and instead of using en dashes, AP uses hyphens (-). Here is the excerpt from her explanation of hyphens and dashes on Reddit:
References in the Stylebook to dashes denote what some styles call em dashes, long dashes or thick dashes. Because of news industry specifications for text transmission, AP has never used en dashes, also known as short dashes.
Em dashes (or what the Stylebook refers to simply as dashes) are used to signal abrupt change; as one option to set off a series within a phrase; before attribution to an author or composer in some formats; after datelines; and to start lists. AP style calls for a space on both sides of a dash in all uses except the start of sports agate summaries.
Some other styles call for en dashes to indicate ranges, such as ranges of dates or times, or with some compound modifiers. AP uses hyphens in such cases.
Race-related terms. Announced in March, the updated AP Stylebook includes guidance for reporters around using the terms “racist” and “racism.” This chapter also discourages individuals from using “racially charged” as a synonym for racist or racism when those words could be used instead. In addition, the AP editors discourage the use of “black/blacks” or “white/whites” as nouns in the singular and plural.
Health and science. This year’s update also included a new chapter with guidelines around selecting stories and proper usage of scientific journals. The health and science chapter also includes a primer on a variety of studies and reference guidance.
Other AP Stylebook updates include clarification and new entries around sports-betting terms, vaping, budtender and cryptocurrency, as well as guidance for reporting on suicide and covering crime – with direction to avoid the term “casualties.”
To stay updated on all of the latest AP Stylebook updates, visit https://www.apstylebook.com/ or follow the company’s Twitter account @APStylebook.
It’s that time of year again! The latest 2019 issue of The Associated Press (AP) Stylebook is now available. Every year the AP team releases an updated issue with a variety of updates – sometimes surprising, other times exciting and almost always a little confusing.
Some of last year’s AP Stylebook updates included guidance around spelling tech terms such as “homepage” and “smartwatch” (written as one word), clarity around “emoji” as the correct singular and plural reference of more than one emoji, as well as advice for referencing sexual harassment and misconduct clarifying when to use “survivor” and “victim.”
Below is an overview of some of the AP Stylebook’s update for the 2019 edition.
Percentage sign. According to the latest version of the Stylebook, it is now OK to use the percentage sign (%) when paired with a numeral, with no space. For example, “her salary increased 4% from a year ago.” When referring to amounts less than 1%, writers can precede the decimal with a zero (e.g., the cost of fruit rose 0.4%). The rule did note that in casual uses, it is OK to use words rather than figures and numbers (i.e., there is a zero percent chance she will be going to the party).
Accent marks. It is now acceptable to use accent marks – e.g., the acute (é), grave (è), circumflex (â, î or ô), tilde (ñ), etc. – with individuals’ name when they request it, are known to include them, or if quoting a language that uses accent markets.
Hyphens. The new stylebook included explanations around a variety of hyphenation uses including the “em dash” and the “en dash.” The lead editor of the AP Stylebook hosted an “Ask me anything” session on Reddit where she explained how AP typically uses em dashes (–), and instead of using en dashes, AP uses hyphens (-). Here is the excerpt from her explanation of hyphens and dashes on Reddit:
References in the Stylebook to dashes denote what some styles call em dashes, long dashes or thick dashes. Because of news industry specifications for text transmission, AP has never used en dashes, also known as short dashes.
Em dashes (or what the Stylebook refers to simply as dashes) are used to signal abrupt change; as one option to set off a series within a phrase; before attribution to an author or composer in some formats; after datelines; and to start lists. AP style calls for a space on both sides of a dash in all uses except the start of sports agate summaries.
Some other styles call for en dashes to indicate ranges, such as ranges of dates or times, or with some compound modifiers. AP uses hyphens in such cases.
Race-related terms. Announced in March, the updated AP Stylebook includes guidance for reporters around using the terms “racist” and “racism.” This chapter also discourages individuals from using “racially charged” as a synonym for racist or racism when those words could be used instead. In addition, the AP editors discourage the use of “black/blacks” or “white/whites” as nouns in the singular and plural.
Health and science. This year’s update also included a new chapter with guidelines around selecting stories and proper usage of scientific journals. The health and science chapter also includes a primer on a variety of studies and reference guidance.
Other AP Stylebook updates include clarification and new entries around sports-betting terms, vaping, budtender and cryptocurrency, as well as guidance for reporting on suicide and covering crime – with direction to avoid the term “casualties.”
To stay updated on all of the latest AP Stylebook updates, visit https://www.apstylebook.com/ or follow the company’s Twitter account @APStylebook.
The benefits of lifelong learning are many. In an evolving world, continuous learning serves as an economic, social, emotional, and physical imperative, according to John Coleman from the Harvard Business Review.
