Comments on: Yes, I Said \”internet.\” So Did NPR! http://www.contentious.com/2004/09/30/yes-i-said-internet-and-so-did-npr/ Amy Gahran's news and musings on how we communicate in the online age. Thu, 04 Dec 2008 06:59:43 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.5 By: Amy Gahran http://www.contentious.com/2004/09/30/yes-i-said-internet-and-so-did-npr/#comment-607 Amy Gahran Sun, 03 Oct 2004 20:04:41 +0000 #comment-607 I think it all boils down to this: whether or not "internet" and "web" are proper nouns is a matter on which experienced editors and grammarians hold divergent opinions. That makes it an open question, and therefore, final stylistic decisions on this point come down to the view of the editor(s) of individual publications or venues. For this weblog, I'm following my best editorial judgement by choosing not to use what I see as unnecessary (even pompous) capitalization. I'm not saying that's what every editor should choose. If you have strong beliefs that they should be capitalized, then fine, do that in your own publications. I know it's hard for some people to grasp, but editorial style often comes down to judgement calls and opinions, especially on controversial topics. That's part of how language continues to evolve. And no matter what you choose, someone will always disagree with you. Those of you who think I'm wrong on this point, fine, you're free to disagree. - Amy Gahran I think it all boils down to this: whether or not “internet” and “web” are proper nouns is a matter on which experienced editors and grammarians hold divergent opinions. That makes it an open question, and therefore, final stylistic decisions on this point come down to the view of the editor(s) of individual publications or venues.

For this weblog, I’m following my best editorial judgement by choosing not to use what I see as unnecessary (even pompous) capitalization. I’m not saying that’s what every editor should choose. If you have strong beliefs that they should be capitalized, then fine, do that in your own publications.

I know it’s hard for some people to grasp, but editorial style often comes down to judgement calls and opinions, especially on controversial topics. That’s part of how language continues to evolve. And no matter what you choose, someone will always disagree with you. Those of you who think I’m wrong on this point, fine, you’re free to disagree.

- Amy Gahran

]]> By: LadyLitBlitzin http://www.contentious.com/2004/09/30/yes-i-said-internet-and-so-did-npr/#comment-602 LadyLitBlitzin Fri, 01 Oct 2004 23:32:37 +0000 #comment-602 I've never worked anyplace where I was allowed to lower case Internet. (Ooh, and force of habit is so pronounced I just upper cased it right there!) I guess my standpoint is, regardless of the fact that it's still upper case in many style guides, is that "the Internet" is still considered a place. Then again, we don't upper case the Library. I’ve never worked anyplace where I was allowed to lower case Internet. (Ooh, and force of habit is so pronounced I just upper cased it right there!) I guess my standpoint is, regardless of the fact that it’s still upper case in many style guides, is that “the Internet” is still considered a place. Then again, we don’t upper case the Library.

]]> By: Lin http://www.contentious.com/2004/09/30/yes-i-said-internet-and-so-did-npr/#comment-600 Lin Fri, 01 Oct 2004 16:05:58 +0000 #comment-600 Very persuasive, as far as "internet" and "the net" go - and I've been a stickler for capitalizing them. But what about the World Wide Web, from which we get "the Web"? I thought that it is indeed a proper noun - the one from which we get the "www" in Web site addresses - though I can see how you might argue that it's just another name for something as amorphous as (or the same as?) the internet. Granted, "www" is always lower case, but that's because capitals aren't recognized in URLs, I thought. Also, your readers should be aware that "style" setters such as the Chicago Manual of Style and the New York Times are still capitalizing all these terms, or were the last time I checked. Very persuasive, as far as “internet” and “the net” go - and I’ve been a stickler for capitalizing them. But what about the World Wide Web, from which we get “the Web”? I thought that it is indeed a proper noun - the one from which we get the “www” in Web site addresses - though I can see how you might argue that it’s just another name for something as amorphous as (or the same as?) the internet. Granted, “www” is always lower case, but that’s because capitals aren’t recognized in URLs, I thought.

Also, your readers should be aware that “style” setters such as the Chicago Manual of Style and the New York Times are still capitalizing all these terms, or were the last time I checked.

]]> By: Bill Thompson http://www.contentious.com/2004/09/30/yes-i-said-internet-and-so-did-npr/#comment-596 Bill Thompson Fri, 01 Oct 2004 14:37:36 +0000 #comment-596 I'm afraid the issue is not one about metaphorical cyberspaces or coronation - the fact is that the Internet is a specific thing, one of many internets, and merits capitalisation because of this. It's not the earth is it? see http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/3613594.stm for a fuller argument. I’m afraid the issue is not one about metaphorical cyberspaces or coronation - the fact is that the Internet is a specific thing, one of many internets, and merits capitalisation because of this. It’s not the earth is it? see http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/3613594.stm for a fuller argument.

]]> By: tevye/motel http://www.contentious.com/2004/09/30/yes-i-said-internet-and-so-did-npr/#comment-591 tevye/motel Fri, 01 Oct 2004 03:21:03 +0000 #comment-591 Right on. I've engaged in more than a few discussions on the subject. The internet is a medium, not a magical state of being. Right on. I’ve engaged in more than a few discussions on the subject. The internet is a medium, not a magical state of being.

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