Coleman also reveals that “reading, even for short periods of time, can dramatically reduce stress.” Unfortunately, it’s quite common to hit a wall when absorbing new information. When this happens, our immediate instinct may be to put our heads down and push through the content. However, this often proves counterproductive to our learning.
So, what do we do when this occurs?
Dr. Barbara Oakley, professor of engineering at Oakland University, reveals that one of the most effective methods in learning a new skill or subject is to simply stop. Stopping, in this context, doesn’t suggest ceasing our studying entirely, but rather taking a break to let our brains process and rest.
In the series Learning How to Learn, Dr. Oakley highlights methods of learning that people regularly and unconsciously do already. But, by being deliberate about these techniques, people can deepen their understanding and enhance their learning capabilities.
Sleep is a Natural Brain Boost
In a recent article from Johns Hopkins Medicine, sleep researcher Patrick Finan, Ph.D., indicated that “not getting enough sleep can affect your mood, memory, and health in far reaching and surprising ways.”
While the benefits of sleep may seem intuitive, a lack of sleep results in more than just grogginess. Doctors caution it may cause negative long-term neurological implications that could inhibit learning. According to Dr. Oakley, simply being awake creates metabolic toxins in our brains. When we sleep, we allow our brain cells to temporarily shrink, enabling fluid to flush these toxins out. This process helps increase our ability to grasp new concepts.
Our brains maintain relevant information while we sleep and discard irrelevant information– much like how we delete irrelevant files from storage to enable our computers to run faster. This allows our brains to “review or [rehearse] some of the tougher parts of whatever [we’re] trying to learn, going over and over neural patterns to deepen and strengthen them,” says Dr. Oakley.
While we can acquire new information and access it during periods of consciousness, a sleep study conducted by Harvard University suggests that consolidation – the process by which a memory becomes stable – occurs while we asleep. This is made possible by the strengthening of neural connections, as mentioned earlier.
Stop to Recharge
Our brains have two primary modes of thinking: focused and diffused. When we study or concentrate intently to understand something or solve a problem, our brains are in focused mode. Diffuse mode, on the other hand, is closely related to being in a state of neural rest. It occurs when you simply let your mind wander freely. It can happen when you go for a walk, take a shower, or even while falling asleep. Dr. Oakley suggests that utilizing both modes is equally important in the process of learning.
While all humans experience diffuse mode throughout the day, Dr. Oakley explains that being conscious and deliberate in activating diffuse mode is beneficial to our learning process. Although diffuse thinking doesn’t allow you to narrowly focus in on any given topic, it enables us to approach new concepts from a wider perspective.
Taking the time to continue your learning doesn’t need to be difficult. While it may require time and effort, it does not always necessitate the constant strenuous focus we might think. So, the next time you are losing focus or struggling through a new concept, stop forcing it. Step back, give yourself a break and allow your mind to rest.
Below we have captured some of our most popular posts and listed some additional resources for PR professionals to have in their toolkit. These posts consistently received the most viewers year after year. We thought it would be helpful to include them in one spot, creating a PR reference library. Feel free to add your go-to resources below as a comment.
PR Planning 101: Defining Objectives, Strategies and Tactics – Strategic planning is a critical first step toward achieving success across all areas of business. It is particularly important in public relations because ROI cannot be measured solely based on traditional metrics. A strategic plan ensures that there is a shared understanding of what you’re trying to achieve, how you plan to do it, and how you’re going to measure success. Just make sure you’re grounded in the difference between objectives, strategies and tactics before diving into your next plan.
Internal vs. External PR Roles – This article is consistently one of our most popular posts, year after year. Definitely a good read for those starting their careers, as well as leaders determining how to build out their team.
The Importance of Quotes – A good quote can be the heart of a compelling article. Good quotes help to tell a story and enhance the credibility of a press release, news story or speech. Words that are crafted well can leave a lasting impact on the world.
The Art of Storytelling in Public Relations – 5 Narrative Elements – Storytelling is also at the core of effective public relations, as we seek to influence reputations, perceptions and behaviors. To meaningfully relate to journalists and our target audiences, we need to tell compelling stories. We can’t simply announce news or offer a quote – what we share with target audiences needs to be in the context of a larger story to help us connect with others and show why our clients’ news matters.
Additional Resources for Your PR Toolkit
In addition to the articles above, we recommend the following:
- AP Style Book – The AP Stylebook serves as the ultimate resource when writing and formatting material, ensuring consistency across platforms and publications. To learn more read “Understanding AP Style and its Importance.”
- The Grammar Girl – A great resource for those tricky grammar challenges – when to hyphenate, effect or affect, how to use myriad correctly.
- Strategic Public Relations: 10 Principles to Harness the Power of PR – “This is the kind of book that you refer to again and again. Instead of just theories or concepts, it offers clear and concise best practices, and then drills down to the tactical explanation of how to get them done,” said Amy Bohutinsky, formerly of Zillow.
What are your go-to PR resources? Please share via comments below.
Press lists can seem daunting. In the ever evolving and widespread world of journalistic beats, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to pinpoint reporters’ editorial focus. This leads to the unintended inundation of email inboxes with unwanted content and failure to establish relationships. One master press list is not a sufficient one-size-fits-all approach. But don’t lose hope – there are things you can do in advance of establishing a press list that will set you up for success in your proactive pitching efforts.
1. Utilize Search Engines and Media Databases
One or the other is not the end-all, be-all. Exploring publications and reporters within search engines like Google and media databases like Cision both contribute to a healthy press list. Many times, the two work in unison, as Google or the publication’s site may provide the reporter’s name and editorial focus while Cision may provide emails and phone numbers.
2. Determine Reporter’s Beats
This doesn’t merely mean taking a look at the reporter’s general editorial focus. This means diving into their written work to determine their specific beat. A tech reporter does not necessarily cover both software and AI. To help diversify different topics within a subject in a press list, please see the following pointer.
3. Clearly Define Tabs and the Reporters’ Editorial Focus
For example, when creating a press list that will include both tech and business reporters, create tabs for each, and within those tabs create a column for “Editorial Focus” to be able to indicate exactly what that reporter covers.
4. Make a “Notes” Section
This allows you to keep track of how reporters respond to your pitches, specific content they like to receive, when you last sent a pitch to them, etc. The latter is important to consider when sending multiple pitches per month.
5. Create Specific Alerts
Use alert systems like Google Alerts or TalkWalker to be notified about specific topics by indicating topics and keywords. These are valuable resources when trying to identify what reporters are currently talking about. Topics and keywords can be broad or specific – “technology” would glean substantially different results compared to a type of technology such as “MacBook Pro.”
6. Keep Your List Current
As soon as you receive non-deliverable emails, check to see if the email is correct – if it is, proceed to see if the reporter is still with the publication. As time goes along, continue to search proactively for new media contacts to add to your press list.
As newsrooms decrease in size and the cadence of developing news ceases to slow, it’s increasingly important to keep tabs on journalistic beats. Just as one master press list is not a one-size-fits-all approach, the same goes for how you choose to manage lists. Overall, do your research, take good notes, and keep your list updated.
Shiftboard, a leader in enterprise scheduling software, recently unveiled the results of its State of the Hourly Worker report, which may be of significant interest to all employers in light of the World Health Organization’s recent announcement that it has classified workplace burnout as a legitimate syndrome.
Interestingly, many experts in workplace dynamics believe one way to combat burnout is to give workers more control over not only their work, but their schedules.
Shiftboard’s findings from a survey of more than 2,000 adults in the U.S. reinforce these beliefs. Consider the following:
- Shiftboard found that nearly half of American workers would be willing to take a pay cut if they had more control over their work schedules.
- Shiftboard also asked questions about the drivers of job dissatisfaction. When asked to respond to “My job is a serious source of stress for me,” 60 percent of hourly workers versus 47 percent of non-hourly workers indicated this to be true.
- Shiftboard’s research clearly points organizations to an emerging opportunity to transform their employee-retention strategies by focusing on solutions that give workers more control over their time. One tangible way to do this is with better scheduling processes.
- Finally, when employee satisfaction increases, employers see improvement in retention, labor costs and profitability.
These were just a few of the interesting responses from the more than 2,150 U.S. adults age 18 and over who responded to the survey. For the complete report, please visit The State of the Hourly Worker. Below you’ll find a few of the recent articles about Shiftboard’s findings.
- Yahoo! Finance, Many Employees Value Time Over Money, May 24, 2019
- Bloomberg Law, Perks of Work: It’s All About Control, May 24, 2019
- HR Dive, Hourly workers want work-life balance over pay, survey shows, May 29, 2019
- Seattle Business, How a pay cut could reduce workplace burnout, June 4, 2019
This is an important topic and, with the strongest labor market in the U.S. in 50 years, we anticipate there will be additional reporting about the innovative steps employers are taking to attract talent and keep them happy.
Finally, to give you some context on Shiftboard’s impact, it is important to note the company has helped employers schedule more than 245 million shifts, providing an employment pipeline for more than $3 billion in wages earned.
I know work-life balance is important to me and I look forward to more information on this important topic.
